Position Responsibilities

The Senior Director of Institutional Advancement and Innovation is required to lead transformative initiatives aimed at advancing the institution's strategic growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing community engagement. Reporting directly to the University President, this role will also provide leadership to key departments including UCC Foundation & Alumni Development, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Innovation Centre, Corporate Education, and the Business Development & Consulting Institute.

The role includes oversight of operational planning, budgeting, and reporting for these areas, including policy recommendations, institutional research and planning efforts, and accreditation-related activities.

Supervises: Directors of Marketing, Foundation Operations, Development, and Assessment and Planning, including evaluations and salary adjustment recommendations.

Responsibilities (Includes but Not Limited To)

Institutional Advancement

• Develop and implement strategies to enhance UCC’s visibility, reputation, and influence locally and internationally.
• Lead efforts to engage and strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, and key external stakeholders.
• Oversee fundraising initiatives and campaigns aligned with UCC’s strategic goals and financial needs.
• Foster partnerships with corporate, governmental, and non-profit organizations.
• Collaborate with the UCC Foundation to maximize philanthropic support and resource development.
• Develop and administer the Institutional Advancement annual budget in collaboration with assigned staff.
• Advise the University President on matters related to institutional advancement and the UCC Foundation.

Innovation Leadership

• Provide strategic direction and oversight to the Innovation Centre.
• Lead the development and implementation of innovative programs and projects.
• Promote a culture of innovation across the university.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative units to integrate innovative solutions into curricula, teaching methods, and student services.

Executive and Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic guidance to departmental heads within the Innovation Centre, UCC Foundation & Alumni Development, Corporate Education, and Business Development & Consulting Institute.
• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align advancement and innovation initiatives with institutional strategy.
• Develop and manage project budgets, financial models, and forecasts to ensure sustainability.

Corporate Communications, Public Relations, and Marketing

• Develop and lead the Corporate Communications, Public Relations, and Marketing teams to achieve departmental goals.
• Lead all communications, public relations, and marketing efforts to enhance UCC’s reputation and visibility.
• Develop comprehensive communication strategies, manage media relations, oversee enrolment marketing initiatives, ensure brand consistency, and manage crisis communication.
• Plan, execute, and evaluate multi-channel marketing campaigns.
• Develop and execute marketing strategies supporting enrolment growth, brand awareness, and engagement.
• Provide leadership for the development and implementation of the University’s Marketing Plan and annual budget.
• Oversee the Foundation’s development and operations plans.
• Lead the development of the Institutional Advancement plan and reaffirmation plan.

Community Engagement and Outreach

• Lead initiatives to enhance UCC’s engagement with local and global communities, industry sectors, and governmental agencies.
• Represent UCC on committees, boards, and forums related to economic development and higher education.
• Promote UCC’s role in talent development, research, and community resilience through partnerships.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Provide inspirational leadership to a diverse team.
• Collaborate effectively with academic, administrative, and support units.
• Facilitate cross-functional teamwork to achieve strategic outcomes.

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
• A doctoral degree is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of ten (10) years in senior leadership roles involving institutional advancement, innovation, and project management.
• Proven track record in leading complex initiatives with measurable outcomes in partnerships, economic growth, and community engagement.

Skills

• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated leadership in innovation, change management, and strategic execution.
• High standards of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.