Overview

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA), the private fundraising and alumni relations organization for the University of Wisconsin–Madison, is seeking a Director of Affinity Programs to join the Alumni Relations & Engagement team! 

 

The Director of Affinity Programs will serve the Alumni Relations and Engagement division as the strategic lead and people leader working within engagement program portfolios focused on building affinity. This position will co-lead the development of data-informed strategies to build affinity, pride and community among alumni, donors and stakeholders with the university and WFAA. This individual will lead portfolio teams to design engagement initiatives in support of the affinity strategic business area plan and will work with WFAA and campus partners to deliver tactics that will engage key audiences. In addition, they will supervise professional and part-time staff and serve as a lead on cross-functional teams and initiatives. This is a hybrid position that will require you to work weekly in our Madison, WI office location.

 

Essential Functions

Program Leadership and Strategy 

• Supervise and lead full and part-time staff on Affinity Team, including leading cross-functional portfolio teams to set strategies aligned with business area plan outcomes; budgeting; and overseeing the execution of tactics in the plans.
• Coach and support portfolio leads team members in the management of priorities and workflow, ensuring effective planning and execution of activities.
• Identify resource gaps and problem-solve solutions for maximum return.

Program Development and Delivery 

• Provide leadership for the design and delivery of engagement strategies that serve to establish and grow affinity with constituents through engagements with UW/WFAA.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and at times serve as project lead
• Intentionally solicit feedback and participation from alumni and donors in the development of engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with the Associate Vice President for Engagement Programs, and other program directors to ensure consistency across teams in approach to planning, execution, and intended outcomes.

Team Leadership 

• Supervise and develop professional and part-time staff across affinity portfolio program staff to ensure consistency in approach and execution, across portfolio teams and staff members. Hold team members accountable to expectations, fluencies, and best practices.
• Motivate, inspire, and coach teams that foster a shared vision and demonstrate organizational values.
• Provide ongoing feedback and recognition as well as regular performance appraisals.
• Guide and train team on best practices and tools to track engagement and affinity outcomes.
• Participate and help guide team efforts in annual divisional business area planning for affinity portfolios.

Administration

• Demonstrate fluency, proficiency and effectively use organizational processes and technology tools, including WFAA’s CRM, 4WARD.
• Lead the development of program portfolio budgets in alignment with organizational priorities and oversee effective stewardship of organizational resources in collaboration with the Finance department.
• Respond promptly and positively to internal and external information inquiries.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 5 + years of experience in alumni or donor relations, educational institutions, non-profit or fundraising environment or related area.
• Experience supervising and managing professional staff and collaborating with volunteers.
• High degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook) is essential.

 Other Qualifications: 

• Knowledge or experience with project management tools and processes.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute a strategic engagement plan with a team.
• Experience planning and executing large and small-scale events and engagement activities.
• Familiarity with marketing and communications practices, including use of social media.
• Excellent analytical, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience managing a team and advising students and/or volunteers.

 

At WFAA, we are dedicated to creating an inspiring, creative, and respectful work environment for our employees. We offer competitive pay and an outstanding benefits program, including a generous 10% 401k contribution after just one year of service! Join us and be part of a team that values your growth and well-being. Click here to learn more about our employee benefits!