We are seeking a visionary and dynamic Associate Vice President of Digital Learning Platform (AVP) Initiatives to lead our ambitious project to develop and deploy an enterprise-level digital learning platform. This strategic role involves overseeing the entire lifecycle of the platform, from conceptualization and development to deployment and revenue generation. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leading large-scale digital projects, a deep understanding of the digital education landscape, and the ability to drive innovation while achieving business objectives.
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization, has been an engine of minority educational achievement for more than 80 years. UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of black students who, because of UNCF support, become highly qualified college graduates. In addition, UNCF ensures that its member institutions remain respected models of best practices in moving students to and through college. Since its inception in 1944, UNCF has raised over $6 billion in private support, distributed more scholarships to help minorities attend school than any entity outside of the federal government, and enabled more than 500,000 minority and low-income students to graduate from UNCF’s member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and launch professional careers. UNCF is committed to closing the educational attainment gap between African Americans and other populations by increasing postsecondary access and success for students from underrepresented groups, particularly low-income and first-generation students.
Launched in 2006, UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building (ICB) provides targeted capacity-building resources to help HBCUs improve their resilience. We define resilience as the institution’s ability to improve its operation today and future-proof them for tomorrow. ICB’s engagement equips UNCF member institutions, and other HBCUs and PBIs, to provide high-quality educational experiences to their students and the broader Black community. ICB’s work focuses on three areas critical to HBCU success: institutional effectiveness, academic competitiveness, and financial viability. Beyond our strategic advisory and project management support, ICB serves as an innovation hub for Black colleges, connecting institutions to funders, best practices, resources, and subject matter experts both within and outside of UNCF.
Successful candidates will join the Institute for Capacity Building team which is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to specific roles and responsibilities, ICB team members have proven to be successful when they:
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Are driven to serve people and institutions that are often undervalued and overlooked;
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Embrace collaboration as a critical value to ensure effective teamwork and adoption of best practices;
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Seek out opportunities to innovate and improve upon conventional practices and procedures;
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Take personal responsibility for executing key projects and developing relationships; and
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Operate with a sense of mission and purpose.
The AVP reports to the Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Institutional Programs. S/he will have the following key responsibilities:
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Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for the digital learning platform that aligns with the organization’s goals and market needs. Lead strategic visioning to ensure the platform remains at the cutting edge of digital education.
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Equity Leadership: Embody and promote equity, inclusion, and belonging as core values. Facilitate the digital learning platform’s equity-centered design approach that centers the voices and experiences of the HBCU community.
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Partnership Cultivation: Build and nurture collaborative relationships with HBCU Presidents, academic leaders, funders, and other key partners to grow the HBCUv alliance.
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Business Plan Development: Craft a detailed business plan for the platform, including market analysis, revenue models, and scalability strategies. Ensure the platform's financial viability and long-term sustainability.
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Platform Development and Deployment: Oversee the development and deployment of the digital learning platform, including managing and overseeing technical support partners, ensuring it meets high standards of quality, user experience, and educational impact. Work closely with technology teams, educational experts, and stakeholders to deliver a platform that exceeds expectations.
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Stakeholder Management: Liaise with our internal enterprise technology division and advise UNCF leadership on long-term technical strategies.
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Operations Management: Manage all aspects of HBCUv's operations including finance, human resources, compliance, technology, and administration.
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External Relations: Serve as the key spokesperson and ambassador for HBCUv. Cultivate relationships with stakeholders including government, media, companies, and more.
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Fundraising: Drive diversified fundraising from corporations, foundations, and individuals to secure resources advancing HBCUv's mission and sustainability.
Candidates should have:
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Demonstrated passion for the mission and values of HBCUs and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
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10+ years of senior leadership experience, including strategic planning and operations management
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Experience in higher education, non-profit management, or related field preferred
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Experience overseeing the deployment of enterprise-level digital learning platforms, as well as experience in online course development and deployment
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Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement, and partnership cultivation abilities
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Business development expertise, including revenue generation and fundraising expertise with a proven track record of success
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Entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to embrace ambiguity and navigate complex change
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Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree in relevant field preferred
Preferred Qualifications:
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Experience working at an ed-tech startup
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Fundraising success cultivating six and seven-figure gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations
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Experience serving on governing boards or advisory councils for non-profits or education institutions
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Ability to travel frequently to engage with HBCU partners across the country
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Master's degree or higher in a relevant field such as education, public administration, business administration, etc.
Additionally, the individual must be a self-starter, who is able to problem-solve and take on a wide range of tasks to deliver results; collegial and professional manner; excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Medical, Dental & Vision
Vacation, Sick & Personal Leave
Life Insurance (Basic & Optional)
Flex Spending Accounts
403(b) Retirement Account
Holiday Savings Plan
Salary Range: $150,300 - $169,000 (Salary is commensurate with experience.)
UNCF is EOE M/F/D/V