Asst. Director, Univ. Life: Strategic Initiatives

Position Focus:

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, Office of the Secretary and Vice President for University Life (OSVPUL), with a secondary report to the Assistant Vice President: University Traditions, Strategic Communications and Events, and exercising a high degree of independence, the Assistant Director plays an integral role in advancing the university’s priority to enhance an environment of belonging. In particular, the Assistant Director’s primary portfolio consists of committee management and communications and events production. The Assistant Director acts as reporting secretary for the two newly formed university committees: the Advisory Committee on Jewish Student Life and the Advisory Committee on Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) and Muslim Student Life. Specifically, the Assistant Director is responsible for committee management; programs, events, and communications support; and any other committee and volunteer assistance necessary. This includes attending meetings, recording committee minutes, producing reports and correspondences, and maintaining a repository of committee-related materials as well as collaborating with university stakeholders to support the effective functioning of the committees. The Assistant Director works closely with OSVPUL leaders and other university offices to create and execute communications and events plans to promote the work of the committees and to enhance the campus experience and institutional excellence, including activity related to Belonging at Yale, a new initiative called Cultivating Conversation, and related university events. The Assistant Director develops and maintains strong relationships with committee members, stakeholders including faculty, students, staff, and alumni, and various university offices and units as a member of the OSVPUL events and communications team and represents Yale appropriately with constituents.

The following principal responsibilities are generic in nature. Applicants will find the information in this position focus to be most relevant to the needs of the position.

Dept/Section URL

Essential Duties

1. Oversees the advancement and growth of the program. Gives direction and leadership supporting the philosophy, mission, strategy, and annual goals and objectives. Assumes primary accountability for disseminating and publishing all program information to create public awareness and support of the program. 2. Works closely with leadership, internal and external colleagues, and community residents to further develop and implement strategic plans. 3. Identifies, solicits, and cultivates community partnerships and collaborations to assist in the development and growth of the program. Develops the metrics to identify and measure the success of the program. Responsible for measurements of grant success and related evaluation. 4. Assists in identifying and evaluating potential future funding sources, and contributes to the submission of grants and contracts supporting the program, including the annual submission and writing of all content areas and budgetary sections of grant applications. Develops and manages the program’s operating budget. 5. Develops the administrative infrastructure of the program. Manages human resource and administrative functions of the program, including staffing and hiring, supervision, performance development, counseling and discipline, if warranted. Oversees and manages information systems, facilities, and space needs. 6. Investigates, identifies, implements, and oversees the maintenance of systems to gather, track, and report information to support the initiatives of the program. Tracks all program activities and regularly informs leadership of progress on each initiative. Recommends structural or programmatic adjustments, changes or additions based on full knowledge of missions, goals, and objectives. 7. Initiates, designs, and manages the compilation of program communications; identifying outreach potential, and promoting philanthropic and collaborative support of the program. Contributes to the development and assists in the management of content on the program’s website and monitors all changes and additions to the editorial content. 8. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in a related field and four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Excellent committee/relationship management and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to connect and interact with all university constituents with tact, diplomacy, discretion, and to maintain confidentiality. Ability to represent Yale appropriately.

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Outstanding verbal and written communications skills. Proven ability to draft internal reports and external content. Proven ability to think analytically and articulate ideas in various formats. Proficiency in communicating appropriately in diverse environments and with multiple constituencies.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Proven ability to plan, promote, and produce virtual and in-person events for various university constituents. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously, to prioritize and meet deadlines without sacrificing quality of results.

Required Skill/Ability 4:

Highly capable as both an independent worker and team player. Proven ability to initiate and complete projects independently, proactively, and creatively and to work collaboratively within and across staff teams; willingness to be accountable for own actions; highly motivated and energetic.

Required Skill/Ability 5:

Professional with excellent judgment, integrity, and sense of humor. Able to demonstrate and promote a positive, collaborative approach to work via helpfulness, teamwork, and support for others. Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; proficient in data analysis.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

Demonstrated record of committee or relationship management, project management, communications and/or events management and production, particularly in higher education. Experience working effectively with faculty, university leaders and administrators, students, and alumni. Proven record of accomplishment working with sensitive or confidential information. Advanced degree preferred.

Weekend Hours Required?

Occasional

Evening Hours Required?

Occasional

Drug Screen

No

Health Screening

No

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

The University maintains policies pertaining to COVID-19. All faculty, staff, students, and trainees are required to comply with these policies, which may be found here:

Posting Disclaimer

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.

EEO Statement:

University policy is committed to affirmative action under law in employment of women, minority group members, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Additionally, in accordance with Yale’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment, and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.