Associate Director of Alumni Engagement

Montclair State University • Montclair, NJ

1d

About The Position

SUMMARY: Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement, the Associate Director of Alumni Engagement is responsible for building and strengthening the alumni network by planning and implementing engagement opportunities which foster lifelong mutually enriching connections, support University priorities and initiatives, create an inclusive community among alumni, current and prospective students and the University, and cultivate a culture of philanthropy, including events and programs, benefits and services, communications, volunteer opportunities, and campus and community partnerships. The Associate Director oversees designated segments of the engagement program, and does related work as required. The Associate Director works closely with Annual Giving to increase individual giving and pipeline development through the identification, engagement, cultivation and solicitation of annual gifts as well as through the development and support of targeted constituent giving programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in an institution of higher education, or other field that is directly related to the functions of the position to be filled.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively in developing program goals, policies and procedures for assigned segments of the engagement program.
• Ability to plan and implement engagement programs/events/activities.
• Strong project management and organizational skills; ability to set priorities and meet deadlines, while balancing multiple projects and performing assignments accurately.
• Basic knowledge of the principles of budget planning, development and administration.
• Ability to work evening and weekend events as required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and vehicle/access to transportation.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree from an accredited university.
• Experience in alumni engagement in higher education.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Thorough knowledge of an alumni engagement program purpose, goals, and objectives.
• Broad knowledge of the principles of fundraising and the ability to participate in all aspects of the gift cycle.
• Experience managing and evaluating staff performance and objectives.
• Familiarity with and use of Raiser’s Edge and other engagement platforms.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement programs/activities for assigned segments of the alumni engagement program, comprising events and activities, benefits and services, communications, volunteer opportunities and campus/community partnerships, including all logistics from space reservations, catering and speaker confirmation through marketing and follow up.
• Develop relationships with alumni and students through meetings, phone calls, e-mails and events / programs, to build and strengthen their connection to the University.
• Develop targeted constituent programs for assigned segments in support of giving; continuously review and evaluate programs; develop and implement improved methods as required.
• Manage a portfolio of annual giving prospects with the responsibility for the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of prospects/donors annually.
• Work to generate major gift leads through new and existing annual giving donors.
• Set goals and objectives for assigned segments, and develop strategies and action plans to achieve outcomes.
• Develop, recommend, monitor and revise budgets for assigned program segments.
• Compile, summarize and analyze statistical and other data and reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Lead alumni and student volunteer committees / groups; manage time, activity and expectations to achieve goals in support of institutional priorities.
• Establish and maintain communication and cooperative working relationships with fellow administrators, faculty, staff, students and student organizations, government and private agencies and/or the community in order to accomplish the objectives of the engagement program.
• Develop and conduct market research (surveys, roundtable discussions, interviews) as needed.
• Identify and implement technology to enhance the engagement program; advance proficiency in use of alumni database for contact/prospect and event management, tracking, information updates, reporting; keep up to date on website development, online community functionality, social networking.
• Provide outstanding customer service to all constituents including alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents and the community; field phone calls, e-mails and walk-in visits.
• Supervise student workers as needed, develop performance standards, conduct performance evaluations.
• Maintain integrity and appropriate confidentiality in alumni/donor engagement program operations.
• Create and deliver detailed correspondence / e- and print communications, including event announcements/invitations and registration forms.
• Serve on standing and ad hoc committees as required.
• Maintains essential records and files.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance.
• For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/benefits/

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees