Position Overview

The Alumni Engagement team in the Office of Advancement is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Alumni Business Development Lead.

As a key member of the Alumni Engagement team, the Business Development Lead is responsible for managing relationships with partner stakeholders, specifically revenue-generating partnerships with TD Insurance, Manulife and Tempo Frames. In addition to managing these relationships, the Business Development Lead is responsible to working with both campus and community partners to pursue programs and partnerships that would be of tangible benefit to alumni. This position reports to the Sr. Director, Alumni Engagement. They have regular interaction with faculty-based alumni staff, the Alumni Association Board and other alumni leaders in the community, business partners, and faculty and administrative departments at the university. The person in this role is also in regular contact with the broader Advancement team and will represent the Alumni Engagement office with professionalism in the university and the community. Opportunities to be involved in divisional projects and cross-functional teams are also expected.

The primary purpose of this position is to design, develop, implement and maintain existing and new partner benefits for alumni. By building and stewarding partner relationships, the Business Development Lead will help the University of Calgary build positive relations with its alumni, as well as other community members, both nationally and internationally, while raising the profile and reputation of the institution.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Responsible for the day-to-day management of the budget for the long-standing affinity programs that return significant revenues to the alumni operation
• Coordinate and maintain the delivery of existing affinity programs
• Responsible for growing the programs and responding to the needs of the alumni and the business partners
• Accountable for coordinating, refining and adapting services with a focus on increasing alumni engagement
• Align existing and new programs with the outcomes defined from the alumni strategic plan, under the expectation that the programs are created and/or executed within a multi-year plan
• Prepare and refine business and revenue plans for existing programs as well as proposals for new programs and initiatives
• Keep firmly abreast of emerging trends and best practices in the post-secondary sector, and bring forward recommendations that support the department's evolution into a best-in-class alumni program
• Responsible for the execution of sponsorship commitments and the coordination of partnership recognition with program managers
• Work with other members of the alumni staff to reconceive and launch an effective tool to replace the university's Alumni card that meets alumni and university interests
• Explore, design, develop, and implement new business opportunities that serve the needs and interests of the university's alumni, with input from the AVP
• Lead discussion on the vision and direction of the business services arm of the alumni operation, in conjunction with the AVP
• Use strategic partnerships to seek corporate sponsorship and support for new alumni programs
• In collaboration with the senior alumni and alumni marketing staff, support the development of annual marketing plans by identifying opportunities for more effective affinity promotion and managing individual program direction with business partners
• Regularly produce or obtain reports demonstrating the performance of the business services and provide recommendations on necessary program adjustments, including marketing efforts, sales approach and/or partnership adjustments

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Post-secondary education (preferably in business or management) is required, although a combination of education and experience will be considered
• Minimum of 5-7 years managing a business or business services for a larger organization
• Experience as a business professional serving in a complex organization focused on superior customer service, effective stakeholder relations, and demonstrable financial performance
• A strong understanding of community or alumni relations, and post-secondary environments
• Outstanding communication and facilitation skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and able to develop positive relationships at any level
• Demonstrated track record of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment
• Previous success in building consensus and influencing teams made up of peers and individuals that do not have direct reporting relationships
• Strong project management acumen
• Outcome-focused, flexible, and able to work outside of normal business hours if necessary
• Confident, focused, accountable, results-oriented and personable
• Motivated, has a natural sense of curiosity, possesses strong relationship-management skills and financial acumen, demonstrates openness to new ideas and feedback, and appreciates the importance of meeting clearly defined outcomes
• An understanding of, and a passion for, working within a team focused on building and maintaining a healthy and inclusive culture

Application Deadline:  October 3, 2023

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities , and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.