Senior Director of Engagement, Thunderbird
Senior Director of Engagement, Thunderbird School of Global Management
Thunderbird School of
Global Management has one of the most global and dynamic networks of alumni and donors in the world. T-birds are true global citizens,
defined by their global mindset, entrepreneurial nature, ability to navigate different cultures and environments and bring unique
perspectives to complex situations. Founded on the principle that borders frequented by trade seldom need soldiers, Thunderbird is
as vital for the world today as it ever has been. Alumni and donors are critical to Thunderbird’s student experience, strategy,
philanthropic ambitions and future growth, and this is a unique opportunity to shape a modern and global engagement strategy as dynamic and
innovative as the constituents it serves.
The Senior Director, Engagement (SDE) is a leadership role as part of Thunderbird’s
integrated advancement team. Reporting to the Executive Director, the SDE is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive
engagement strategy for Thunderbird’s 46,000 alumni, over 100,000 global learners (and growing), and our community of donors. The SDE will
also have management oversight of our philanthropic campaigns, including estate and planned giving, annual fund and donor stewardship,
ensuring that engagement and giving are intrinsically linked and seamlessly integrated.
The SDE will lead a small and talented team
working with a network of over 85 global and domestic chapters, run by a group of dedicated volunteers. This role will be the lead contact
for the Thunderbird Global Alumni Network (TGAN) and support the new CEO Roundtable and will work closely with the Dean and other members of
Thunderbird’s senior leadership to develop creative and compelling ways to further engage stakeholders across Thunderbird, including
executive education, corporate engagement, recruitment and admissions, student experience and success. This includes the extended global
network of learners engaged through Thunderbird’s non-degreed platforms, including 100 Million Learners and executive education. The SDE
will also develop close and collaborative working relationships across ASU and the ASU Foundation.
Thunderbird has big ambitions for
its alumni engagement. The successful candidate will not only be an experienced and strategic engagement professional, but will be creative,
entrepreneurial and not be afraid to take risks or try new initiatives. A persuasive communicator and skilled relationship builder, the SDE
will be someone who thrives in a fast-paced, globally networked environment and is inspired by Thunderbird’s role as a force for good in
developing the entrepreneurs, industries and ecosystems of the future. Digital literacy, in particular an understanding of the potential
presented by AI and other digital tools, is essential. Experience of targeted direct mail or digital campaigns, or annual giving, would be
advantageous, as would having experienced a truly integrated advancement approach.
This role would suit someone who loves to travel
and enjoys experiencing different cultures. Joining Thunderbird means being part of an inspiring international community at the forefront of
global management, digital transformation and purpose-driven leadership. This position offers the chance to put alumni at the heart of
Thunderbird’s mission and drive measurable global impact.
What you’ll do
- Design and lead a comprehensive,
segmented engagement strategy for Thunderbird’s global community of alumni, learners and donors, which includes creative and innovative
opportunities to broaden and deepen T-birds’ engagement with the School - Manage the team of staff responsible for alumni engagement,
campaigns and annual giving and offer strategic guidance, feedback, coaching and meaningful development opportunities - Work closely
with the Dean and other members of Thunderbird’s senior leadership to build solid and trusted internal partnerships and develop creative and
compelling ways to further engage alumni across Thunderbird, including executive education, corporate engagement, recruitment and
admissions, student experience and success - Work across the Thunderbird advancement team to ensure a strategy where engagement
drives giving and vice versa, through a mutually-reinforcing approach - Develop close working relationships with the Chair of the
Thunderbird Global Alumni Network (TGAN) and coordinate key meetings and activities for this group. - Oversee the chapter engagement
strategy and ensure efficient communication, onboarding and volunteer support - Oversee the volunteer and donor stewardship
strategies for Thunderbird, creating personalized and meaningful opportunities to thank, recognize, renew and develop these groups - Oversee the development and deployment of Thunderbird’s campaigns aimed at building engagement, loyalty and inspiring action around
giving and involvement - Develop a new digital engagement strategy which harnesses AI and other digital tools and channels
- Support the Dean and Executive Director in the creation of the new CEO Roundtable
- Develop and manage metrics and dashboards to
track engagement and inform ongoing strategy - Collaborate with Thunderbird’s global centers and ASU enterprise partners to build and
strengthen relationships with international alumni and corporate partners - Collaborate with ASUF colleagues in philanthropy and
major gifts, donor relations, marketing, and research to align efforts - Within area(s) of responsibility, maintain up to date
knowledge on key alumni - Ensure accurate and timely documentation of all alumni activity in accordance with ASUF policies.
- Serve as a key member of the Thunderbird advancement team and a resource to colleagues within ASUF and ASU. Deputize for the Executive
Director where necessary.
What you'll need
- A demonstrable global mindset and ability to work across
cultures with diplomacy and sensitivity - Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to build trust with diverse, global
stakeholders - Excellent written and verbal communication skills with persuasive proposal and presentation experience
- Strong
literacy in AI and other digital engagement tools and a competent understanding of how these can be integrated into a comprehensive, global
engagement strategy - Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Strong knowledge and
understanding of database management - Ability to exercise good judgment and to use discretion in interactions with alumni, donors,
prospects, volunteers, and others - Ability to foster effective working relationships within a team environment
- Proficiency
with donor management systems and Microsoft Office Suite. - Commitment to ASU’s vision and Thunderbird’s mission.
- Flexibility and agility in a fast-paced, global environment.
Relevant qualifications
- Bachelor’s
degree - Seven (7) or more years of successful professional alumni or stakeholder engagement experience
- Or any equivalent
combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved - Documented success
in personally implementing sophisticated, tailored, engagement strategies in complex organizations
Preferred education
and experience
- Advanced degree
- Five (5) to seven (7) years of years of successful engagement experience in
higher education - Experience working in campaigns and/ or annual giving
- Prior experience living or working internationally
or within globally distributed teams - Experience working in Salesforce and Workday
Preferred skills and
abilities
- Ability to navigate the complexities of transnational giving
- Understanding of philanthropic cultures
and practices around the world
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental,
and vision insurance - 401(k) plan with matching employer contribution
- 22 days of vacation time
- 11 holidays,
including your birthday - Parental leave
- Significant tuition reductions
- Professional development is highly valued
at ASU Foundation, where employees are encouraged to look across the organization and nurture new areas of interest - $30 bi-weekly
cell phone reimbursement
About ASU Foundation
The ASU Foundation fosters partnerships
between ASU and like-minded individuals, corporations and foundations who believe in ASU’s mission and provide resources for ASU to manifest
its charter into meaningful impact. These partnerships empower ASU to advance student access, serve our community, protect the planet,
create equity in higher education and conduct research for the public good.
At the ASU Foundation we value
Character
We prioritize character and integrity in every decision and action, establishing trust as the foundation of all that
we do.
Service
We are dedicated to serving our students, donors, communities, and colleagues by fostering support
and collaboration to ensure that our efforts are impactful.
Innovation
Innovation drives us to create meaningful
opportunities and solutions, helping every member of our global community achieve meaningful outcomes.
