President

ABOUT THE UI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Formed in 1873, the vision for the University of Illinois Alumni Association (UIAA) is to serve as a compelling and collaborative advocate for all three University of Illinois universities by creating a broadly inclusive, highly informed and significantly engaged network of dedicated alumni. The current mission is to connect, inspire and celebrate alumni.

As the University of Illinois celebrates its 150th anniversary, the University of Illinois Alumni Association, which serves all three University of Illinois System universities (UI at Urbana-Champaign; UI at Chicago; UI at Springfield), is adopting a new business model. This new model will (1) serve the System with a primary emphasis on advocacy and University of Illinois Board of Trustees' nominations (as well as share best practices when requested); and (2) provide alumni relations programs and services to UIUC. This new business model and approach is the product of the University Related Organization (URO) review that focused on improving alignment of advancement activities of the UI Alumni Association; UI Foundation; each University in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield; and University leadership.

In conjunction with the new approach, a new vision is being developed that will focus on renewing the pride and loyalty of UIUC alumni, as well as enhancing alumni advocacy across the System and helping foster new connections for alumni with their Alma Mater.

ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE
The UIAA will have two roles: System and UIUC advancement. The System role requires that the UIAA President report directly to the Board of Directors of the 501c3 corporation. For all other alumni relations activities, the UIAA President will maintain an ongoing dialogue with the UIUC Chancellor. As an integral member of the University of Illinois advancement community, the UIAA President serves on the University of Illinois President's Advancement Council.

ABOUT THIS ROLE
With the UIAA's dual mission, the President's role in relation to the System is to be the overall strategic leader of a 501(c)(3) organization and to oversee initiatives that advance the mission and vision of the organization when it comes to advocacy and BOT nominations. In terms of the UIUC role, this position requires strong leadership and guidance to ensure the UIAA leverages its existing strengths while working in concert with the UIUC advancement community, and includes developing programs and services that focus on engaging current students and young alumni so that they remain connected to the UIUC university and the System at large. This role also supports the University in re-engaging disconnected alumni, while continuing to leverage the passion and expertise of alumni volunteers who have always been loyal to the University of Illinois.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Alumni Relations and Goodwill:

The President will be guided by the Chancellor and other advancement colleagues to establish meaningful and open communications with current and future alumni (collectively called “alumni”) and, in doing so, ensure that the UIUC Association provides programs and services for alumni that meet their needs; promote continued association with the University; and expand membership in the Association.

In this capacity, it is expected that the President will travel to the extent necessary to promote the interests of the UIUC alumni. Specific responsibilities of the President's role in advancement include, but are not limited to:
• Shape and promote aspirational goals of alumni relations at UIUC.
• Serve as the “face” of alumni engagement with business, civic and legislative leaders, alumni, and domestic and international audiences.
• Work with the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, UI System President, Chancellors and Vice Presidents to advance University of Illinois System alumni engagement and impact.
• Participate and attend key alumni engagement activities, constituent group meeting and UIUC activities.
• Help coordinate and align college level alumni relation activities.
• Maintain performance management program (ongoing activities against goals) for all UIUC alumni relations.
• Conduct Sentiment Analysis for UIUC alumni. Solicit input from and engage in dialogue with alumni at events and through other media utilized by the University to promote and develop participation in UIUC.
• Oversees physical assets including the building and maintenance of the Welcome Center.

System Operations:
• Provide overall strategic leadership for advocacy in agreement with the goals of the Board of Directors and the strategic direction of the University System leadership and various System stakeholders.
• Drive fundraising activities using affinity programs to support the University System operations and mission.
• The President is an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors and its Executive Committee and works with them to develop and administer board policies and programs. It is also essential, however, that the President interact with other committees, constituent groups and non-alumni groups.
• The President must demonstrate and execute sound judgment to manage the Association's fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities. All financial activities must be conducted in a manner consistent with BOD General Policies and Guidelines, as well as other required accounting and fiscal management procedures.
• A critical element to the President's success will be the ability to select, manage and encourage highly motivated and committed professional staff in order to develop and execute UIUC University and System goals and objectives. Strong leadership skills and positive interaction with staff are critical factors to the success of the President.

TYPICAL DELIVERABLES EXPECTED
• Strategic and Tactical Plans
• Performance Management Program
• Strategic Financial Plans
• Talent Management Program

JOB QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience with demonstrated increases in scope and breadth of alumni relation and advancement responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success as a visionary and effective leader.
• A sound knowledge of business administration principles, including financial forecasting methods and long- range and strategic planning.
• Extensive experience with corporate governance programs.
• Understanding of higher education shared governance models.
• Proven management experience in corporate and/or higher education environments.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage a diverse team of highly professional individuals who will represent alumni and constituencies effectively, both internally and externally.
• Political savvy and demonstrated ability to work creatively, effectively and collaboratively in a complex, dynamic organization.
• Proven experience leading programs, services and planning in an advancement environment.
• Strong skills in decision-making, time management, resource allocation (financial and human resources), and tactical, strategic, and long-range planning required.

CORE COMPETENCIES EXPECTED

Vision and Strategic Thinking. The ability to support, promote and ensure alignment with the organization's vision and values. The ability to understand how an organization must adapt to internal and external trends and influences.
Executive Competency. The ability to recognize and address issues that are outside of local perspectives. The ability to view issues without any pre-set biases or limitations. The ability to see the "big" picture.

Change Leadership. The ability to develop and communicate goals in support of business' mission, and to manage, lead, and enable the process of change and transition while helping others to deal with their effects.

Strategic Thinking. Ability to analyze our competitive position by considering the organization's mission and core objectives, existing and potential customers, and strengths and weaknesses as compared to competitors. That includes ability to develop and propose a long-term (three to five year) strategy for the organization based on an analysis of the industry and marketplace, and the organization's current and potential capabilities as compared to competitors.

Managing Change. Ability to demonstrate support for innovation and for organizational changes needed to improve the organization's effectiveness; supporting, initiating, sponsoring and implementing organizational change; helping others to successfully manage organizational change.

Coaching. Ability to work to improve and reinforce performance of others. Facilitating their skill development by providing clear, behaviorally specific performance feedback, and making or eliciting specific suggestions for improvement in a manner that builds confidence and maintains self-esteem.

Persuasive Communication. Ability to plan and deliver oral and written communications that are impactful and persuasive with their intended audiences. Strong negotiation abilities and excellent interpersonal, public relations, oratory and presentation skills.

Fostering Innovation/Continuous Improvement. Ability to develop, sponsor or support the introduction of new and improved method, products, procedures or technologies.

EDUCATION AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelor's degree required
• Master's degree preferred in Marketing, Business, Finance or an appropriate discipline.

The University of Illinois Alumni Association may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

APPLICATION PROCESS
The Search Committee invites nominations, applications (a letter of interest, curriculum vitae or resume, and the names and contact information of five or more references) or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting UIAA (electronic submissions preferred). Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. It is preferred, however, that all nominations and applications be submitted to the search firm prior to March 5, 2017.

Laurie C. Wilder, President
Porsha L. Williams, Vice President
Parker Executive Search
Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2900
Atlanta, GA 30328
Phone: 770-804-1996 X 109
pwilliams@parkersearch.com