Director of Alumni Engagement

About the role

Under the supervision of the Vice President of University Advancement, the Director of Alumni Engagement oversees and coordinates the university’s efforts to inspire Loyola alumni, parents, and friends toward engagement through volunteer work, philanthropy, career networking, prospective student recruitment, and other areas. The Director also plans and executes Commencement, the event at which Loyola students become Loyola alumni.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the campus leader in Alumni Relations and Commencement planning and execution.
• Lead the Office of Alumni Engagement as a member of the Advancement leadership team; supervise staff and implement programs.
• Partner with the Vice President of University Advancement and other Advancement team members to plan and execute comprehensive, targeted, and annual fundraising and engagement campaigns.
• Forecast and maintain office expenditures, including oversight of operating and event revenue budgets.
• Represent the Office of University Advancement on university committees and at university events locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Facilitate planning and assessment of annual and long-range goals and objectives to engage alumni in university life.
• Develop programs and events to strengthen alumni ties with Loyola; measure success by event attendance, volunteer hours, and alumni giving (donor and dollar count).
• Work with University Advancement staff to identify and qualify new volunteer and philanthropic leaders.
• Serve as the university’s liaison with alumni, alumni organizations, and associations; encourage administrative and faculty communication with alumni.
• Coordinate alumni support of recruiting and student and parent activities with the Offices of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs.
• Facilitate planning and coordination of alumni association activities and oversee the Alumni Association Board of Directors, Young Alumni Pack, and College of Law Alumni Board.
• Identify, recruit, and train volunteers; coordinate alumni activities including reunions, chapter activities, and service- and spirituality-based programming.
• Develop programs to introduce students to the Alumni Association before graduation; identify, recruit, and train chapter leadership and volunteers.
• Assist with planning, implementation, and follow-up of alumni chapter activities; identify affinity groups and design tailored programs and activities.
• Coordinate with the Development Team on solicitation of annual gifts from university volunteers.
• Chair the Commencement Committee; oversee the Commencement budget and coordinate all Commencement activities among colleges and departments.
• Supervise the Special Events Manager, who serves as the primary logistical manager for Commencement.
• Oversee successful and inspiring Commencement exercises for the university and constituent colleges and programs as needed.
• Frequently work evenings and weekends and travel to fulfill essential duties, including monthly travel to support alumni engagement events and volunteer management.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of seven years of professional-level work in alumni or volunteer management, university relations, fundraising, or a related field in a university or equivalent institution.
• Strong organizational abilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to prepare sequential and concurrent plans for several programs.
• Expertise in event planning and budget management.
• Experience supervising exempt and non-exempt professionals.
• Proven record of organizing, inspiring, and supporting volunteers and a volunteer structure.
• Willingness to travel and participate in evening and weekend advancement activities.
• Understanding of and professional commitment to the Ignatian mission of Loyola University New Orleans and the Society of Jesus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate or professional degree.