Vice President of Outreach & Engagement Job Union area,New Jersey USA,Management

The Vice President of Outreach & Engagement will be a strategic leader at the Kean University Foundation, responsible for significantly enhancing the Foundation's visibility and fostering deeper engagement with current and prospective donors. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, this individual will develop and execute comprehensive strategies across various channels, including traditional media, social media, events, and marketing. This role serves as the primary liaison to University Relations and will lead a dedicated team encompassing annual giving, donor relations, special events, and marketing/communications professionals, all aimed at strengthening relationships and promoting giving and engagement with Kean University.

Responsibilities

Develop and Lead Integrated Engagement Strategy:
Design, implement, and oversee a comprehensive, multi-channel outreach and engagement strategy to elevate the Kean University Foundation's profile and foster stronger connections with all key constituencies, including donors, alumni, parents, university leaders/faculty/staff, board members, volunteers, and other prospective supporters.

Oversee and Grow Annual Giving Program:
Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the Foundation's annual giving program, optimizing strategies to increase donor participation and recurring support.

Enhance Donor Relations and Stewardship:
Develop and execute innovative donor relations strategies that ensure meaningful recognition, appreciation, and sustained engagement for all donors, fostering long‑term loyalty and philanthropic commitment.

Manage Special Events and Experiential Engagement:
Lead the planning and execution of high‑impact special events that cultivate relationships, celebrate philanthropy, and effectively communicate the Foundation's impact and needs.

Direct Marketing and Communications:
Oversee all Foundation marketing and communication efforts, including digital and print materials, social media campaigns, and public relations, to effectively convey the Universitys case for support, philanthropic opportunities, and the impact of philanthropy. Ensure consistent and compelling messaging across all platforms.

Serve as Liaison to University Relations:
Act as the primary point of contact and collaborate extensively with Kean's University Relations department to ensure consistent messaging, brand alignment, and integrated communication strategies.

Lead a High‑Performing Team:
Recruit, manage, mentor, and inspire a team of professionals in annual giving, donor relations, special events, and marketing/communications, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.

Measure and Report on Performance:
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for all outreach and engagement initiatives, regularly track progress, analyze data, and provide comprehensive reports to the President & CEO and Board.

Manage the Department Budget:
Develop and manage the budget for the Outreach & Engagement department, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to maximize impact.

Other Duties as Assigned

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree. Master's degree in a relevant field preferred.
8 years of experience in development, with a focus on annual giving and communications in a higher education or complex non‑profit environment.
Experience developing and leading multi‑channel engagement strategies, annual giving programs and donor stewardship initiatives.
Proven management and team‑building skills.
Exceptional strategic thinking and planning abilities.
Excellent project management and organizational skills.
Superior written and verbal communication skills.
Analytical skills to interpret data, measure effectiveness, and make data‑driven decisions.
Proficiency in digital marketing tools/platforms and fundraising CRM systems (preferably Blackbaud Raiser's Edge and NXT).
Ability to work flexible hours for events, including evenings and weekends.

Candidates:
Ard Advisors is assisting the Kean University Foundation with this search. Interested and qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resume to VPOutre

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