FLSA EMPLOYMENT CATEGORY: Salaried; Exempt; Administrative; 12 months
DEPARTMENT: Advancement
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
The position reports to Alma College’s vice president of advancement and is a key leader on the advancement team. The director supervises one direct report, the assistant director of alumni engagement.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Strategic Planning (20%)
* In collaboration with advancement teammates, develop, pursue, and execute a comprehensive, strategic, multi-year plan for alumni engagement including annual giving and identification of major gift prospects.
* Create a regional engagement strategy for alumni, parents, and other affinity groups who are instrumental in advancing the mission of Alma College including enrollment, philanthropy, career and internships, and communications.
*Revise the CASE award-winning Alma Ambassador Program™ so that it further empowers current alumni leaders, identifies the next generation of alumni leadership, and creates meaningful engagement opportunities.
* Develop and manage an annual budget.
Event Execution, Network Development, and Volunteer Leadership (50%).
Support lifelong connections amongst alumni and engage them in advancing Alma College toward its goals by planning and executing Alma College’s most important annual traditions, including:
* Homecoming, which is a 3-day event each fall that involves hundreds of alumni, a dozen programs, and multiple class reunions.
*Serve as the College’s main contact person and leader in support of the Alumni Association Board and Student Advancement Association.
* Continue empowering Alumni Association Board, its Executive Committee, and other key alumni leaders to plan, host, and execute alumni engagement events where appropriate.
* Strategically recruit dynamic and dedicated stakeholders who enhance alumni engagement across communities, academic departments, and networks (e.g., regional champions, student recruiters, and internship sponsors.
Written and Digital Communication (20%)
* In collaboration with the Communication and Marketing Office, create and execute an effective communication strategy that ensures alumni are consistently well informed about the College.
* Partner with colleagues on social media, websites, print, and online marketing campaigns.
* Respond in a timely manner to communications from internal and external constituents. * Collaborate with Athletics teams coaches on their outreach efforts to keep former student- athletes and athletics families engaged via digital communication.
* Support the Advancement Office’s Annual Fund team in initiatives that seek to build the tradition of alumni philanthropic participation.
Other Duties as Assigned (10%)
* As needed, contribute to the overall success of the Advancement Office by stepping up in key moments to provide assistance on special projects.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
* Bachelor’s degree.
* 3-5 years’ experience in college/university advancement or related field.
* Excellent organizational skills, including attention to detail and the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
* Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to travel in- and out- of- state.
* Ability to work weekends and evenings.
* Ability to handle confidential information.
* Experience with technology, including a CRM and Microsoft Office Suite.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
* Master’s degree.
* Significant event-planning experience and/or experience in alumni relations in higher education.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
* Travel independently in-and out-of-state via car, airplane, or train.
* Sitting at a desk for up to eight hours.
* Lifting up to 20 pounds.
Interested candidates shall submit an Alma College application, cover letter, current resume, and the names of three professional references with contact information via email to careers@alma.edu.
Alma College is classified as a selective Baccalaureate College: Diverse Fields by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Committed to academic excellence and development of responsible leaders, Alma’s students thrive on challenging academic programs in a supportive, small-college environment emphasizing active, collaborative learning and close student-faculty interaction. Alma is a private Phi Beta Kappa institution located in the center of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
Alma College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff and student body.
Alma College recognizes that we are all transformed when we celebrate and value the varied identities backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives in our campus community. We are committed to recognizing and removing barriers to success and providing equitable access to opportunities through education and advocacy. In our increasingly diverse campus and world, we pledge to create a climate where everyone is safe and free to grow intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally. For more information about the College, visit www.alma.edu.