Alumni Relations Manager

Job Description

The Alumni Relations Manager will plan, execute, and evaluate a variety of alumni engagement programs and initiatives on behalf of the Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering (AOE) and the Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE). This position will report to the Department Heads of AOE and ISE, as well as the Director of Alumni Relations for the College of Engineering. These programs will strategically align with the broader advancement (development, alumni relations, communications) and recruitment goals of the college and university. The manager will develop an annual work plan in consultation with the college’s director of alumni relations and the heads of these two departments, and is evaluated against the success of that plan.

The Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering has 950 students, 44 faculty members, and a research portfolio of more than $16M annually. It is ranked number 12 and 16 by US News and World Report, respectively, for undergraduate and graduate programs. Each year it graduates about 280 new alumni and currently has 6,700 alumni.

The Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering has 825 students, 35 faculty members, and a research portfolio of more than $6M annually. It is ranked number 4 and 7 by US News and World Report, respectively, for undergraduate and graduate programs. Each year it graduates about 200 new alumni and currently has 8,000 alumni.

The Alumni Relations Manager must have a strong background in project management and/or event management delivering programming to multiple audiences. Skill sets necessary may include writing for a variety of platforms and occasions, professionally interacting with partners across campus and external audiences, strong communication skills, and strong computer skills working with writing, design, and database software.

The manager should have excellent organizational skills, creativity, flexibility,
self-motivation, and attention to detail. The manager should also be able to navigate multiple and competing priorities in a dynamic environment. This individual is a member of the college’s alumni relations team and the department heads’ leadership teams.

The Alumni Relations Manager develops, coordinates, promotes, maintains, and evaluates alumni and donor events and programs. Specific work responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, conceptualizing, planning and executing engagement programs and events for alumni, students, and other external audiences; providing stewardship for departmental donors, supporting engagement of department board volunteers; communicating professionally with multiple internal and external audiences; and working with a confidential data management software.

Working within the advancement model, this individual’s efforts must be strategically aligned to support the goals and priorities of the departments, college, and broader university. The Alumni Relations Manager must follow established brand guidelines, university policies and procedures, and accessibility standards.

The Alumni Relations Manager will need to work occasional evenings and weekends, as well as travel to/from the Washington, DC metro area and across the nation periodically as needed for alumni events and meetings.

Required Qualifications

● Bachelor’s degree in related field with appropriate experience in marketing, communications, or related field.
● Experience working with project management and/or event planning in a professional setting.
● Experience meeting deadlines and navigating multiple projects simultaneously.
● Strong organizational/interpersonal skills and the ability to thrive in a team setting.
● Strong written communication skills speaking to multiple audiences.
● Demonstrated computer skills.

Preferred Qualifications

● Experience with developing, planning, and executing events for multiple audiences.
● Experience working with alumni or for a non-profit organization.
● Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and/or data management system.
● Familiarity with graphic design and/or web/email design software.
● Experience in a higher education, independent school, or non-profit environment.
● Strong attention to detail.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Review Date

May 15, 2023

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Cory Thompson at coryt10@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: May 2, 2023
Applications close: