Associate Director of Alumni Engagement

Montclair State University•Montclair, NJ

About The Position

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement, the Associate Director of Alumni Engagement builds and strengthens the alumni network by planning and implementing engagement opportunities that 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. The role oversees designated segments of the engagement program, including events and programs, benefits and services, communications, volunteer opportunities, and campus and community partnerships. It also works closely with Annual Giving to increase individual giving and develop the giving pipeline through identifying, engaging, cultivating, and soliciting annual gifts and supporting targeted constituent giving programs. The Associate Director plans engagement activities and manages their logistics; builds relationships with alumni and students; develops and evaluates constituent programs; manages an annual giving prospect portfolio; leads volunteer groups; sets segment goals and budgets; and analyzes program data. The role also supports engagement technology and communications, provides customer service to University and community constituents, supervises student workers as needed, maintains records and confidentiality, and serves on committees. Other duties may be assigned, and management may add or change job duties.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
At least 3 years of professional experience in higher education or another field directly related to the position's functions.
Ability to think strategically and creatively when developing program goals, policies, and procedures for assigned engagement segments.
Ability to plan and implement engagement programs, events, and activities.
Strong project management and organizational skills, including the ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, balance multiple projects, and complete assignments accurately.
Basic knowledge of budget planning, development, and administration.
Ability to work evening and weekend events as required.
Valid driver's license and a vehicle or 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 the purpose, goals, and objectives of an alumni engagement program.
Broad knowledge of fundraising principles and 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 and activities for assigned segments of the alumni engagement program, including events, benefits and services, communications, volunteer opportunities, and campus and community partnerships; manage logistics from reservations, catering, and speaker confirmation through marketing and follow-up.
Develop relationships with alumni and students through meetings, calls, emails, events, and programs to strengthen their connection to the University.
Develop targeted constituent programs that support giving, regularly evaluate programs, and implement improvements.
Manage an annual giving prospect portfolio, including annual cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects and donors.
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 prepare reports with findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Lead alumni and student volunteer committees and groups, managing time, activity, and expectations to support institutional priorities.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, students, student organizations, agencies, and community members.
Conduct market research, including surveys, roundtable discussions, and interviews, as needed.
Identify and implement technology to enhance engagement; develop proficiency with the alumni database for contact, prospect, and event management, tracking, updates, and reporting; and stay current on website development, online community functionality, and social networking.
Provide customer service to alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, and community members, including handling phone calls, emails, and walk-in visits.
Supervise student workers as needed, establish performance standards, and conduct performance evaluations.
Maintain integrity and appropriate confidentiality in alumni and donor engagement operations.
Create and deliver detailed electronic and print correspondence, including event announcements, invitations, and registration forms.
Serve on standing and ad hoc committees as required.
Maintain essential records and files.
Perform other duties as assigned.