Alumni Coordinator

Position Summary

The purpose of this job is to plan and implement a comprehensive alumni awareness program for Pellissippi State graduates and former and current students to cultivate the interests and philanthropic support of college alumni and community members in collaboration with the director. This work includes leading the planning and implementation of the Swing Big for Students annual fundraiser. This position also provides administrative support for the Director of Annual Giving and Donor Engagement.

Essential Functions

• Develop and implement a comprehensive alumni awareness and fundraising program for Pellissippi State graduates, former and current students in order to strengthen relationships and cultivate the interests and philanthropic support of all constituents. Activities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Where Are They Now Wednesday features
• Distinguished and Volunteer Alumni Awards promotions and processes
• Workshops and networking events
• Graduation/reunion events
• and other opportunities designed to highlight and engage alumni.

• Communicate with alumni through a variety of methods, including but not limited to face-to-face, email, phone, enewsletters, and social media.

• Ensure the accuracy of alumni data and maintain alumni documents.

• Conduct prospect research and maintain a portfolio of alumni for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of annual gifts through a variety of methods.

• Collaborate with faculty and staff across the College to strengthen and foster alumni engagement.

Job Requirements

• A Bachelor’s Degree is required.
• Required: 3 years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas: alumni relations, donor relations, fundraising, business development, event planning, community engagement, volunteer management, customer service, communications, marketing, higher education, or relationship management.
• PREFERRED: Experience coordinating events, programs, projects, or volunteer initiatives; experience working in higher education, nonprofit organizations, membership organizations, or community focused environments; Experience with constituent relationship management (CRM) databases, fundraising software, or similar customer engagement platforms.

Skills/Abilities

• Ability to plan and implement a comprehensive program of annual philanthropic support for the College from alumni and external constituents.
• Ability to plan and implement a comprehensive program for alumni.
• Possess exceptional people skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and to express ideas clearly and concisely both in written and oral communications including proposal and public speaking skills.
• Ability to use computer technology to conduct research and to access and maintain data and records.
• Ability to communicate with alumni and others utilizing various technological opportunities such as social media platforms, blogs, e-mails, newsletters and such.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with internal and external constituents.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding all Foundation matters.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, work both independently and on teams, and perform job functions with minimal supervision.
• Ability to project a strong positive image of the college through personal interactions with alumni and others.
• Knowledge of and experience with business etiquette, marketing, fundraising and public relations techniques.
• Knowledge and understanding of the college’s mission, goals, academic programs and organizations.
• Possess effective organizational skills, ability to multi-task.
• Significant knowledge of personal computers, printers, copiers, multi-line telephones, fax machine, and other standard office equipment.
• In addition, a working knowledge of Microsoft Office software and proficiency in using data management programs.
• Ability to network in order to find alumni, resources, and sponsors.
• Able to engage in the College’s mission and values.

Physical Demands

• The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, see, talk, and hear.
• This position requires a great deal of set-up for programs and events.
• Supplies, boxes, decorations, equipment, tables, food, furniture are but a few of the objects that will be touched by the person in this position.
• At times items of more than 50 lbs. are dealt with by moving and lifting.
• Organization of event supplies and signage in the storage closet can result in lifting items overhead or organization at lower levels.
• During certain events the person in this position will not sit down for the duration.
• Being able to communicate with a variety of constituents through various methods is imperative for success.
• Being able to hear and speak clearly is particularly valuable when the coordinator is speaking with individuals in person or by phone.
• Must be able to see to deal with many documents, computer images, computer programs and such.
• Must be able to attend various meetings, networking functions and set-up programs.

Hazards

• The employee is exposed daily to the student population and general faculty and staff and could be exposed to illness or an unforeseen incident i.e. workplace/campus violence.
• Minor cuts from paper.
• Eye strain, back strain from computer work.
• Possibility with lifting injuries.