The NYU LGBTQ+ Alumni Network has made tremendous strides in providing programming for a more diverse audience over the course of just one year. Historically, this group had difficulty reaching the full LGBTQ+ alumni community, attributable to an excess of happy hours and other alcohol-centered events. Learn how the LGBTQ+ Alumni Network transformed from a majority cis-gay-male- identified group into a network that engages all LGBTQ+ identities. The NYU LGBTQ+ Alumni Network was a recipient of a 2019 CASE Circle of Excellence Award for their success in redesigning their programming.

How do you explain how things are done when onboarding a new team member? That’s your culture. Some of us are process-oriented, goal-oriented, or people-oriented, but we all need to work together to deliver exceptional service. This honest retrospective of how the UofG started making a substantial organization change--designed to drive us to sustainable $50M annually--covers key learnings from our own experience. Learn how you can be a change champion on your team, no matter your role.

Finding ways to bring together students and young alumni in a manner that is satisfying and fulfilling to both can be a challenge; come hear about the strides and mistakes Johns Hopkins University has made in their 10 years of hosting the Seniors and Young Alumni Leadership Symposium and some of the events that have spun off from it in that time. Bring ideas on alumni-student programs from your institution to share.

This session is meant to help high fliers position thieir program and role as a top priority for your institution. Learn how to align effectively with the institutional strategic plan and how to understand and have the ability to think strategically. Find out how to earn a seat at the table with other key leaders in your advancement division and how to be accountable and attain your annual goals. Finally, discover how to achieve a highly-rated program with highly impactful results.

NYU implemented a strategic shift toward an interest-based approach to prospect assignment and development staff realignment. THE SHIFT allows fundraisers to engage with a greater number of prospects while better aligning donor’s interests with university’s priorities. THE SHIFT required approval from university and development leadership and the collaboration of colleagues in fundraising, prospect development, IT and gift administration teams. The case for making THE SHIFT is strong as many institutions consider how to implement policies and guidelines that are donor-centric and effective in reaching more prospects in impactful ways.

As advancement professionals, we need alumni volunteers to serve not only as ambassadors for the institution but to serve as role models for their peers. When volunteer leaders are engaged, educated, and stewarded in relevant ways, they can have a major impact and amplify the work of the professional staff to support the institution's strategic priorities. Learn how the Temple University Young Alumni Association shifted its board culture and education strategy to secure 100 percent participation and increase peer-to-peer fundraising efforts to engage young alumni during Temple’s day of giving.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion continue to be priorities for many higher education institutions, but how does this translate to advancement? Beyond hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, where and how should we be focusing our efforts toward diversity, equity, and inclusion? Explore practical ways to build a DE&I strategy for leveraging the benefits of a diverse workforce and engaging with diverse prospects, donors, and alumni.

All leaders emphasize the importance of a “team,” but truly great leaders exemplify it. Explore the qualities of effective leadership by focusing on specific aspects of constructing a team, instilling a sense of character, and maximizing institutional performance.Discuss positioning individual team members for personal growth and career achievement. By providing strong guidance and leadership today, managers can drive fundraising success and help shape future leaders for tomorrow.

There is little argument that diverse communities are more enriching and equitable – and more diverse institutions provide a stronger educational experience. Hear from a small group of diverse professionals who have sought out and succeeded in these organizations and advancement leaders who have helped build a culture of inclusivity. This session provides an opportunity to reflect on your own experiences, share best practices, and learn valuable tactics that have successfully attracted and supported diverse candidates.

This session provides insight on the process of creating an alumni engagement strategic plan, and the next phase of implementing that plan. Johns Hopkins University recently developed a five-year strategic plan for alumni relations across all divisions. We will share background on putting together our committee, developing a series of drafts, incorporating survey results, getting the plan approved by leadership, and breaking the priorities, goals, and recommendations down into realistic phases.