| Job Description |
A key member of the University’s dynamic advancement team, the Senior Director of Alumni Relations reports to the Vice President of Advancement. Through programs and direct, personal interactions, the Senior Director engages alumni, donors, and friends, and advances those relationships in ways that address institutional strategic objectives. The Director leads, plans, and executes a comprehensive strategy of communications, activities, events, ongoing programs, and volunteer management efforts that are coordinated and fully integrated with the larger plans of Advancement, the University, and the Foundation.
Specific responsibilities include managing the activities of the Alumni Board and directing a portfolio of alumni activities, including Homecoming programs, reunions, parade, and alumni awards. The Director leads alumni office and alumni participation in Grad Fest, Commencements, Family Day, and enrollment/student affairs programs, and other efforts as appropriate. The Director plans and directs a comprehensive, multi-channel communication plan for alumni.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Establish goals for unit and supervised personnel
- Establish annual and multi-year plans that include metrics for measurement of progress to goals
- Design and deploy an integrated suite of alumni and constituent engagement programs, activities, events, and communications aimed at advancing relationships that generate meaningful volunteerism, giving, school spirit and pride, and advocacy. Through a holistic approach, activate volunteerism that advances the university mission, grow visible pride in the institution and among its graduates, and expand financial support. Measure and strategically elevate alumni engagement.
- Develop and implement comprehensive multichannel marketing communications strategies aimed at achieving the advancement goals of the University. Plan, create, manage, and/or repurpose content on all platforms and channels. Oversee the growth of an online Griffon Business Circle that features alumni-owned businesses. Collaborate with Career Services, Enrollment Management and other units to strategically build an extensive online library of alumni who have been successful in a variety of diverse career paths.
- Develop and execute cohesive strategic plans for events, ongoing programs and specialized volunteer activities which have been coordinated with other campus entities, the Foundation, and the Alumni Board. Participate in “road shows” that leverage the availability of the President and/or other members of campus and that align with student recruiting, athletic activities, student academic competitions, and the like. Establish and grow alumni networks in multiple locations, such as Saint Joseph, Kansas City, Saint Louis, and Dallas. Increase the meaningful impact of Homecoming and other on-campus alumni events by integrating college and unit activities into the events.
- Staff the MWSU Alumni Board, align its plans and efforts with those of the University, and coordinate and support the organization’s volunteer, financial, and leadership contributions to the University’s mission.
- Travel locally, regionally, and nationally to organize purposeful alumni and donor gatherings and activities that issue calls to action and generate outcomes in line with Advancement and University goals and plans.
- Directly and programmatically solicit alumni for first, increased, or sustained financial contributions. In coordination with partners in and beyond Advancement, identify and successfully solicit new prospective sponsors for events and activities.
- Develop and execute a strategic program of donor stewardship, focused on impact reporting. Oversee the creation of digital publications to promote stewardship and donor engagement.
- Manage volunteers and organizations focused primarily on volunteerism.
- May train, mentor, and supervise student employees
- Performs other duties of a similar nature or level
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- The ideal candidate will be an authentic, dynamic, poised, and strategic leader who is an excellent communicator.
- Ability to develop and demonstrate a genuine belief in, and passion for, the power of higher education, the importance of the mission of Missouri Western, and the value of every alumnus and attender of the University
- Excellent written and oral communications skills
- Proven experience in planning and executing high-quality, strategic events and activities
- Experience managing volunteers and volunteer organizations
- Experience in marketing communications, including social media and market segmentation
- Experience planning and executing constituent-engagement program
- Experience creating effective, strategic content for specific demographic segments and audiences
- Ability to learn and effectively use Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, and/or other graphic design software
- Ability to successfully conduct direct 1:1 solicitations of private support and volunteerism
- Experience in effective public speaking and meeting leadership
- Ability to master using Google Workspace and related programs or their equivalents
- Knowledge of basic computer skills and programs, including all components of Microsoft Office
- Basic knowledge of content management systems
- Basic to mid-level graphic design, photography, and video skills
- Professional and organized
- Resilient and adaptable strategic thinker with demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and adjust to evolving priorities
- Strong attention to detail and a track record of meeting deadlines
- Energetic, positive collaborator who enjoys working with people
- Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction
|
