Executive Director, Caltech Associates

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative scientific tools to address fundamental questions about humanity, our planet, and the universe. Our noble mission thrives on talented professionals who are exceptional in applying their abilities to interrogate nature and understand the mechanics of our universe. Join us and be a part of designing the future today.

Founded in 1926, the Caltech Associates is a membership based organization dedicated to creating a better world by supporting the Institute with crucial unrestricted funding for research and teaching. Today, a global network of more than 1,600 members provide faculty, students, and researchers with vital resources necessary to advance breakthrough innovation and discovery.

Within the division of Advancement and Alumni Relations (AAR) and reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Philanthropic Initiatives and Stewardship (AVP), while leading a team of four professionals the Executive Director (ED) manages a strategic, results-driven program to cultivate, retain, and grow membership in the Caltech Associates. The ED drives member networking and philanthropic support, elevates the Caltech Associates' visibility locally and regionally, and guides members in advancing the mission of the Institute.

The ED is responsibile for fostering strategic collaboration with and between AAR, the Associates Board, and committees, and key partner across campus. As a member of the Philanthropic Initiatives and Stewardship leadership team, the ED contributes to advancing AAR's strategic priorities.

Program Leadership

• Serves as a strategic relationship manager and ambassador, fostering lasting partnerships that advance financial support for the Institute's mission.
• Achieves annual fundraising goal of at least $3M and identifies opportunities for additional revenue including special fundraising initiatives as determined by the VP for AAR.
• Using data, key performance metrics, and industry best practices provides visionary programming and oversight for all Caltech Associates' activities.
• Directs a robust calendar of 20+ events and 2-4 travel programs annually designed to deepen connections and align with fundraising priorities and exciting research initiatives.
• Manages the Associates Board and committees including executive, membership, program, travel, and regional committees in New York City, the Bay Area, and Orange County.
• Oversees communications and marketing strategies to elevate the Associates' program value proposition.
• Provides fiscal oversight and ensures responsible management of program financial resources and budgets.

Membership & Fundraising

• Provides strategic leadership to market, strengthen, retain and grow Associates membership through peer to peer connections and a wide range of stewardship and engagement efforts.
• Manages a portfolio of prospective and current Associates with major gift potential.
• Leverages mutually-beneficial efforts across AAR to build and retain membership and enhance fundraising potential beyond Associates' annual membership dues.
• Partners closely with Prospect Development and Data and Business Intelligence to align strategies and maximize fundraising and engagement outcomes.

Team Management

• Leads, mentors, and supports a staff of four, setting clear goals and providing regular, constructive feedback.
• Demonstrates the ability to lead, support colleagues, and adhere to AAR's Guiding Principles.
• Serves on AAR's Managers Team, participating in organizational planning to meet fiscal year operating goals and priorities.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience, including management, in higher education, not-for-profit organizations in the private or public sector, or related fields.
• Demonstrated acumen to manage, lead, mentor, and motivate staff, and to encourage change and growth in both people and programs. A strong commitment to personal and professional development, and the ability to build a robust, autonomous, and collaborative team.
• Demonstrated experience building productive volunteer relationships.
• A successful customer service orientation establishing strong, interpersonal relationships internally and externally, with the ability to work collaboratively and courteously with colleagues throughout the Institute, other constituents, and the public.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fluid organization while exercising sound judgment and diplomacy under time constraints.
• Ability to manage and adapt to multiple priorities simultaneously with clear plans of action and rational.
• A strong work ethic coupled with an enthusiastic approach to one's work.
• Must possess the ability to define, and be accountable for, specific, measurable goals and metrics.
• Ability and willingness to travel (both domestically and internationally) frequently and work evenings and weekends.
• Candidates will have an authentic curiosity about science and engineering as well as a strong appreciation for the extraordinary intellectual complexities within higher education.
• Experience in budget management, planning and oversight.

• Experience working in and guiding a sophisticated, membership revenue generating program within a complex organizational environment.
• Fundraising experience, working directly with major gift donors.
• Excellent presentation and communications skills.
• Familiarity with Ellucian Advance or similar constituent databases.

• Resume.
• Cover Letter.