Director, Alumni & Family Engagement

Jacksonville University•Jacksonville, FL

166d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of University Advancement at Jacksonville University is currently seeking a seasoned and strategic professional to lead the development of alumni, parent, and family engagement. This fundraising and engagement professional will implement cultivation, engagement, and stewardship strategies for alumni and family annual giving and leadership donors, contributing to the overall engagement pipeline. This leadership role reports to the Senior Director of Engagement who reports to the Vice President, University Advancement. University Advancement oversees all University fundraising activities; constituent engagement, including select student, alumni, donor, and family engagement; constituent data collection and management; and stewardship efforts related to institutional advancement. The department works collaboratively across campus with all divisions, particularly Athletics, Marketing & Communications, Enrollment, and Student Engagement.

Requirements

At least 5 years advancement and/or community engagement leadership experience to include volunteer management and program development & implementation, preferably in a higher educational setting
Skilled at developing and executing integrated strategies across a complex university environment while meeting established goals and performance metrics
Possess a “can do” team player attitude, seek to collaborate and excel at multi-tasking
Possess strong relationship building and communications skills both in person and in writing
Skilled in public speaking
Possess a solid proficiency of social media and technology platforms
A strong, motivational leader of employees and volunteers
Understand and embrace the relationship between alumni relations and annual support
Strong and demonstrated knowledge of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies and techniques
Strong and demonstrated success in volunteer management and board development.
Strong and demonstrated knowledge of methods, practices and procedures for donor prospecting
Confidently navigate the complexities of a multifaceted educational institution including people and policies
Self-motivation and discipline to regularly set and achieve work goals
Excellent organizational, interpersonal and networking skills with large groups as well as with individuals are essential
Ability to maintain a high level of poise and professionalism in all circumstances.
Ability to initiate and build relationships with prospective donors, and interact via telephone and in person with institutional peers
Demonstrated ability to take primary responsibility for diverse number of projects and to complete them in a timely manner with limited supervision
Demonstrated record of success in generating significant commitments
Exceptional writing and editing skills in order to develop proposals, professional reports, strategic plans, and correspondence
A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Preferably in: Communications, Business, Hospitality, Education or Marketing
At least 5 years of professional work experience in a higher education setting, other relative or comparable experience

Responsibilities

Lead a small team of engagement professionals
Measure progress through metrics and annual performance appraisals
Creatively develop and manage a comprehensive annual strategic plan for both alumni and parent engagement
Monitor budgets and operation of programs
Work on other programs/efforts as requested in support of university priorities
Serve as the liaison to each college, school, and institute and manage high-level opportunities in collaboration with the associated leadership
Supervise alumni affinity & other community networks managing all strategy and needs of volunteers and programming
Work closely with the Annual Giving and Major Gifts teams on fundraising opportunities within each area
Act as the Alumni Office liaison to key campus partners including Marketing & Communications, Admissions, Student Engagement, and Athletics
Collaborate with Marketing & Communications on communication strategies specific to the constituencies of alumni, parents and families across communications channels – social media, email, and direct mail.
Write and contribute content as needed
Manage the execution of all signature events for alumni, parents, and families, including but not limited to: Homecoming & Family Weekend, Global Toast, Senior Class Gift Campaign, and Dolphin Club gatherings in local and external markets
Develop and host a wide breadth of engagement opportunities for constituent groups focused on key areas including but not limited to; life-long learning, career networking, regional and local, in-person and virtual
Manage a portfolio of loyal and established alumni while cultivating alumni prospects through meaningful engagement
Support the identification efforts of leadership and major gifts prospects as needed
Manage the President's Parent Council (PPC) by creating & executing a comprehensive PPC engagement strategy.
Work with the Advancement Services to identify prospects and solicit their participation
Manage and support volunteers to build a robust parent class giving program.
Serve as the primary point of contact in a concierge capacity for all PPC members
Plan and lead Council meetings to actively engage, support and motivate parent participation in the JU community
Implement programs and projects to strategically engage and leverage resources from parents and families of current and former students. This role serves as a liaison to Student Life and thus plays a part in new student orientations, Move-In Day, and special events on campus
Collaborate with Admissions to engage key alumni and parent ambassadors in support of events for prospective/accepted students.
Interview, hire, and train new staff and student workers
Oversee the daily workflow of the Office of Alumni & Family Engagement
Evaluate performance and provides timely feedback
Help to resolve employee issues and disputes
Handle discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy