Director, Digital Strategies - University of Western Ontario

Job Title: Director, Digital Strategies
Department: Advancement Services

Position Description

The External Relations portfolio at The University of Western Ontario is increasingly aware of the impact of the Internet on post-secondary education, data management, alumni engagement, external communications, and fundraising. In the past few years, External has dedicated significant resources to incorporate an expanded suite of e-services into our operations and into our stakeholder engagement strategies. These efforts have produced some significant short-term benefits. However, a focused, strategic, proactive strategy and plan will position Western for long-term success in new interactive media and emerging technologies. 

Therefore, to truly benefit from the impact of e-services, it is imperative to develop a clear strategy and roadmap that addresses all aspects of online capabilities. The Director, Digital Strategies will provide leadership to this portfolio and will provide a clear vision of how Western will benefit from e-services, supported with a comprehensive strategy and plan.

The Director, Digital Strategies will have responsibility for the overall management of the University's comprehensive e-strategy iniatives within External Relations. The primary role of the Director, Digital Strategies is to develop, implement, and evaluate programs designed to promote the mission and vision of the External Relations portfolio through the four units within External: Advancement Services, Communications and Public Affairs, Alumni Relations, and Development. 

The secondary role of the Director, Digital Strategies will be to coordinate faculty-based activity and digital outreach initiatives into a larger effort that will result in the coordination of central and faculty e-engagements with internal and external parties. This secondary role will require the effective management of the fine balance between the strong culture of faculty autonomy and central leadership that is characteristic of Western. 

Assisted by a staff team, the Director, Digital Strategies will set the large strategic priorities for e-strategies, and will lead a staff team to deliver an integrated suite of programs and iniatives in this area. Objectives include positioning Western as a leader among Canadian institutions in the delivery of Digital Strategies, engaging internal and external stakeholders through effective e-communications, promoting Western events and alumni activities, advancing data management within Advancement Services, and promoting fundraising on-line. 

A key factor to the success of this position will be the ability to integrate operations across units and to set strategic priorities that leverage the best practices of Western while also advancing the institution toward innovative practices that will extend the scope and impact of digital engagement.

This is a 2 year contract position.

Qualifications

Education: 
- University degree is required 

Experience: 
- 5 to 7 years of experience with digital strategies that are geared toward an external audience 
- Experience working in a mature not-for profit or charitable organization would be an asset 

Skills & Expertise: 
- Ability to take initiative and work collaboratively and directly with senior academic and administrative staff, major donors, professional peers, direct reports and volunteers in a fundraising environment. 
- Senior leadership skills including team building and staff management. 
- Demonstrated record of program development, implementation and evaluation, exceptional planning and organizational skills, ability to manage multiple projects from conception to completion within tightly prescribed timelines. 
- A developed understanding of information and database systems. An ability to extract meaningful information and analyze and utilize such data. 
- Demonstrated commitment to higher education. 
- Understanding of charitable sector and digital media and awareness of trends in social media.

Interested applicants are asked to visit www.workingatwestern.uwo.ca any apply online to reference #2116 by midnight on July 17, 2009.

Western is committed to Employment Equity, welcomes diversity in the workplace, and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, members of visible minorities, aboriginal persons, and persons with disabilities. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

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