Director, Drake Scholar Network and Womens Initiatives

Department: Kellogg Dean's Office
Salary/Grade: EXS/11

Kellogg has long been dedicated to advancing women in business, and now we are looking for a strategic, creative and passionate leader to move this work to the next level. Thanks to a transformational gift from Ann Drake, '84, Kellogg is establishing the Drake Scholar Network. The Drake Scholar Network will focus on three areas: 1) enhanced educational programming and intergenerational network building, 2) recruitment and retention of faculty thought leaders and support of their leading-edge research, and 3) continued scholarship support through the Drake Scholars program, which has provided significant student funding since 2017.

We are seeking an experience leader to help design and build the Drake Network and to be a bridge to Kellogg's existing excellent programming for women. This person will work across faculty, student and staff groups, engage with external donors and advisors, and be responsible for bringing this exciting vision to reality with full support from senior leadership. If you are passionate about advancing and supporting women in professional, personal and academic pursuits, this is the role for you!

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer / Chief of Staff, the Director of the Drake Scholar Network and Women’s Initiatives will be responsible for all activities and issues regarding the Network. The Drake Scholar Network is a significant new investment that builds on Kellogg’s long-standing commitment to advancing women in business. The Network will include elements focused on students, faculty, alumni and the broader Kellogg community. The Drake Scholar Network will focus on three areas: 1) enhanced educational programming for the Kellogg community and intergenerational network building, 2) recruitment and retention of faculty thought leaders and support of their leading-edge research, and 3) continued scholarship support through the Drake Scholars program, which has provided significant student funding since 2017.

The Director will launch and organize the network and design the experience and events that will make this network unique.  As the Drake Scholar Network will be a catalyst to advance Kellogg’s efforts to support women’s success in business, the Director will serve as a bridge for related programming at Kellogg and be a leader within Kellogg to advance this agenda and to connect our efforts to the external alumni and business community. 

Specific Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Building the Drake Scholar Network:
  • Create and cultivate an intergenerational network of students, alumni and faculty to establish multi-directional mentoring relationships and support the development of meaningful, mutually beneficial interactions, including professional, academic and social events.
    • Partner with faculty, staff, current students, and alumnae students across Kellogg to understand existing programs and identify gaps where new programming would be beneficial
    • Engage the Drake Scholars to provide feedback and ideas, and to help build the Network
    • Engage Kellogg Women’s Leadership Council to actively make an impact in the Drake Scholar Network
    • Chair an internal advisory committee of faculty, students and staff that will advise on and help execute programming and events for the Network
    • Engage student groups to support and execute programming for that population
    • Develop a model for intergenerational learning, mentoring, and networking
  • Facilitate the creation of curricular and co-curricular programming for the Drake Scholars and other students and stakeholders
    • Partner with faculty to identify opportunities for curricular and co-curricular programs for the Drake Scholars
    • Engage with student groups with interest in advancing programming
    • Encourage the Drake Scholars to develop programs for their peers
    • Connect with existing centers, institutes, and initiatives that offer programming for women and identify potential collaborations and opportunities

• Actively engage with Drake Scholars to continually improve the effectiveness of the Drake Scholar Network and the ways in which the network supports women at Kellogg and throughout their careers.
• Manage and execute Network communications, possibly including email communications, social media accounts, website management, presentation materials, publicity and marketing, and program outreach. This also includes oversight of the production of an annual report.

• Event Management
  • The Director will coordinate large- and small-scale events, ranging from informal gatherings among Drake Scholars, faculty, Kellogg Women’s Leadership Council to the bi-annual Global Women’s Summit.
  • Plan and execute at least one event per year for the Drake Scholars, Dean, and advisors to the Network.
  • For the Global Women’s Summit, set clear metrics of success and engage a committee of Drake Scholars, Kellogg Women’s Leadership Council, and other volunteers to plan and execute a successful event.

• Stewardship, Administration and Finance
  • Hire and manage a Project Manager to support in executing experiential activities for the Drake Network
  • Oversee production of an annual report that details the activities and spending of the Drake Scholar Network, providing accurate and transparent information to the Donor
  • Regularly update the Donor on progress and activities of the Network
  • Assume responsibility for developing and maintaining sound financial practices, including developing an annual budget forecast. 
  • Maintain records and documentation that meets all institutional requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of senior level experience in managing organizations for budgets exceeding $500,000 in annual operating expenses.
• Experience managing internal and external stakeholders.
• Successful oversight and coordination of special events.
• Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• An entrepreneurial mindset with a proven track record of building new programs/initiatives.
• Deep experience in working collaboratively across an organization and leading through influence rather than managerial authority.
• A passion for advancing and supporting women in professional, academic and personal pursuits.
• Experience working with high-level executives.      

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.