Director, Alumni Relations
- Employer
- Wayne State University
- Location
- Michigan, United States
- Salary
- Salary Not Specified
- Date posted
- Apr 13, 2022
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Position Information
Posting Details
Posting Number
046376
Position Title
Director, Alumni Relations
Number of Vacancies
1
School/College/Division/Institutes/Centers
86 - Development & Alumni Affairs
Primary Department
H8605-Development Office
Working Conditions
Wayne State University requires all students, faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with limited exceptions. Learn more at:WSU Covid-19 Website
Normal office environment.
Adhere to confidentiality and data usage policy for the division.
This position requires a high level of commitment and enthusiasm. It will require regular evening and weekend work to support Alumni Association board meetings, time-sensitive projects and participation in scheduled university and alumni relations events, such as Commencement, Welcome Week, Homecoming and Alumni Week of Service. Out-of-state travel will be required.
Essential Functions (Job Duties)
JOB PURPOSE
Provide leadership and direction for the Alumni Relations engagement team. Design, plan, and implement programs and activities that strategically engage alumni in support of the goals and objectives of the University. Create opportunities for alumni to provide professional expertise, volunteer service, and annual support through programs sponsored by the Office of Alumni Relations (Alumni Relations) and the Wayne State University Alumni Association (Association). Manage staff and office operations. This position reports to the Senior Director, Alumni Relations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Design and implement a fully integrated, robust alumni engagement program including initiatives, benefits/services, activities, volunteer opportunities, and events for broad and targeted alumni populations. Develop new alumni engagement initiatives that strengthen the Association, promote diversity and inclusion, lead to annual support, and encourage student/alumni interaction. Ensure strategic and long-range planning achieves greater alumni integration across campus. Determine objectives, summarize outcomes and expenses, evaluate and refine activities as appropriate within the annual program budget.
Develop strategies that effectively engage alumni, both locally and regionally in the goals and objectives of the University. Create and implement an annual tactical plan that promotes alumni goodwill, sustainable engagement, and financial support though creative programming and thoughtful event strategies that reinforce thematic content, priorities, and goals of the schools/college/units.
Perform personnel management functions for unit. Set and monitor staff goals and team workflow. Develop and evaluate staff performance. Establish priorities; set clear deadlines; manage workflow of staff and determine appropriate staffing levels to meet priorities and established deadlines. Ensure that personnel practices are in compliance with University policies and mission. Act in the absence of the Sr. Director. Regularly coordinate and meet with subordinate professionals overseeing specialized areas of responsibility.
Collaborate with staff in key administrative offices such as Admissions, Dean of Students Office, Career Services, the Provost's Office, and the Office of the President, among others, to enhance and expand the impact of alumni engagement. Serve as Alumni Relations' primary liaison to Government and Community Affairs Office and the Office of Admissions.
In partnership with the Sr. Director of Alumni Relations, staff and the Alumni Association Board, develop individual engagement plans for board members. Participate in Association board meetings.
Manage alumni programs budget in partnership with Sr. Director. Develop expense projections and budget reports, as requested. Approve alumni programs expenditures. Monitor transactions for compliance with University policies and procedures.
In collaboration with colleagues, develop programs, including the following annual events: affinity-based reunions; the Alumni Awards Program; the Golden Jubilee; signature events series, presidential alumni events series, and regional engagement events/opportunities. Develop alumni programming and content to ensure Association presence at key University events, including Welcome Week, Commencement, Convocation, and Homecoming. Work with the University's Special Events team to ensure optimal levels of coordination with regard to Alumni Relations/Association-sponsored events and programs in which they play a role. Partner with development colleagues to identify prospective donors.
Unique Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS CONT'D
Research, analyze, interpret and report on data. Develop and generate regular and ad-hoc reports from various data sources for a diverse audience. Provide projections and analysis on special projects and initiatives. Manage and participate in university projects and serve on university/divisional committees as assigned. Benchmark alumni activities with peer institutions and provide reports to Sr. Director of Alumni Relations on program successes and areas of opportunity. Evaluate outcomes against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on a monthly basis.
Prepare materials and conduct professional presentations for training and development of alumni, friends, constituents, and the campus community-at-large. Research, maintain and apply a current working knowledge of new techniques and standards used in volunteer management and program development. Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Bachelor's degree.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in business administration, public relations, marketing or related field.
Master's degree preferred.
Experience
Expert (established subject matter expert, 7+ years experience)
Minimum of five (5) years experience in strategic alumni engagement, volunteer management, program design and implementation and event planning. Strong, relevant customer service background required.
Minimum three (3) years experience managing personnel, preferably in an alumni relations, fundraising, higher education, or non-profit environment.
Successful track record of developing, implementing, and executing a diverse array of programs, events, activities, and services.
Successful track record of recruiting, managing, and developing a volunteer base composed of individuals representing diverse backgrounds, industries, and perspectives.
Professional understanding of, and interest in, Alumni Relations' best practices and general operations.
Positive and collaborative professional philosophy, recognizing that this position is integral to the achievement of the Alumni Relations' goals and objectives.
Experience in a higher education or non-profit environment preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS: Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally both orally and in writing. Strong interpersonal skills are a must. Ability to work successfully with persons from diverse backgrounds.
PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION: Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, prioritize and plan work activities while meeting respective deadlines. Strong organizational and time-management skills required. Demonstrated ability to manage and execute multiple creative projects in various media, often at the same time. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a deadline-oriented environment.
ANALYTICAL AND PRESENTATION SKILLS: Ability to evaluate, interpret, and present complex information effectively in professionally prepared documents or presentations. Must possess a demonstrated attention to detail in order to achieve a high degree of accuracy.
TECHNICAL SKILLS: Proficient in the use of complex administrative systems software, preferably in the higher education environment. Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel and Teams.
LEARNING AGILITY: Independent and innovative self-starter who displays an ability to learn quickly and easily adapts to changing situations. Experience researching topics to gain knowledge and understanding when information gaps exist.
TEAMWORK: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues within the division and other units to gain full understanding of the project and desired outcome; ability to produce high quality and consistent results with assistance of team members; provide support to teammates when tackling complex projects.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION: Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors and proactively managing implicit bias.
Testing Requirements
Not Applicable
Test Scheduling
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Category
Professional/Administration & Supervisory/Management
Duration of Posting
Fiscal Year of Job Open Date
2022
Job Open Date
(When job is posted in the system)
04-13-2022
Job Close Date
(or until suitable candidate is found)
Until Suitable Candidate is Found
Is this position reposted?
No
Reposting Reason:
None (New Posting)
Application Information
Background Check Requirements
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting to work. If you are offered employment, the University will inform you if a background check is required.
Instructions for submitting your application:
Represented Position Message
Funding/Salary Information
Salary (Minimum)
(Non-Academic Only)
93,000
Salary (Hire Max)
(Non-Academic Only)
97,000
Salary (Maximum)
(Non-Academic Only)
Hourly Rate
(Non-Academic Only)
Salary Range
(Academic Only)
Is Position Bump Ineligible?
(Non-Academic, Represented positions only. Select 'No' for Academic. Select N/A if Non-represented.)
**NOTE: If 'Yes' is selected, then this is a Bump Ineligible Position (BIP). The person who bids or hires into this 100% grant funded position has no bumping rights upon grant expiration or in a reduction of force.
N/A
Posting Details
Posting Number
046376
Position Title
Director, Alumni Relations
Number of Vacancies
1
School/College/Division/Institutes/Centers
86 - Development & Alumni Affairs
Primary Department
H8605-Development Office
Working Conditions
Wayne State University requires all students, faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with limited exceptions. Learn more at:WSU Covid-19 Website
Normal office environment.
Adhere to confidentiality and data usage policy for the division.
This position requires a high level of commitment and enthusiasm. It will require regular evening and weekend work to support Alumni Association board meetings, time-sensitive projects and participation in scheduled university and alumni relations events, such as Commencement, Welcome Week, Homecoming and Alumni Week of Service. Out-of-state travel will be required.
Essential Functions (Job Duties)
JOB PURPOSE
Provide leadership and direction for the Alumni Relations engagement team. Design, plan, and implement programs and activities that strategically engage alumni in support of the goals and objectives of the University. Create opportunities for alumni to provide professional expertise, volunteer service, and annual support through programs sponsored by the Office of Alumni Relations (Alumni Relations) and the Wayne State University Alumni Association (Association). Manage staff and office operations. This position reports to the Senior Director, Alumni Relations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Design and implement a fully integrated, robust alumni engagement program including initiatives, benefits/services, activities, volunteer opportunities, and events for broad and targeted alumni populations. Develop new alumni engagement initiatives that strengthen the Association, promote diversity and inclusion, lead to annual support, and encourage student/alumni interaction. Ensure strategic and long-range planning achieves greater alumni integration across campus. Determine objectives, summarize outcomes and expenses, evaluate and refine activities as appropriate within the annual program budget.
Develop strategies that effectively engage alumni, both locally and regionally in the goals and objectives of the University. Create and implement an annual tactical plan that promotes alumni goodwill, sustainable engagement, and financial support though creative programming and thoughtful event strategies that reinforce thematic content, priorities, and goals of the schools/college/units.
Perform personnel management functions for unit. Set and monitor staff goals and team workflow. Develop and evaluate staff performance. Establish priorities; set clear deadlines; manage workflow of staff and determine appropriate staffing levels to meet priorities and established deadlines. Ensure that personnel practices are in compliance with University policies and mission. Act in the absence of the Sr. Director. Regularly coordinate and meet with subordinate professionals overseeing specialized areas of responsibility.
Collaborate with staff in key administrative offices such as Admissions, Dean of Students Office, Career Services, the Provost's Office, and the Office of the President, among others, to enhance and expand the impact of alumni engagement. Serve as Alumni Relations' primary liaison to Government and Community Affairs Office and the Office of Admissions.
In partnership with the Sr. Director of Alumni Relations, staff and the Alumni Association Board, develop individual engagement plans for board members. Participate in Association board meetings.
Manage alumni programs budget in partnership with Sr. Director. Develop expense projections and budget reports, as requested. Approve alumni programs expenditures. Monitor transactions for compliance with University policies and procedures.
In collaboration with colleagues, develop programs, including the following annual events: affinity-based reunions; the Alumni Awards Program; the Golden Jubilee; signature events series, presidential alumni events series, and regional engagement events/opportunities. Develop alumni programming and content to ensure Association presence at key University events, including Welcome Week, Commencement, Convocation, and Homecoming. Work with the University's Special Events team to ensure optimal levels of coordination with regard to Alumni Relations/Association-sponsored events and programs in which they play a role. Partner with development colleagues to identify prospective donors.
Unique Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS CONT'D
Research, analyze, interpret and report on data. Develop and generate regular and ad-hoc reports from various data sources for a diverse audience. Provide projections and analysis on special projects and initiatives. Manage and participate in university projects and serve on university/divisional committees as assigned. Benchmark alumni activities with peer institutions and provide reports to Sr. Director of Alumni Relations on program successes and areas of opportunity. Evaluate outcomes against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on a monthly basis.
Prepare materials and conduct professional presentations for training and development of alumni, friends, constituents, and the campus community-at-large. Research, maintain and apply a current working knowledge of new techniques and standards used in volunteer management and program development. Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Bachelor's degree.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in business administration, public relations, marketing or related field.
Master's degree preferred.
Experience
Expert (established subject matter expert, 7+ years experience)
Minimum of five (5) years experience in strategic alumni engagement, volunteer management, program design and implementation and event planning. Strong, relevant customer service background required.
Minimum three (3) years experience managing personnel, preferably in an alumni relations, fundraising, higher education, or non-profit environment.
Successful track record of developing, implementing, and executing a diverse array of programs, events, activities, and services.
Successful track record of recruiting, managing, and developing a volunteer base composed of individuals representing diverse backgrounds, industries, and perspectives.
Professional understanding of, and interest in, Alumni Relations' best practices and general operations.
Positive and collaborative professional philosophy, recognizing that this position is integral to the achievement of the Alumni Relations' goals and objectives.
Experience in a higher education or non-profit environment preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS: Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally both orally and in writing. Strong interpersonal skills are a must. Ability to work successfully with persons from diverse backgrounds.
PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION: Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, prioritize and plan work activities while meeting respective deadlines. Strong organizational and time-management skills required. Demonstrated ability to manage and execute multiple creative projects in various media, often at the same time. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a deadline-oriented environment.
ANALYTICAL AND PRESENTATION SKILLS: Ability to evaluate, interpret, and present complex information effectively in professionally prepared documents or presentations. Must possess a demonstrated attention to detail in order to achieve a high degree of accuracy.
TECHNICAL SKILLS: Proficient in the use of complex administrative systems software, preferably in the higher education environment. Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel and Teams.
LEARNING AGILITY: Independent and innovative self-starter who displays an ability to learn quickly and easily adapts to changing situations. Experience researching topics to gain knowledge and understanding when information gaps exist.
TEAMWORK: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues within the division and other units to gain full understanding of the project and desired outcome; ability to produce high quality and consistent results with assistance of team members; provide support to teammates when tackling complex projects.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION: Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors and proactively managing implicit bias.
Testing Requirements
Not Applicable
Test Scheduling
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Category
Professional/Administration & Supervisory/Management
Duration of Posting
Fiscal Year of Job Open Date
2022
Job Open Date
(When job is posted in the system)
04-13-2022
Job Close Date
(or until suitable candidate is found)
Until Suitable Candidate is Found
Is this position reposted?
No
Reposting Reason:
None (New Posting)
Application Information
Background Check Requirements
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting to work. If you are offered employment, the University will inform you if a background check is required.
Instructions for submitting your application:
Represented Position Message
Funding/Salary Information
Salary (Minimum)
(Non-Academic Only)
93,000
Salary (Hire Max)
(Non-Academic Only)
97,000
Salary (Maximum)
(Non-Academic Only)
Hourly Rate
(Non-Academic Only)
Salary Range
(Academic Only)
Is Position Bump Ineligible?
(Non-Academic, Represented positions only. Select 'No' for Academic. Select N/A if Non-represented.)
**NOTE: If 'Yes' is selected, then this is a Bump Ineligible Position (BIP). The person who bids or hires into this 100% grant funded position has no bumping rights upon grant expiration or in a reduction of force.
N/A
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