Senior Director Volunteer Engagement

The Senior Director, Volunteer Engagement reports into the Associate Vice President of Strategic Engagement. This position is responsible for creating, implementing, and managing our Rush strategic volunteer engagement plan for the Office of Philanthropy, which includes RUSH Trustees (outside of governance responsibilities). This work includes building philanthropic support and associated networks.

The Senior Director, Volunteer Engagement is responsible for establishing consistent, high quality, Office of Philanthropy volunteer opportunities for constituents, which leads to an increased commitment of time, talent and philanthropic resources to Rush. This position will consistently collaborate cross functionally across the Philanthropy team, in addition to working with and receiving direction from SVP, VPs and AVPs. The Senior Director will manage a team of two Associate Directors, and will collaborate closely with colleagues in Alumni Relations, Annual Giving, Major and Principal Gifts, Campaign Management and Special Events. Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.

Job Responsibilities:

• Acts as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on strategic volunteer engagement opportunities; Serves in a consultative role for all volunteer engagement initiatives, providing structure and processes for effective volunteer management; Maintains and updates dynamic menu of Office of Philanthropy volunteer engagement opportunities for Trustees, alumni, donors, prospects and friends; Serves as liaison to other RUSH partners (e.g. CHEE) to recommend community service and volunteer engagement opportunities when appropriate.
• Provides guidance and project management support to the Rush Associates Board, RMCAA Executive Council, NAA Board, Health Equity Advisory Council, Woman’s Board and Auxiliary Boards and other Office of Philanthropy volunteer entities.
• Develops improved processes and best practices regarding recruitment, volunteer startup/expectations, bylaws review, etc. for all Office of Philanthropy volunteer entities.
• In collaboration with Director, Strategic Initiatives and Major Gift Officers, evaluate interest in and opportunity for development of short-term (3 – 12 month) continuation of focus group involvement for Trustees and other prospects.
• Serves in and/or conducts special initiative focus groups to help identify and maximize opportunities which connect Trustees directly to the greatest needs of Rush.
• Reviews feasibility of development and launch of new engagement opportunities; Evaluates all volunteer engagement opportunities on an annual basis and continually provides guidance to improve engagement with volunteers.
• Identifies potential volunteer recruitment opportunities.
• Staffs Philanthropy events (both in-person and virtually) as needed, to support the Events Team and engage with volunteers directly.
• Develops a lay understanding of current themes and Rush priorities in clinical care, research, academics, and community health.
• Serves as a member of Office of Philanthropy’s Directors+ Group, meeting regularly with colleagues to ensure collaboration and goal alignment across the Philanthropy team.
• Manages a team of two full-time Associate Directors; Collaborates closely with Office of Philanthropy colleagues working with Trustees, Boards and other volunteer groups.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Five plus years of relevant experience.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work well in a collaborative environment.
• Exceptional oral, written, analytic, and communications skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; comfortable interacting with senior management, Trustees and major donors.
• Ability to conceive and manage projects from inception to delivery, including tracking and reporting on progress and results.
• Excellent team building, customer service, organizational skills, and aptitude for problem solving, strategic planning and evaluation.
• A high proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Excel, e-communications, project management tools and knowledge of computer fundraising software

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Experience with web-based collaborative platforms such as SharePoint.
• Prior experience supporting a Board Governance Structure and/or managing volunteer boards
• Prior experience in people management
• Healthcare or higher education setting experience.

Rush University Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer that welcomes and encourages all applicants to apply regardless of age, race, sex, religion, color, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or parental status, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy or other reason prohibited by law.