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.