Senior Director of Advancement Strategy - Advancement and Alumni Engagement

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Senior Director of Advancement Strategy

The Division of Advancement and Alumni Engagement utilizes resources, technology, and business for the purpose of constituent engagement, donor research and solicitation, and stewardship throughout Emory University and Health Systems. Our mission is to inspire and steward meaningful, lasting relationships that elevate engagement and giving to fulfill Emory's mission to serve humanity. We are currently seeking a Senior Director of Advancement Strategy.

The Advancement Administration team supports the SVP, AAE leadership and the division of AAE. This position supports the strategic direction and operational effectiveness of an assigned functional area within the Division of Advancement and Alumni Engagement (AAE) by leading key strategic initiatives within the area, strengthening coordination across area teams and partners, and ensuring alignment between area priorities and broader AAE and enterprise goals. This position will report to the Senior Associate Vice President, Chief of Staff Advancement Administration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supports the development and implementation of strategic plans and initiatives within the assigned area and contributes to division-wide strategic planning and integration efforts in support of senior leadership.
• Leads cross-functional projects that advance the area's strategic goals, establishing project timelines, deliverables, and evaluation measures.
• May supervise staff supporting strategic projects or operational functions within the area, leading efforts to assess, refine, and implement improved processes and methodologies, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and accountability.
• Provides analysis, recommendations, and strategic insights to area leadership to fortify donor pipeline and maximize fundraising efficacy.
• Evaluates operational workflows within the assigned area and recommends enhancements to improve efficiency and consistency; develops frameworks, tools, and best practices to support strategic and operational planning; and supports change-management efforts tied to new initiatives, systems, or organizational priorities within the area to elevate philanthropic impact.
• Represents the area in cross-divisional collaborations and strategic discussions.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Additional Job Details: In addition to the duties outlined above, the Senior Director may be required to:

• Partner with Chief of Staff to evaluate operational workflows and recommend enhancements to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Develop frameworks, tools, and best practices to support strategic and operational planning.
• Develop and manage a prioritized portfolio of process improvement and innovation initiatives.
• Support change management efforts tied to new initiatives, systems, or organizational priorities.
• This position requires coming in person two days a week.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree and eight years of experience in advancement, administration, operations, or related field with team leadership and staff management experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in business process improvement, operations, innovation, or related fields, preferably in a complex organization.
• Expertise in process improvement methodologies, change management, and organizational effectiveness.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, organizational, problem-solving skills with attention to detail, the ability to work with ambiguity, navigate a complex work environment, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience leading teams and departments, working independently as well as collaboratively to achieve goals, with a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.
• Master's level degree.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills as well as effective presentation skills.
• Possess a high level of professionalism and commitment to confidentiality with sound judgment and discretion.
• Capacity to lead and develop a team's skills through effective feedback and coaching, motivating and empowering colleagues while being institutionally minded, strategic, and impactful.
• Flexibility to accommodate changing priorities and deadlines.

Note: This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to Emory University on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs. Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines of department. This role requires residency in the state of GA. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: View phone number on click.appcast.io (V) | View phone number on click.appcast.io (TDD). Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) | View phone number on click.appcast.io (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.