Senior Associate, Game Watch & Athletics

The Ohio State University•Columbus, OH

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Engagement Officer will broaden and deepen alumni and constituent engagement with Ohio State by developing more purposeful, meaningful, impactful, and mutually beneficial relationships, serving as the official liaison between the university alumni game watch groups. They are a subject matter expert for engagement strategies and develops, implements, and evaluates new or existing activities, program, services, and communications within the region. The Engagement Officer will identify and train volunteers and ambassadors to support the Alumni Association and Office of External Affair’s strategic plans and initiatives. They will have oversight of assisting volunteers with speaker requests and related travel arrangements, financial and scholarship-related processes if applicable, forms and filing requirements. This position is responsible for collaborating and building relationships with other Alumni Association and External Affairs colleagues such as Athletics, Regional Alumni Communication Managers, Leadership Annual Giving Officers, college/unit fundraisers & alumni relations officers, prospect research and the Office of External Affairs Events to include the identification of potential donation and/or engagement opportunities with alumni and constituents. The Engagement Officer reports to the Director of Varsity O and operates with a high degree of independence, decision making capabilities, judgment, consistency, discretion, and fiscal responsibility to include managing expenditures against an established budget. They must be adaptable to shifting priorities and demands to include work week travel (up to 50%) and occasional evening and weekend work. Annually, the Engagement Officer will be able to illustrate metrics such as but not limited to: Number of first-time attendees; Increase in volunteers and volunteer opportunities; an increase in Varsity O members; an increase in identified leadership annual giving and major gift prospects. All members of External Affairs are part of creating a culture that inspires an exceptionally multifaceted and talented team and are expected to exhibit The Ohio State University’s Shared Values. The Office of External Affairs is committed to acting with kindness, respect, and integrity at all times and welcoming our colleagues’ ideas, voices, and perspectives, acknowledging that we are better together.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Two (2) years of relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Four (4) years of relevant experience.
Knowledge of and experience in program planning and event management.
Two (2) years of customer relations, volunteer management and/or institutional advancement experience.
Direct alumni relations and/or fundraising experience.

Responsibilities

Develops and coordinates engagement and cultivation strategies, opportunities and trends that focus on the university’s alumni, donors, constituents and friends and fans; is the direct connection for the Ohio State Game Watches; will identify and train volunteers and ambassadors to support the Alumni Association and Office of External Affair’s strategic plans and initiatives; has oversight of assisting Game Watch volunteers with speaker requests and related travel arrangements, financial and scholarship-related processes, forms and filing requirements, and the creation, revision and maintenance of constitutions; and ensures relative data is captured in TAS.
Works to support Director of Varsity O in building out former student athlete engagement opportunities including but not limited to, alumni team reunions, coordination of Athletics Hall of Fame induction data management of former student athletes and letter winners.
Builds strong relationships with other Alumni Association and External Affairs colleagues such as Regional Alumni Communication Managers, , Leadership Annual Giving Officers, college/unit fundraisers, prospect research and the Office of External Affairs Events and Programs to include the identification of potential donation and/or engagement opportunities with alumni and constituents, and determining and coordinating appropriate engagement-focused events.
Contributes to External Affairs by fostering and exhibiting teamwork, participates on internal committees/workgroups as appropriate, performs other duties as assigned.
Completes special projects and performs other duties as assigned.