Vice President of Outreach & Engagement

Title : Vice President of Outreach & Engagement Reports to : President & CEO, Kean University Foundation FLSA Status : Full Time, Exempt Location : Union, New Jersey - Hybrid Salary Range : $150,000 - $190,000 Summary 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 University’s 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 Education and Credentials

Required: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Preferred: Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Non-Profit Management) Experience

Required: A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in development, especially annual giving and communications, with a portion of that experience in a higher education setting. Direct experience with annual giving programs and donor stewardship initiatives. Proven track record of developing and executing successful multi-channel engagement strategies. Experience in leading and managing diverse teams, including annual giving, donor relations, events, and marketing/communications professionals. Demonstrated understanding of brand management and consistent messaging across various platforms. Preferred: Experience with fundraising CRM systems (e.g., Blackbaud Raiser's Edge). Experience working collaboratively with university relations or similar institutional departments. Skills and Qualifications:

Required: Exceptional strategic thinking and planning abilities, with a strong understanding of integrated fundraising and communication strategies. Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire staff. Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives and deadlines. Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and messages for diverse audiences. Analytical skills to interpret data, measure effectiveness, and make data-driven decisions. Preferred: Proficiency in digital marketing tools and platforms, including social media management, email marketing, and web content management. Familiarity with the higher education philanthropic landscape. Ability to work flexible hours for events, including evenings and weekends. Candidates: Ardú Advisors is assisting the Kean University Foundation with this search. Interested and qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resume to VPOutreachEngageKUF@ArduAdvisors.com . Your donation helps us continue our shared mission. #J-18808-Ljbffr