Associate Director of Alumni Relations

Job Summary

The Associate Director for Alumni Relations is responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining the long-term involvement of University alumni, students, and donors in the life of the university. Volunteer engagement is a significant component of this staff member’s portfolio, with particular emphasis on affinity-based programs. By engaging alumni regularly, and in leadership roles, this staff member contributes to the Foundation’s overarching goal of saving and changing lives through philanthropic involvement. The Associate Director plays a leadership role within the Alumni Relations team, partnering closely with the Assistant Vice President to ensure engagement strategies are well-executed and effectively contribute to the current and future donor pipeline.

Essential Functions

• 60% Strategic Relationship-Building:

  • Develop programs and coordinate initiatives that increase alumni engagement (including but not limited to: alumni volunteerism, mentorship, and philanthropy as well as student engagement)
  • Establish and cultivate campus relationships to identify and act upon alumni engagement opportunities
  • Foster positive relationships with alumni who share an affinity to the college department and increase their awareness of the college’s work
  • Primary responsibility for UVM Weekend & Larner College of Medicine (LCOM) Alumni Relations
  • Create and deploy marketing materials for UVM Weekend
  • Oversee and coordinate UVM Weekend Rally’s Rally with campus and offsite vendors (UES, dining, athletics, police services, etc.), including managing internal and external communications about the event
  • Collaborate with Foundation colleagues on developing and implementing engagement strategies for alumni programs

• 15% Milestone Moments:

  • Maintain and lead a portfolio of milestone and affinity-based programs, events, and relationships
  • Identify and plan milestone affinity gatherings in partnership with the Executive Director of LCOM Alumni Relations

• 10% Philanthropic Opportunity-Building:

  • Assist development partners, Deans, and departments with identifying philanthropic priorities
  • Support growth in the donor pipeline through collaboration on programs and initiatives that increase donor retention, acquisition, and stewardship

• 10% Documentation & Record Keeping:

  • Document quantitative (numbers) and qualitative (stories) engagement data that have the potential to lead to further and future philanthropic engagement
  • Utilize technology and data analytics to strategically focus resources for the greatest return
  • Ensure that data and documentation is shared between the department and the Foundation

• 5% Other duties as assigned

Preferred Skills & Abilities

• An understanding of the dynamics of higher education and higher education institutions
• Understanding of, and ability to effectively use, multiple communications mediums; ability to present oneself professionally both in person and in writing
• Knowledge of event management best practices, including a strong understanding of what makes events engaging and effective for participants and the host organization
• Self-starter with the ability and desire to achieve a high level of productivity and success and to consistently seek new opportunities to learn and grow
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, and the ability to connect with diverse groups of alumni
• Effective problem-solver, able to flexibly adapt and exercise discretion in a complex, evolving environment
• Collaborative team-player, with a track record of working effectively with others toward common goals
• Champion for the mission and purpose of higher education, and the ability to talk with others about your passion
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, combined with the ability to meaningfully apply those principles to strategy development and implementation
• Enduring commitment to learning and ethical conduct

Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of successful professional alumni relations experience, preferably in higher education

Pay Range

$65,000 - $75,000 per year