Thank you for your interest in this opportunity. This search has concluded and is now closed.
Associate Vice President, Chief Engagement Officer
Duke University
Lindauer was honored to bring this search to a successful conclusion in partnership with Duke University. Read the announcement about Laura Heilenday joining Duke as Associate Vice President and Chief Engagement Officer.
Duke University leads the way among its peers in research, innovation, and in the development of the larger Duke community. Boasting a faculty of world-class scholars and researchers, Duke is at the forefront of advancing knowledge and addressing global challenges. The university’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and a forward-thinking approach is evident in its strategic framework, where the brightest minds converge to tackle society’s most pressing issues.
Under the leadership of President Vincent Price, Duke launched the Activating the Global Network initiative, aimed to elevate Alumni Engagement from a department to a core function of the university, emphasizing collaboration, inclusivity, and a lifelong connection with the “Forever Duke” spirit. As the University approaches its Centennial celebration in 2024, Duke is poised to reinforce this legacy, moving from “best in class” to “unique in class.”
The Opportunity
The new Associate Vice President, Chief Engagement Officer, a key leadership role within Duke University’s Alumni Engagement team, will be central to the success of the Activating the Global Network initiative. This is a truly unique opportunity for an authentic leader with a proven track record in effective collaboration to build a different kind of alumni program, fostering a culture of inclusion, innovation, and enduring engagement.
The AVP will design and implement myriad alumni and constituent relations strategies, ensuring significant increases in engagement and participation. To succeed, the candidate should possess exceptional interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to navigate complex relationships with alumni, staff, and University leaders. They will have the opportunity to build and sustain meaningful connections within a diverse global community, creating a culture of belonging, trust, and collaboration.
Integral to the success of this role is the ability to lead and guide group efforts, inspire teams, and develop a vision for the team’s direction. The AVP is expected to exemplify the University’s guiding principles of Respect, Trust, Inclusion, Discovery, and Excellence. The position involves managing change effectively, maintaining integrity and ethics, and fostering a knowledge- and information-rich culture within the organization. The AVP will also serve as a liaison between the Alumni Engagement and Development team and various University constituents, advocating for the priorities and needs of the organization.
