Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs(UAE Nationals Preferred)

Established in 1988 as the first private university in the GCC, Ajman University (AU) also was the first university in the UAE to admit expatriate students. Our institution continues to be a pioneer in inclusion, innovation, and social impact. In 2020, Ajman University became one of the first six higher education institutions in the world to receive global accreditation from the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), the UK’s independent body and a global leader in quality assurance for higher education. Ajman University is now ranked #551 in the world and among TOP 5 in the UAE, according to the 2024 QS World University Rankings, which places it among the top 1.75% of institutions worldwide. This has been reflected in ranking Ajman University as 3rd and 8th for international students and faculty members respectively worldwide. Through its strategic partnership with leading companies and institutions locally, regionally, and globally, the university’s ranking moved to 279 in Employer Reputation worldwide. In 2022, Ajman University became the first University in the UAE to get an overall institutional 5 QS Stars Rating along with 5 QS Stars in 8 categories.

JOB SUMMARY:

The director is responsible for the creation of plans, the implementation of strategies, and the supervision of fund-raising programs at the university. The Director plans and executes the vision and mission of Ajman University related to alumni engagement to enhance loyalty, dedication, and support for the university.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Design, implement, and oversee a comprehensive fundraising program designed to secure significant financial resources from trustees, parents, alumni, foundations, and others to support AU’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Oversee all fundraising efforts and programs, including the annual fund, special fundraising events, major donor programs, grants, capital campaigns, planned giving, donor prospecting and research, and office administration, to meet or exceed annual development plan income goals.
• Oversee the development and implementation of programs fostering alumni involvement with the university and encouraging meaningful and productive alumni participation.
• Broad financial responsibility includes setting fundraising objectives, evaluating results, and developing corrective strategies as needed.
• Identify, develop, and maintain relationships with current and prospective major donors, foundations, organizations, alumni, and corporate funders.
• Plan and implement programs and projects that engage alumni in strengthening and providing tangible benefits to alumni, the institution, and current students.
• Plan, implement, and promote alumni programs that support the university’s central mission and vision.
• Oversee the planning and execution of alumni activities both nationwide and in targeted regions across the country to enhance alumni engagement and cultivate connections.
• Other duties are assigned by the direct manager.

Qualifications and experience:

• A bachelor's degree is required (a master’s degree is preferred).
• 7+ years of experience related to alumni relations fundraising, preferably in an independent educational institution.
• a proven track record of raising funds from individuals and foundations with impressive results.
• Management experience, including leadership skills to inspire a team and support and develop individuals.
• The capability to work effectively with high-net-worth business leaders is essential.
• Exhibits exemplary written and spoken English (Arabic is an advantage).

Knowledge and Skills:

• Requires high energy, empathy, and enthusiasm, along with great social skills.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and excellent public speaking and writing skills.
• Maintains confidentiality and exemplifies personal and professional integrity.
• Professional maturity, highly developed levels of tact, diplomacy, and initiative.
• Thorough knowledge of the school’s curriculum, ethos, policies, and procedures.
• Bringer of high-value network capital.
• Demonstrates competence in computer technical skills using Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, and other related programs and software for educational and business office use.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills to aid in daily contact with a diverse multicultural population; mature judgment; courteousness; and professional etiquette.
• Ability to encourage staff under direct supervision to operate as members of an effective team.
• Demonstrates skills in forward thinking and being able to anticipate and prioritize work.
• Ability to multi-task and juggle timelines.
• Ability to work creatively and independently.
• Ability to work under pressure.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment, which does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements. The position may entail work after duty hours, on weekends, holidays, and in emergencies (i.e., may be subject to “on-call” responsibilities).

SUPERVISION:

Reports to: Chancellor Subordinates:

• Advancement Manager
• Alumni Affairs Manager
• Administrative Officer