Associate Director, Hooks Institute

The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change (Hooks Institute), an interdisciplinary research center at the University of Memphis, Tennessee, was founded in 1996 with funding from the State of Tennessee and the United States Congress.

The mission of Hooks Institute is to advance social change and strengthen democracy through service, research and historical preservation. The Hooks Institute is a leader in providing awareness, education, and advocacy for social change, in policy and practice, for the betterment of the Memphis and Mid-South community. Our theory of change is “what uplifts Memphis uplifts the nation.”

The Hooks Institute Associate Director serves as the Institute’s chief internal operations leader, responsible for translating strategic vision into effective systems, processes, and results. This role oversees day‑to‑day operations, staff management, fundraising infrastructure, research and publication workflows, and cross‑functional coordination to ensure the Institute’s programs advance its mission of promoting civil rights and social justice. This position partners closely with the Executive Director to align strategy, operations, and resource development, consistent with nonprofit best practices.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit an online application through Oracle and upload the following documents as attachments: (1) a cover letter, (2) a resume, and (3) a list of professional references.

Operational Leadership & Strategy

• Partner with the Executive Director to develop and implement operational strategies that support the Institute’s mission and growth objectives.
• Oversee the day-to-day management of all projects and programs, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and performance targets.
• Monitor and report on operational performance, identifying opportunities for efficiency, cost savings, and process improvement.

Staff Management

• Lead, develop, and mentor a cross-functional team, including fundraising, community engagement initiatives, research publication, and program support staff

• Lead, develop, and mentor a cross-functional team focused on creating community engagement initiatives, to include conferences, symposia, lectures or other activities that connect the mission of the Hooks Institute to individuals in the community and their needs.

• Establish performance expectations, conduct performance reviews, and provide career development guidance.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture

Fundraising Leadership

• Oversee the Institute’s fundraising strategy, including grant writing, donor relations, and major gift campaigns.
• Coordinate with staff and Hooks Institute Advisory Board to meet annual fundraising goals and expand donor base.
• Ensure compliance with the university’s fundraising requirements.

Research Publication Management

• Lead, develop and mentor a cross-functional team, including planning, coordination, and execution of research publication initiatives, to include journal submissions, conference presentations, and public dissemination.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and external partners to ensure timely and high-quality outputs.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a liaison between operational, program, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and resource optimization.
• Represent the Institute in internal and external meetings, conferences, and partnerships.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; advanced degree (MBA, MA, or PhD) preferred.
• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit or academic operations, with proven success in staff management, fundraising, and program delivery.
• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple operational functions simultaneously.
• Career related exceptional outcomes in areas identified in this job posting may substitute for an advanced degree.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong strategic and operational leadership skills.
• Expertise in nonprofit fundraising and grant management.
• Experience in academic or research publication processes.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects and budgets.
• Proficiency in project management tools and data analytics.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience in social change, education, or public policy sectors.
• Familiarity with nonprofit governance and compliance frameworks.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.