Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Engagement

About Worcester State University:

WORCESTER STATE UNIVERSITY is a liberal arts and sciences university with a long tradition of academic excellence dating back to 1874, as well as an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks to reflect the diversity of its community. Our workforce is dedicated to academic quality, student-centered programming, engaged citizenship, open exchanges of ideas, diversity and inclusiveness, and civility and integrity. We are looking for job applicants who share these values and commitment to our students.

Worcester State is centrally located in Massachusetts, about an hour's drive from Boston, Springfield, and Providence, Rhode Island. Our 58-acre campus is nestled in the residential northwest side of Worcester--the second largest city in New England and home to 37,000 college students at more than a dozen colleges and universities. Over 6,000 of those students attend Worcester State--approximately 5,300 are undergraduates and 1,000 are graduate students. Learn more about us at worcester.edu/about .


Job Description:

OFFICIAL TITLE: Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Engagement
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Executive Director of Alumni Relations and Engagement
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Student employees; may also supervise subordinate personnel

General Statement of Duties: The Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Engagement is responsible for actively participating in the planning, implementation and execution of alumni programming designed to address the needs of the University, alumni and students, as well as enhance commitment to alma mater. The Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Engagement works closely with engaged alumni, transforms relationships with inactive alumni, and fosters relationships with recent graduates and our soon to be alumni, our students. The Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Engagement oversees a variety of alumni volunteers and alumni office events, and represents the Alumni Office and Association at said events. Frequent nights and weekends, as well as periodic in-and out-of-state travel, is associated with this position.

Responsibilities:

(E) = Essential

1. (E) Assists the Executive Director of Alumni Relations and Engagement with the creation, planning and execution of all alumni events and programs, both virtual and in-person, with a leadership role in the development and/ or expansion of Alumni Admissions Ambassador program, the Class Agent program, Young Alumni program, Student Engagement program, Alumni Athletic program, BIPOC Alumni program, and annual Homecoming and Reunions (years and affinity).
2. (E) Cultivates relationships with, and creates opportunities for alumni, with particular emphasis on inactive alumni, recent graduates, and students.
3. (E) Serves as the liaison and provides staff support for a variety of Alumni Office committees, including but not limited to Lifetime Lancers Student Alumni Association, Reunion (years and affinity) Committees, Class Agents, Alumni Admissions Ambassadors, MAAC (Multicultural Affairs Alumni Council), the Alumni Association's Advisory Board and its sub-committees, and other affiliate groups as requested.
4. (E) Serves as the primary contact for a variety of University-wide events including but not limited to Move In Day, Admissions Open Houses, Family Weekend, Congratulations Day, and Commencements; and committees, such as the Student Affairs' class committees.
5. (E) Assists the Development Department on cultivation and solicitation of alumni in conjunction with events, reunions, and affinity programs, including but not limited to the Class Agent program and Alumni Athletic program, as well as the identification of alumni donors.
6. (E) Manages the Worcester State University online alumni community, including the events within this site, class webpages, and email communications.
7. (E) Works collaboratively with the Director of Editorial Communications to provide vision for alumni publications, both print and electronic, guide communications efforts regarding events, activities and news related to alumni and Alumni Office programming, and assists with social media outlets as needed (Snap Chat, Facebook, Linked In, etc.).
8. (E) Attends all events sponsored, and co-sponsored, by the Alumni Office.
9. (E) Regularly reviews programs, activities, and events to ensure consistency with the University's and Division's priorities, utilizing acceptable alumni engagement and satisfaction metrics.
10. (E) Manages and oversees the Office's student workers, including interviewing and scheduling so that the office has coverage during lunch hours and peak periods.
11. (E) Works varied shifts to include mornings, extended evenings and weekends as needed. This position can be reviewed for hybrid schedule (3 days in the office and 2 days remote) arrangements after the first 30 days. Please note that during busy times you will be required to be on-campus more.
12. (E) Travels for work related conferences, events, and alumni visits as needed.
13. (E) Demonstrates civility and professional, customer-service oriented behavior, worthy of emulation by other staff and students.
14. (E) Responsible for contributing to the WSU Strategic Plan.
15. (E) Responsible for contributing to Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action objectives.
16. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• At least 3 years of experience in alumni relations, development, or external affairs with demonstrated accomplishment in fostering relationships with alumni, volunteers and/or donors.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues throughout the University.
• Experience with, and good working knowledge of computer applications including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, and Adobe Photoshop.
• Social media savvy and experience with virtual events (i.e. Facebook Live, Zoom) a must.
• Demonstrated ability to strategize, implement and build programs and activities.
• Strong writing, public speaking, planning and organizational skills.
• Must be an energetic, positive, articulate self-starter.
• Flexibility and initiative, and the ability to work independently.
• Ability to organize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail and prioritization to meet deadlines.
• High professional and ethical standards for confidential information.
• Ability to travel and work weekends and evenings.
• Ability to successfully pass a thorough background check and CORI check.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree.
• Experience in a public higher education institution.
• Knowledge of and experience with fundraising software, preferably Raiser's Edge, and online communities, preferably Imodules/Anthology.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, professional APA position. The firm starting annual salary range for this position is $50,000 - $60,000, commensurate with relevant professional experience and education.

It is the policy of Worcester State University that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before they begin employment. Proof of the COVID-19 vaccine is required of all individuals hired by WSU, to be verified after an offer of employment has been made, and as part of the background check process. Prospective employees may submit a request for exemption based on a religious and/or medical basis, to Human Resources, after an offer of employment has been made.

Worcester State University offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• a choice of 9 different pre-taxed, health insurance plan options
• a choice of pension or 401(a), and supplemental plan retirement options
• life insurance up to 8x the annual salary
• long-term disability coverage
• dental insurance
• 20 vacation days accrued per year
• 15 sick days accrued per year
• 5 personal days per year
• paid holidays
• tuition remission for self, spouse, and dependent children
• and more...

We are an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. M/F/D/V. Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.


Application Instructions:

Applicants must apply online and may do so by visiting www.worcester.edu/careers, and submitting a cover letter, resume, and the contact information of three professional references.

For assistance with uploading materials, log a ticket via the HelpDesk link, or contact us directly at 508-929-8053.

URL: www.worcester.edu