Assistant Director for Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement

Johnson C Smith University•Charlotte, NC

60d

About The Position

The Assistant Director for Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement is responsible for ensuring that our interactions with, and cultivation efforts of, JCSU alumni and friends are grounded in a culture of excellence, equity, communication, and collaboration. This position is critical to both our Institutional mission and Presidential vision for a "New Era of Excellence" across every unit at JCSU. From the active innovation, planning, and creation to the promotion, execution, and evaluation of programs, activities, and outreach efforts, this person will support lifelong relations that center our alumni. This includes, among other things: the creation of a cohesiveoutreachstrategy to (re)-engage alumni; implementation of a philanthropic strategy to increase unrestricted giving by alumni; execution of a creative and robust participation and engagement strategy that reflects local, national, and global efforts centering on alumni and pre-alumni participation; and breathing life into establishing new and supporting current alumni chapters in order to further increase alumni engagementin University priorities and with all major fundraising campaigns. The Assistant Director reports to the Director for Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in business administration, communications, marketing, social sciences, or in a related field with 2 to 4 years of related experience is required.
Incumbent must have strong analytical and communication skills; sound professional judgment; initiative and the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of individuals, including alumni, faculty and staff; knowledge of best practices related to Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement; a strong understanding of effective management skills; experience with computer software systems, including Microsoft Office, Canvas, MailChimp, and Asana.
Must be organized and an effective time manager with strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
Must be willing and able to travel, as well as to work some evenings and weekends.
The equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered if needed.

Responsibilities

Actively create, lead, and implement a fundraising and philanthropic strategy to increase unrestricted giving by alumni and friends of the University.
Communicate with various internal and external constituents using a variety of modes and mediums to advance and fulfill fundraising goals, support the overall philanthropic arm of the University, and to cultivate, document, and share the stories about a stronger culture of alumni giving and participation (of time, talents, and treasures).
Serve as a designated member on the University's Staff Engagement Council.
Work closely with the Director to execute the President's Alumni Ambassadors program and other related initiatives that focus on alumni engagement, participation, and giving.
Work with the Director, Vice President, and the President to host 2-3 Alumni Townhall meetings per semester, or as needed.
Serve as lead coordinator for the Pre-Alumni Council and UNCF Annual Conference.
Take an active role with preparing for events involving pre-alumni and alumni such as CIAA, 40 under 40,Undergraduate Admissions events, and Alumni Reunion weekends, as well as events involving alumni, parents/families, faculty, staff, and students, and other eventssponsored by Philanthropic and AlumniEngagement including, butnot limited to, Homecoming, Commencement, Reunions, Alumni Recognition Programs, and Alumni and Pre-alumni Networking events.
Assist with developing and implementing strategic plans to address the need for building alumni programming around affinity groups. These include college and academic major affiliations, athletic team connections, choir, band, and others.
Develop and maintain accurate digital systems to communicate with alumni and inform them of needs/opportunities at JCSU, including responding to requests for research, space reservations, bereavement support, outreach efforts, and others. This includes facilitating communication with alumni through different media outlets (e.g., emails, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and others).
Strategize and plan targeted appeals (e.g., solicitations, direct mail, texts, phone-a-thons, in-person and online meetings, etc.) that advance alumni giving and participation.
Partner with University Communications and Marketing, Institutional Advancement, the President's Office, and others to regularly develop, produce, and widely disseminate impactful stories about alumni giving, involvement, and participation. These will include e-bulletins, blog posts, magazine and newspaper stories, videos, and others as deemed needed and appropriate.
Work to meaningfully expand JCSU's global alumni reach, efforts, and impact.
Attend and represent JCSU at various alumni and other public events as needed.
Perform and engage in other related duties as needed and required to meet organizational needs.