EXECUTIVE BRIEF Vice President ~ Alumni
THIS SEARCH IS BEING JOINTLY UNDERTAKEN BY: B
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 ESSENCE OF THE OPPORTUNITY 2.0 KEY OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES 3.0 ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW 4.0 GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT 5.0 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 6.0 POSITION DESCRIPTION 7.0 CANDIDATE PROFILE 8.0 OVERVIEW OF SEARCH 9.0 TO APPLY 10.0 CONTACT
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Executive Brief TWU VP Alumni Engagement
June-21-11
ESSENCE OF THE OPPORTUNITY Since 1962, Trinity Western University has graduated a global community of over 11,000 alumni (more than 18,000 have studied at TWU for at least one semester). For TWU to continue to develop into a premier Christian university, and overcome future challenges successfully, an actively engaged and independent Association is essential. Alumni are the primary evidence of the University’s legacy and the strongest embodiment of the TWU vision and mission in the marketplace. Many are leaders in their respective fields and are making a difference throughout the world. Alumni have the potential to be the University’s most natural support network, its most effective recruiters, and its most important long-term constituency; unfortunately, that potential has not to date been realized. Together, the University, and the newly formed Independent Alumni Association, are seeking an individual to serve as Vice President of Alumni Engagement. This unique role will require an enterprising individual with a demonstrated track record of success within their pursuits to date. We are seeking an individual who can point to specific organizations, situations and people/groups that are ‘better off’ because of your leadership, vision, communication and strategic expertise. This is an incredible opportunity to inspire TWU’s global alumni community to engage with their alma mater and with each other in meaningful ways.
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES In January 2011, a grassroots cross-section of alumni came together as a “TWU Alumni Task Force” and set for itself the objective of developing a strategy and implementation plan for creating a vibrant and sustainable Alumni Association of Trinity Western University that will effectively serve the interests of both alumni and the University. The work of the Task Force, from January to April 2011, consisted of a number of elements: consulting with the broader alumni community and other key stakeholders regarding what a new Alumni Association should look like; analyzing the reasons for past failure of TWU Alumni Associations; benchmarking successful alumni associations at peer universities; developing a governance and legal model for the new Association; developing a vision, strategy and implementation plan for the new Association; and identifying required personnel and financial resources. This report is the outcome of their work and provides historical context for the role, the opportunities and challenges. http://www.twu.ca/alumni/a-new-era-for-twu-alumni-creating-a-dynamic-alumni-association.pdf
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Executive Brief TWU VP Alumni Engagement
June-21-11
ABOUT TRINITY WESTERN UNIVERSITY Trinity Western University is a place of rigorous academic scholarship and a people with a common vision—to transform lives through Christ-centred higher education. Our faculty members are known for their extraordinary accessibility to students and strong record of published, globally-recognized research. The result of the outstanding instruction and strong community at TWU is skilled and committed graduates, who make a positive difference wherever they go. ESTABLISHED 1962 as Trinity Junior College; 1972 as Trinity Western College; 1985 as Trinity Western University MEMBER Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC); Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU); recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. FUNDING Tuition, private donations and supporting services. PROGRAMS 42 undergraduate majors; 16 graduate programs. MAIN CAMPUS Langley, B.C., 157-acres, 45 minutes from downtown Vancouver and 2 1/2 hours from Seattle. EXTENSION CAMPUSES The Laurentian Leadership Centre in Ottawa; TWU Bellingham in Bellingham; Crow’s Nest Ecological Research Area on Salt Spring Island; Emerging Campus in Richmond, BC RESIDENCES On-campus housing available for 842 students. LIBRARY RESOURCES More than 210,000 print holdings, 4,500 non-print holdings, 20,000 electronic resources and 350,000 microform units at the main campus' Norma Marion Alloway Library. ATHLETICS Member of Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS); men's and women's basketball, volleyball, soccer, swimming, cross country and track and field. During the 2010-11season the Spartans established themselves as one of the top programs in the country, with five of TWU’s six original sports being ranked in the top four in Canada .
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Executive Brief TWU VP Alumni Engagement
June-21-11
RANKINGS AND AWARDS Canada's most "enriching educational experience" according to Maclean's ranking of the National Survey of Student Engagement. Highest rating in quality of education for five consecutive years in the Globe and Mail's 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 Canadian University Report – the only university to achieve this result. UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS (BA, B.Sc., BFA, BBA, B.Ed., BHK) Acting, Applied Linguistics, Applied Mathematics with Computer Science, Art, Biblical Studies, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Christianity and Culture, Communications, Computing Science, Corporate Communications, Drama, English, Environmental Studies, European Studies, Fine Arts, General Studies, Geography, History, Humanities, Human Services, Inter-Cultural Religious Studies, International Studies, Linguistics, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Music, Natural and Applied Sciences, Nursing, Philosophy, Political Studies, Psychology, Religious Studies, Social Sciences, TESOL. GRADUATE STUDIES Biblical Studies (MA); Business Administration (MBA); Counselling Psychology (MA); Interdisciplinary Humanities (MA); Leadership (MA); Linguistics (MA); Marriage and Family Therapy (MA); Nursing (M.Sc.); Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA). SCHOOLS School of Business; School of Education; School of Human Kinetics, Sport and Leisure Management; School of Nursing; School of the Arts, Media and Culture. GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGICAL STUDIES Christian Studies (MA), Counselling (MC), Cross-cultural Ministries (MA), Divinity (M.Div.), Applied Linguistics and Exegesis (MLE), Theological Studies (MTS), Theology (MTH), Ministry (D.Min.).
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Executive Brief TWU VP Alumni Engagement
June-21-11
GOVERNMENT AND MANAGEMENT PURPOSE The proposed legal and governance structure of the Alumni Association is to: (1) provide a credible, independent, stable but flexible foundation to meet existing and future alumni needs and enable partnership with the University; and (2) facilitate robust, functional, sustainable and significant alumni connection with other alumni, the University administration, students (future alumni), faculty, and the past, present and future University challenges and aspirations. CORPORATE STRUCTURE The Association will be incorporated as a legal entity pursuant to the Society Act of British Columbia. TAXATION FUNDING AND STATUS The Association will obtain not-for-profit status pursuant to Income Tax Act, with purposes drafted to facilitate charity status in the future, if deemed appropriate. It is anticipated that alumni will donate to the University rather than directly to the Association, and such funds will be committed to fund the Association objectives. The Association will support and initiate alumni-focused fundraising objectives (including Association costs, projects and priorities) in cooperation with the University. It is anticipated that the Association will become self-funding, but through the University (see attached diagram). The legal relationship between the Association and University will be set out in an Agency Agreement. MEMBERSHIP Membership in the Association could involve paying dues. There will be one Annual General Meeting of Members, with attendance and voting by proxy permitted. DIRECTORS In order to facilitate representation from diverse geographic locations, and graduation eras, a total of 15 to 30 Directors will be nominated by a Nominating Committee of Directors, with potential for write-in nominations by at least 25 Members. Directors will serve three-year terms (one-third to retire each year), with a maximum of two consecutive terms. Members will elect Directors to fill available vacancies annually (subject to right of appointment by Chapters - see below). Each Director must agree to support the University’s Statement of Faith. In addition to elected Directors, the following Non-Voting Directors will be appointed annually: (1) Alumni Director to facilitate connection between Association and Administration; (2) Board of Governors Chair or appointee to facilitate policy communication; (3) Faculty Association Chair or appointee to facilitate academic communication; (4) Student government President or appointee to facilitate communication. The primary purpose of the Directors will be to represent and communicate with Alumnae constituencies, elect the Executive Council from the Directors, approve budgets and financial 6|P a g e
Executive Brief TWU VP Alumni Engagement
June-21-11
statements, and generally hold the Executive Council accountable. Meetings of Directors, in addition to a single mandatory meeting following the AGM, will be at the call of the Executive Council, or on request of any four Directors. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL The Executive Council will represent the Association and its Members, and carry out the policy and directives of the Directors, as well as pursue the general purposes of the Association. It will report to the Members primarily through the Directors and liaise with the University Administration, primarily through the VP - Alumni. The Executive Council will be comprised of six Directors elected annually, being the President, VP (external affairs), VP (internal affairs), Secretary/Treasurer, At-Large (2). Meetings will be held as required (with Alumni Director present, unless excluded). the University and the alumni, and to strengthen alumni volunteerism and philanthropy in support of Trinity Western University and its mission.
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Executive Brief TWU VP Alumni Engagement
June-21-11
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES The Trinity Western University Alumni Association will strive to address a number of key objectives in the following areas: Build a community among TWU’s graduates worldwide Most of today's alumni, especially those living outside of the Vancouver lower mainland, have no formal networks for staying connected either to one another or to TWU after graduation. To rectify this, the Association will strive to deepen and broaden connections among alumni, locally and around the world. It will use on-line tools like social networking sites to link alumni to each other. It will host events on and off campus, such as reunions and homecoming sports games, and will facilitate social events in various cities where larger groups of alumni are concentrated. The Association will look to promote events that are independently organized and funded by alumni in their own communities. It will establish chapters in cities with larger concentrations of alumni (with a suggested minimum alumni population), to serve as focal points for alumni already in the community and for those who move to those regions. The Association will also sponsor events like cruises and seminars to provide alumni with life-long learning opportunities. Develop networks among alumni in the various marketplaces of life The Association will support the development of specialized, niche communities for linking alumni in areas of common professional and/or volunteer interest, connecting alumni with jobs and networks. Establishing chapters (both local and virtual) where alumni can connect with one another, and hosting professional networking events, has tremendous potential with respect to business opportunities, volunteerism, and personal support among like minded individuals who can walk alongside each other and help each other. For young alumni especially, such networks could be a significant source of jobs and career advancement. Foster alumni involvement in the lives of current students Alumni have repeatedly expressed a desire to give back to the current generation of students and have recognized that the Alumni Association could play a valuable role in facilitating this involvement. For example, the Association could host dinners to connect students with Alumni and create opportunities for students (and dorms) throughout the year to have dinner at the homes of local alumni. Additionally, the Association could create mentoring and co-op programs for students, matching them with alumni from their fields or their backgrounds, taking advantage of the vast network of alumni around the world. In return for such involvement, the Alumni Association will benefit from having engaged students coming into the Association after graduation.
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Executive Brief TWU VP Alumni Engagement
June-21-11
Represent the interests of alumni to the University As the Alumni Association develops, a key function will be to provide a vehicle for the alumni to speak with a unified voice when engaging with the University. The Alumni Association will serve as the voice for Alumni aspirations, ideas, and concerns. The Association will leverage its chapters and online communications tools to canvass its membership, gather data, develop positions, and then represent those positions to the University.9 Coordinate communication between the University and the alumni The Alumni Association will work in partnership with the University’s President and the University’s VP ~ Alumni to facilitate (and filter) communication from the University to alumni in order to better connect with graduates worldwide. Strengthen alumni volunteerism and philanthropy in support of TWU and its mission. Building strong, lasting alumni relationships and networks will have the natural effect of deepening the alumni commitment to, and involvement with, Trinity Western University. The alumni have much to offer TWU in terms of serving as its ambassadors worldwide, helping recruit students, supporting life on campus in events like special chapels, and contributing financially. For alumni, such involvement in the University will help build a strong sense of being connected to their alma mater, provide them an opportunity to help their own degree increase in value, and positively affect the lives of current and future students. For the University, stronger alumni involvement will undoubtedly strengthen the University, build its brand, and help it implement its mission.
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Executive Brief TWU VP Alumni Engagement
June-21-11
POSITION DESCRIPTION VICE PRESIDENT ~ ALUMNI OVERVIEW The Vice President of Alumni as a senior member of the University leadership team is responsible to both the University President and the Alumni Association Board of Directors for the planning and implementation of programs and projects that strategically engage alumni with each other, the University and current students. The Vice President collaborates with colleagues at the University (including, but not limited to President’s office, Academics, Admissions, Development, Public Affairs and Student Affairs) to create and maintain pathways for alumni participation that advance the goals of the Alumni Association and the University; partnering with University Development colleagues to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward alumni giving; The Vice President serves as a liaison between the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the academic and administrative leadership and assists the Alumni Association in fulfilling its purpose as stated in its constitution. REQUIREMENTS Education, Certification and Experience: Master’s degree in leadership, business administration or related field preferred. 10-15 years of management and/or leadership experience within complex organizational structures (university environment preferred). Skill, Knowledge and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of principles and methods for the operation of a successful alumni program; Successful experience in management, program development and implementation in a complex organizational setting; Excellent oral and written communication skills; Demonstrated ability to work successfully with multiple constituencies, both internal and external; Demonstrated experience in Event management, relationship building, data base management, human resource management, finances, budgeting, building consensus, working in complex environments, public speaking, presenting. Hosting events both on campus and wherever Alumni are. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS Supervised cooperatively by University President and Chairperson of TWU Alumni Association Board of Directors Supervises and responsible for all Alumni Relations staff
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Executive Brief TWU VP Alumni Engagement
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AUTHORITY Annual budget of Alumni office and Association once approved. Hiring, supervising and terminating Alumni Relations staff RESPONSIBILITIES •
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Work closely with the Alumni Association Board of Directors, arranging its meetings, staffing its committees and ensuring strong and productive relationships between its members and the academic and administrative leadership; serve as ex officio Executive Director of the Alumni Association. Plan, implement and promote alumni programs that support the Alumni Association’s and University’s strategic plan in collaboration with the President of the University, other administrators and the Board of Directors. Ensure accurate and complete alumni database records; capture contact, biographical and career information of alumni via surveys, projects (e.g. alumni directory), correspondence, website, postal returns. This will require working in cooperation with the university to ensure all privacy matters are in order. Establish and build relationships with a wide range of alumni, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally; maintain regular communication with alumni. Educate graduating students about alumni benefits and engage them in programs Partner with admissions staff to spearhead the introduction of alumni involvement in the admissions process; partner with Student Services to plan the growth and accessibility of career networking services for students and alumni Collaborate closely with development colleagues in increasing support from alumni; routinely identify and qualify alumni prospects for gifts; communicate development-related activities via written contact reports filed and periodic attendance at prospect management meetings Oversee and balance the budget for Alumni Relations Office; within the annual program budget, manage existing and/or additional alumni programs, services and communications Raise funds for select special projects and events in collaboration with Development colleagues Supervise Alumni Relations office staff which may include administrative assistant, work/study employees and provide guidance to alumni volunteers Establish and implement goals and objectives, and evaluation of the success of implementing activities in achieving long-range plans and goals Provide executive leadership to the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors Coordinate the involvement of alumni and students in the development, planning, implementation and management of comprehensive chapter programs Enlist, motivate and train a corps of volunteers committed to successful alumni programming Advance the Association’s membership development program Other tasks as assigned to help further Alumni Association goals and objectives
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Executive Brief TWU VP Alumni Engagement
June-21-11
PRINCIPAL DUTIES The Vice President represents the Alumni Association and TWU University to the body of alumni, other members of the University community, to the news media, and the public at large through online, written, and spoken communications. Leads programs and events, including but not limited to: Alumni Records, Alumni Chapters, Alumni Services s, Alumni Tours, Homecomings, Class Reunions, Alumni Weekend, Association scholarship programs, Student Alumni representatives, Affiliate Groups, Athletic Tours, Alumni Magazine, Online Services and Alumni Web Site, Merchandising, Commencements, Convocation, International Alumni Relations, Membership Recruitment and Retention THE FINE PRINT The Vice President is responsible for acting in a manner that exemplifies Jesus Christ in all on and off campus contacts thereby living out the servant leadership mission of the university and contributing effectively towards achieving the institutional and Kingdom goals of the institution. Duties and responsibilities that do not constitute major change may be added, deleted or changed at anytime at the discretion of the manager(s) either orally or in writing. Citizenship and Immigration Requirement - All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. However, in accordance with Canadian federal government immigration requirements Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority.
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Executive Brief TWU VP Alumni Engagement
June-21-11
CANDIDATE PROFILE You have a growing, mature, and personal relationship with God with a keen desire to serve in your family, church work and community. You are an active member of a local church. You are aligned with the beliefs and values of TWU, as outlined in the TWU Statement of Faith and the TWU Community Covenant. You have a positive attitude in the midst of very busy and challenging work demands. SOLID EXPERIENCE/PROVEN TRACK RECORD The ideal candidate possesses a proven track record of leadership (15+ years) with resultant success in any of the following fields/industries: • • • •
Business Post-Secondary Education Non Profit Ministry
STRATEGIC + VISIONARY LEADER An inspiring, visible, and collaborative leader with the ability to engender in others a passion for the TWU Alumni Association. . Able to develop a shared vision and strategy among the Board, staff and volunteers that will provide a strong sense of empowerment and purpose. EXCELLENT COMMUNICATOR People often tell you that you are a strong communicator. Many have relied on you to help them shape messaging and quite often you’re the one chosen to present important information to groups of all sizes and in a variety of settings. People describe you as extroverted, inspiring and engaging. You relate well to a wide range of people and are as comfortable in a corporate board room as in a small informal setting. You are a good listener and confidant. RESULTS ORIENTATION The successful candidate will have a track record of results that demonstrates what they are capable of. They can point to several outcomes throughout their career in which they were instrumental in achieving (or kick-starting). Essentially, you know how to make things happen and can prove it through what you have done. ENTREPRENEURIAL You know what it means to take risks, especially in the pursuit of important objectives. You are not afraid to make mistakes and understand the power of momentum. You are an innovative thinker and committed to being a positive agent of change. In a nutshell, you are solution-focused and always looking to make thing better /continually improve. 13 | P a g e
Executive Brief TWU VP Alumni Engagement
June-21-11
ONLINE + SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY The successful candidate will have a track record within, and, an understanding of, the role social media plays in bringing groups of people together for a common cause. You are active online and have used your knowledge of the web to maximize your efforts in achieving results with your vocational pursuits. MENTOR/COACH You are able to bring out the best in people by being an effective coach and mentor. You have built some strong teams that have achieved noteworthy results. Many people who have worked with/for you will attest to the fact that you were instrumental in their career /personal growth. You know how to hold people accountable and provide honest feedback and guidance in a supportive manner. You know how to cast vision and establish priorities so you can attract the best team possible. RELATIONSHIP BUILDER Possesses the presence and maturity, to generate respect, inspire confidence and relate effectively with the volunteers, staff, Board, and other key stakeholders. A good sense of humour. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT Proven track-record in fiscal management. You have strong planning, financial and administrative skill and you can demonstrate where you have put them to work. . GOVERNANCE You are no stranger to working with Boards. You know why they exist and how they operate. You most likely, bring some experience working with or serving on a Board. SOFT SKILLS In addition to the above, you are well known for being confident, enthusiastic, positive/solution focused, resilient, consistent, dependable and authentic. You are also known for having a quick wit and not taking yourself too seriously.
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Executive Brief TWU VP Alumni Engagement
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SEARCH TIMELINE While every search is dynamic and time frames are hard to predict, the following is an estimated timeline for this search: • • •
Development of the candidate pool – July 2011 Interviews – August 2011 Decision and announcement – September 2011
TO APPLY Please email your resume with a cover letter outlining the top three reasons why you’d be an excellent choice for this role to peter@smartsavvy.ca. Please ensure the subject line reads ‘TWU VP ~Alumni Candidate’.
CONTACT If you have any questions regarding this search please contact: PETER REEK (Alumni ’89) Principal, Smart, Savvy + Associates Inc. 604.639.5446 (direct) peter@smartsavvy.ca PETER VAN GIESEN (Alumni ’88) CEO and President, Novaport Management Services Inc. 250-472-3823 (direct) pnvangiesen@novaport.ca
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Executive Brief TWU VP Alumni Engagement
June-21-11
ABOUT SMART, SAVVY + ASSOCIATES RECRUITMENT PROFESSIONALS We find high calibre professionals with proven track records and in-demand skills for organizations that need them. Our specialty is building strong relationships. We get to know our candidates and we explore the job requirements, cultural context and business objectives surrounding each hire. 302- 1228 Hamilton Street Vancouver, B.C. V6B 6L2 www.smartsavvy.ca
ABOUT NOVAPORT MANAGEMENT SERVICES INC. MANAGMENT CONSULTANTS We provide consulting and advisory services to company owners and to leaders of other organizations who need help. Clients usually come to us because they have crossed over from "needing to change" to "wanting to change." Clients are motivated to look at themselves and their organization honestly and are willing to act. They are ready to make decisions and to implement new strategies. Novaport Management Services Inc. 3832 Pitcombe Place, Victoria, BC V8N 4B9 www.novaport.ca
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Executive Brief TWU VP Alumni Engagement
June-21-11