Susquehanna University Looking for Director of Alumni Relations Full Time

About Susquehanna
As a living, learning and working community, Susquehanna University affirms its commitment to being an engaged, culturally inclusive campus. As we seek to embody the rich diversity of the human community, we commit ourselves to the full participation of persons who represent the breadth of human difference. The university encourages candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply. Susquehanna University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Susquehanna University is a national liberal arts college committed to excellence in educating students for productive, creative and reflective lives of achievement, leadership and service in a diverse, dynamic and interdependent world. Its more than 2,300 undergraduates come from 35 states and 22 countries, and all students study away through Susquehanna’s unique Global Opportunities program. Susquehanna University’s 325 acre campus, noted for its beauty, is located in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, 50 miles north of Harrisburg in the scenic Susquehanna River Valley, about a three hour drive from Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and New York City. For more information, please visit https://www.susqu.edu.

Job Summary
Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Advancement, the Director of Alumni Relations develops and implements programs and services that engage, improve communications and create a basis for a culture of philanthropy 1) with and among Susquehanna’s 18,000+ alumni; (2) current students and (3) parents of students who attend Susquehanna. This individual will be responsible for working with a dynamic and dedicated Alumni Board, alumni, students, and parents, and involving them in activities that support University goals. The Director supervises an Associate Director and is supported by the Alumni Relations Administrative Assistant and works in conjunction with the annual fund staff. Additionally, there are work-study students who are employed by the Alumni Relations Office and whose activities are overseen by the Director and staff. The Office of Alumni Relations works closely with the offices of the president, major and planned giving, admissions, communications, student life, and other campus partners to advance relationships with alumni, parents, students, and donors.

The Director joins an experienced Advancement team supported by a strong team of data and research professionals guiding the Director in alumni outreach strategies. The Director also works closely with Advancement communications staff, providing the Director with support in creation and implementation of alumni communications, including digital and social media. Susquehanna is currently in the public phase of an historic and already highly successful fundraising campaign for the University which is achieving significant growth in alumni engagement, giving, and donor retention.

The ideal candidate will have experience in Alumni Relations or a front-facing office like Student Affairs, and is experienced with customer service, communications, and relationship building.

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee alumni engagement strategies that expand the number and range of alumni who have personal involvement with the university
• Lead an innovative outreach effort that accelerates growth in alumni volunteerism and annual giving.
• Strengthen alumni networks: professional, cultural, social, geographic, and affinity based
• Expand the number and range of alumni who have personal involvement with the University with an emphasis on regional chapters.
• Identify and support volunteers whose contributions advance Susquehanna in a variety of ways
• Organize and execute events and communications that support activities to strengthen engagement (i.e. Homecoming, regional events, on-line communication, constituent research, and activities that support service, recruitment and career development)
• Prepare students, during their undergraduate years, to become philanthropic alumni
• Work with colleagues in the Admissions Office to provide support for alumni recruitment efforts, assist in the identification, recruitment and support of volunteers.
• Work with colleagues in the Career Development Center to connect students and alumni in meaningful ways, contributing to successful student outcomes.
• Develop short and long-term goals for all annual volunteer campaigns. Leverage tools and resources to measure impact of engagement programs.
• Manage, inspire, teach and motivate a team who will contribute to the outreach effort and reach the metric-driven goals of the alumni engagement and annual giving program.
• Build and/or strengthen credible relationships with leaders at the university and colleagues across campus. Expand collaborations with other departments.
• Contribute to the overall success of the Office of Advancement by performing other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Excellent organizational and events and project management skills, excellent interpersonal, writing, and speaking skills, excellent telephone and conversation skills, proficiency with personal computer, Microsoft Office, Ellucian/Colleague Advancement (alumni records system) I Modules/ Anthology (Digital Alumni On-line Community), Printers and copiers. Ability to effectively interact with alumni, parents, students, faculty, and administration, ability to work independently and take initiative. Outstanding communication skills. Ability to interact with a range of constituents, colleagues and personalities on topics that require combinations of persuasion, cheerleading, persistence, passion, and empathy. Strong customer service orientation. Ability to work independently. Ability to multi-task, along with capacity to prioritize. Proven track record of collaborative leadership and evidence of success in building and managing teams. Ability to interact effectively with senior leadership, staff, faculty and alumni of all ages and demographics. Ability to develop relationships, build partnerships, and break down silos.

Education
Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience
Minimum five years’ work experience in alumni relations, student affairs, customer service, marketing, public relations or a related field preferred. A minimum of three years of demonstrated experience in successful project management and proven success accelerating the growth in alumni engagement or annual fund development programs and/or extensive campus programing experience. Strong customer service orientation. Ability to work independently. Ability to multi-task, along with capacity to prioritize.

Additional Requirements
Occasional evening and weekend work required, as well as overnight travel. Frequent local travel, occasional regional travel. This position requires a valid driver’s license, and the ability to drive and qualify under the university’s insurance carrier when driving a university and/or leased vehicle.

Physical Demand
Position requires the ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time. Position requires the ability to move about the campus. Position requires the ability to talk and to hear instruction. Position requires occasional manual dexterity and the ability to use fingers, hands, and arms to feel, handle, and reach. Position requires occasional stooping, crouching, and bending. Position requires the ability to occasionally lift to 10 pounds. Working conditions are primarily indoor. Event management necessitates long stretches of dedicated time, occasionally upward of 8 hours continuously.

Education
Master’s preferred.

Experience
Prior experience in volunteer management preferred.

To apply please visit https://jobs.susqu.edu/postings/2705.

Benefits Eligible Yes
Number of Months 12 months
Status Full-Time Benefits Eligible
Posting Date 04/20/2022
Closing Date 05/06/2022
Open Until Filled No

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