Assistant Director of Alumni Relations

Clarkson University•Potsdam, NY

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Alumni Relations develops and implements programs and engagement opportunities that strengthen relationships between Clarkson University and its alumni. The role manages an assigned regional alumni portfolio and a programmatic portfolio, building relationships with alumni and volunteers while overseeing signature alumni programs. The Assistant Director collaborates with Alumni Relations, Development, Donor Experience, and campus partners to strengthen alumni affinity, encourage volunteer involvement, and support the University’s advancement goals. Key program areas include regional alumni engagement and partnership with Development; planning and executing Reunion and the annual Hockey Telecast program; managing the Alumni Association Leadership Board awards process and Alumni Gateway recognition; developing affinity engagement; and recruiting and supporting alumni volunteers. The role also contributes to departmental planning and assessment, maintains accurate constituent and program records, and performs other related duties as assigned. Travel and occasional evening and weekend work are required to support University and regional events.

Requirements

A combination of education and relevant professional experience demonstrating the knowledge and skills needed to perform the position’s responsibilities.
Relevant experience in alumni relations, higher education, institutional advancement, volunteer management, constituent engagement, event or program management, communications, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience managing programs or events, building relationships with constituents or volunteers, and collaborating effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment with diverse groups of on- and off-campus volunteers.
Strong organizational, project management, and event planning skills.
Ability to manage multiple programs, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.
Initiative and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Experience using CRM platforms.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability and willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends for University and regional events, including Commencement, COGO, and Reunion Weekend.
Ability to travel alone and with colleagues.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Three or more years of relevant experience in alumni relations, higher education, institutional advancement, volunteer management, constituent engagement, event or program management, or a related field.
Experience working with alumni or other constituent groups and cultivating volunteers.
Experience with Slate, preferably as a constituent relationship management system.

Responsibilities

Manage an assigned regional alumni portfolio, aligned where possible with Development gift officer territories.
Build relationships with alumni and volunteers in assigned regions through outreach, programs, events, and other engagement opportunities.
Support regional alumni chapters and volunteer networks, and recruit, cultivate, and support regional volunteers.
Develop regional engagement opportunities based on alumni interests, constituent data, and University priorities.
Identify alumni with potential for deeper engagement and share relevant relationship information with Development colleagues.
Coordinate with Development gift officers and partner with Development and Donor Experience on selected regional events, including planning and execution of alumni engagement activities.
Travel as needed to support regional and University-sponsored alumni programs and events.
Lead planning and execution of the Reunion program, including program development, logistics, budget management, volunteer coordination, communications, and promotion.
Work with Alumni Relations colleagues and campus partners to deliver alumni programs and a cohesive alumni experience.
Recruit, communicate with, and support Reunion volunteers and class leaders; evaluate participation and feedback and recommend program improvements.
Serve as the Alumni Relations team lead for the annual Hockey Telecast program and coordinate planning and execution with alumni hosts, volunteers, and University partners.
Develop resources and communications for participating alumni groups and hosts, and lead or support additional programs and special projects as assigned.
Manage the Alumni Association Leadership Board awards process, including nominations, research, committee support, recipient communications, and recognition activities.
Coordinate award recipient biographies and related materials.
Partner with University Archives, AALB, and other stakeholders on Alumni Gateway exhibits and messaging; maintain and recommend updates to alumni recognition displays and related content.
Identify ways to use alumni recognition and storytelling to strengthen alumni pride and engagement.
Develop and support alumni affinity groups and partner with volunteers and campus colleagues on new or expanded affinity engagement.
Support affinity communications, programs, events, and volunteer leadership; evaluate engagement and recommend ways to strengthen participation and connection.
Recruit, cultivate, and steward alumni volunteers; develop meaningful ways for alumni to contribute their time, expertise, and connections.
Identify alumni with potential for increased involvement and volunteer leadership, and facilitate appropriate connections with University colleagues seeking volunteers.
Maintain accurate information about alumni interactions, volunteer involvement, and program participation in Clarkson’s constituent database.
Collaborate with Alumni Relations colleagues on major programs and signature events, and partner with Development, Donor Experience, and other University departments on engagement opportunities.
Contribute to departmental planning, assessment, and continuous improvement, and perform other related duties as assigned.