Employment Opportunities

Director of Alumni Relations

University of Saint Mary

JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Alumni Relations plans and implements programs designed to initiate or strengthen an alumna’s or alumnus’ relationship with the University of Saint Mary, ultimately to secure recurring gifts - especially for unrestricted purposes - in support of the University.  The Director will create and execute a comprehensive program of Alumni Relations that promotes the development of strong relationships with alumni, primarily through gatherings on and off campus and by means of a targeted communications initiative.  The Director collaborates with the Admissions Office to develop alumni related venues that will enhance student recruiting efforts.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Prepare, in consultation with other staff members, a detailed, fiscal-year alumni relations plan (including measurable outcomes, solicitation programs and strategies, and a coordinated solicitation calendar) to increase annual giving dollars and participation percentages in annual appeals and campaigns.
• Responsible for the planning, development and implementation of alumni-related events including but not limited to: Alumni Reunion Weekend, Homecoming, Spirefest, interaction with alumni chapters nationwide, and future new alumni-oriented events.
• Track progress of alumni relations plan against measurable outcomes, analyze results, formulate methods for improvement, and report regularly to the Vice President of Development and others as appropriate.
• Serve as the staff resource for alumni volunteers in the coordination of alumni events on campus in Leavenworth and throughout the country.
• Develop and maintain a pool of alumni volunteers to assist with the planning and implementation of alumni related events, including those geared toward the recruitment of students.
• Provide leadership for the University of Saint Mary Alumni Association and re-establish an Alumni Board.
• Plan, schedule and coordinate strategic alumni gatherings in identified regions where a dense population of alumni exists, including but not limited to:  Kansas City, St. Joseph/Atchison, Wichita, Omaha, Dallas, Denver, St. Louis, Chicago and California. These gatherings are planned in collaboration with key staff from the President’s Office, Admissions Office and Development Office and directly support university goals and marketing objectives. These gatherings are multi-faceted and assist with friend-raising, fundraising, and student recruitment initiatives.
• Maintain regular communications with alumni and respond to inquiries in a timely manner. Provide written notes/updates (i.e. job promotions, births, etc.) to the Marketing staff for inclusion in monthly issues of the Aspire magazine and other regular communications.
• Provide hospitality to visiting alumni, schedule and lead campus tours, and arrange for on-campus gatherings of key alumni groups throughout the year.
• Work with students to ensure a Senior Class Gift and smooth transition to alumni status.
• Prepare, track, and coordinate program budget and cost projections.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Vice President of Development to include special projects to assist in overall fund-raising efforts.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
May require long periods of time at a computer terminal.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
• At least three years experience with annual giving programs with direct experience in implementing successful special events, alumni relations, and volunteer coordination.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and internet search engines required; Experience with Jenzebar database preferred.
• Ability and willingness to travel and work evening and weekend hours as required.
• Affinity with the overall mission of the University of Saint Mary.
• Thoroughness in planning and implementing work, including goals, budget, timetables, and action steps to achieve objectives.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks and to lead and motivate others, especially volunteers.
• Attitude and personality to work effectively with colleagues, university staff members, volunteers, and constituents.
• Possess sound judgment and impeccable integrity.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written word.

HOW TO APPLY
Please submit cover letter and resume to Mike Perkins at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).