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Associate Vice President, University Events and Partnerships
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Position Number: 5909516
Location: San Diego, CA
Position Type: Academic Vice Presidents and Provosts

Associate Vice President, University Events and Partnerships

Position Title & Department: Associate Vice President, University Events and Partnerships; University Advancement

Posting #: 5124

Department Description:
A department within the division of University Advancement, the Office of University Events and Partnerships primary function is to provide strategic guidance, event management and services for high level, university-wide events as well as develop mutually beneficial corporate university partnerships in support of special events and other university initiatives at the University of San Diego.

University Description:
The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity's urgent challenges.

Detailed Description:
The associate vice president (AVP) for University Events and Partnerships (UE&P) will provide executive leadership and expertise in developing and sustaining the University of San Diego's strategic, multi-level corporate partnerships to advance institutional advancement goals, engagement strategies, and partnership initiatives. In coordination with the vice president (VP) for University Advancement and associate vice president for Development, this position develops comprehensive strategies for major gifts fundraising and sponsorships. The AVP oversees the execution of high-quality, signature university-wide and division specific events; design, development, and distribution of fundraising event marketing materials and publications; and advertising, media buying and placement in support of the above. This position advances the strategy for and support of community investment, recognition, and partnership fulfillment. The AVP will provide high-level strategic support to the VP and, where appropriate, provide counsel to the president and president's Strategic Leadership Team as it relates to high-profile events, multi-level corporate partnerships, and revenue generating strategies. This position serves as a member of the VP's Advancement Leadership Team.

UE&P initiatives will balance its obligation to raise the national and international profile and enhance the reputation of USD with the need to increase the breadth and effectiveness of corporate and select benefactor support of university programs while also providing a platform to support the overall advancement efforts of the university.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Executive Leadership: Corporate Partnerships

Provide leadership, direction, and management of strategic university-wide partnership relationships.
Develop and implement an overall corporate strategic plan providing the institution with maximum access to and support from major local, regional, national, and international corporations and other business enterprises seeking a multi-level relationship with the university.
Develop corporate relations and strategic partnership objectives and tactics in cooperation with varied and applicable campus entities.
Enhance the university-wide vendor contract development process, as appropriate and in conjunction with the vice presidents of University Operations and Finance, associate vice president/executive director of Athletics, and assistant vice president for Auxiliary Services to leverage maximum financial benefit for the university.
Oversee prospecting and market research to develop strategic partnerships with viable organizations, groups, companies, and industry leaders to cultivate relationships, solicit and secure major gift and annual cash contributions, as well as in-kind, promotional, and advertising support for USD.
Maintain and provide due diligence on all major, multi-level corporate relationships to ensure partner satisfaction, incremental increases in corporate giving, and strategic partnership renewals.
Collaborate with deans, program directors, development colleagues, and others to explore and develop corporate fundraising opportunities among alumni, parents, foundations, and friends.
Serve as the creative force in the development of corporate sponsorship and partnership marketing sales materials, sponsorship appeals, and fulfillment. Act as quality control supervisor to any co-branded USD-corporate collateral materials and publications.
Develop and enhance collaborative relationships with external organizations, community partners, and corporate sponsors aligned with the university's mission and vision.

Executive Leadership: Signature Events

Lead and advise the directors of Special Events and Commencement & Academic Events on matters related to highly visible, overarching campus events that advance USD's objectives, particularly those that raise campus visibility, secure financial support from donors and friends of the university, recognize achievement, and celebrate milestones.
Ensure the university's overall mission, institutional objectives, core values, and key messages are communicated accurately, effectively, and consistently to all audiences.
Advise the senior vice president and provost and the VP for University Advancement on Commencement strategies, plans, and outcomes; liaise with the Commencement Committee co-chairs on the successful execution of multiple graduation ceremonies.
Oversee signature and presidential event strategies, management systems, fulfillment packages, and centralized coordination and execution of fundraising and profile-raising galas, ceremonies, groundbreakings, and recognition awards requiring comprehensive coordination with divisional teams and campus-wide units.
Establish fundraising goals and performance metrics for sponsorships, table and seat sales, net revenue, and attendance; negotiate multi-faceted service agreements, media advertising, and fulfillment packages; and leverage strategic partnerships in support of signature events contributing to endowment and/or current-use scholarship funds.
Ensure signature event marketing materials position the university for high visibility with a variety of constituents including, but not limited to, alumni, parents, prospective students, donors, corporate and individual partners, trade associations, and media audiences.

Department Management

Deliver on divisional objectives through the coordinated achievements of direct reports; establish departmental goals and objectives; inspire productivity and new, strategic approaches.
Oversee UE&P team to ensure strategic outreach and communication of institutional priorities, signature events, and partnership agreements.
Oversight and strategic management of fiscal resources and compliance with USD's purchasing and financial policies.
Ensure direct reports adhere to defined internal controls; manage systems and procedures to protect departmental assets.
Demonstrate proven management skills and the ability to build and sustain an exceptional events and partnerships team. Skilled at the assessment of staff and resources to ensure they are appropriately aligned to deliver the objectives of the organization.
Conduct annual performance evaluations and provide feedback on a regular basis including, but not limited to, coaching and corrective action.
Promote professional growth and provide development opportunities for administrative and staff employees.

Special Conditions of Employment:

University Events and Partnerships works closely with all the departments within University Advancement, the Office of the President, senior administrators (vice presidents, deans) as well as university trustees and donors. It is essential that individuals who work within the scope of UE&P's responsibilities have the creativity and flexibility to deal with a multitude of new or emerging projects throughout the year.
Must possess a valid California driver's license. Must be willing to drive university or personal vehicle to on and off-campus locations.
Must be willing to frequently work after standard work hours and on weekends, depending on the nature of the event or activity being supervised.

Background check: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.

Job Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree required.
Minimum of seven years' executive-level experience in corporate fundraising, event management, community relations, institutional advancement, or related fields.
Demonstrated experience responding to current and emerging industry requirements and practices evidencing expertise in strategic partnership development.
Demonstrate ability to thrive in a complex, highly collaborative, and ambiguous environment requiring both strategic and tactical decision-making.
Highly developed skills in staff leadership identification, recruitment, management, and analysis.
Strong organizational, written, oral communication, and implementation skills. An acute attention to detail.
Ability to build consensus among varying groups within an organization. Adept at tough decisions; routinely gain input from others and move decisions forward in the university; accountable for actions.
Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends.
Willingness and ability to travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

Advanced degree.
Ten years' experience in corporate fundraising, event management, community relations, institutional advancement, or related fields.

Performance Expectations - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong sense of integrity and ethical conduct.
Cultural competency and sensitivity a must; ability to understand different cultural contexts, viewpoints, and faith traditions; demonstrate respect for others, adapt to different cultural settings; and accept cultural differences.
Lead a collaborative approach to strategic planning, proactive problem-solving, and institutional positioning.
Strong leadership/management skills, including skills to lead, direct, mentor, evaluate, and motivate staff.
Ability to manage appropriate steps to get projects completed; has strong abilities to organize people and processes; can create a plan for productive workflow.
Demonstrate excellent communication skills and presence at all levels within the university, especially with senior executives; equally adept communicating externally to institutional constituents and stakeholders.
Handle all activities and highly confidential information with patience, discretion, good judgment, courtesy, and tact while working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
Demonstrate ability to earn credibility among and influence executives; has an appealing personal style that encourages people to exceed expectations.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications; ability to become proficient with new technologies and CRM platforms.
Knowledge of Catholic faith, practice, and culture.
Knowledge of USD's policies and procedures.

Posting Salary:
$14,583.34 - $16,666.67 per month; Excellent Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer. USD: Human Resources: B enefits

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Special Application Instructions:
Resume and Cover Letter Required To be considered for this opportunity, please visit Bryant Group's website, review the search specifications, and submit your letter of interest and resume as instructed. Priority will be given to candidate materials received by February 3, 2025.

Additional Details:
Hours: 40 hours per week

Closing date: Open until filled

Note: External job postings will be up for at least three days. After that time, applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager/committee throughout the posting period. A candidate may be selected at any time which could then close this posting on a date earlier than listed.

The University of San Diego is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion and is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the campus community.

The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.

Advertised: January 06, 2025
Applications close: Open until filled

To apply, visit https://jobs.sandiego.edu/cw/en-us/job/496898/associate-vice-president-university-events-and-partnerships