Alumni Relations Officer

Alumni Relations Officer

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Alumni Relations Officer at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

JOB PURPOSE

Coordinate, execute and manage alumni programs for an assigned alumni constituency. Implement innovative plans and strategies to engage alumni and donors in meaningful ways, generate affinity, loyalty and enthusiasm for the College and its professional events and programs. Conduct purposeful alumni engagement, donor cultivation, pipeline development and qualification efforts. This position reports to the Director, Alumni Relations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Coordinate and manage alumni engagement programs. Implement innovative plans and strategies to engage alumni and donors in meaningful ways, generate affinity and enthusiasm. Oversee the implementation and promotion of social and academic programs and events.

Create and update the annual operating plan to meet alumni engagement goals and objectives. Build a strong program to increase participation while meeting alumni engagement objectives and data enhancement goals. Coordinate distribution of electronic communications to targeted alumni audience.

Collaborate with the Deans, department/program chairs, gift officers and other divisional and school colleagues to establish and meet alumni engagement goals and objectives. Cultivate and engage prospects in strategic ways. Use planned activities for pipeline development and to identify prospective donors. Use thoughtful communications to cultivate prospective donors and demonstrate the positive impact of alumni and donor involvement.

Work collaboratively across the office of alumni relations team to align strategies, communications, and programming with overall divisional goals. Ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels. Meet regularly to collaborate and review opportunities for partnership.

Prepare project and event budgets. Monitor expenditures to ensure compliance with university policy and procedures.

Remain current with alumni and donor relations trends. Serve as a resource on successful activities, alumni engagement techniques and methods. Perform other related duties as assigned.

WORK CONTEXT

Job

Reports to:

Director.

Leadership Accountability:
Develops strategic plans and interprets policy.

Financial Accountability:
Monitors expenditures.

Customer Accountability:
Interfaces with customers outside the S/C/D.

Freedom to Act:
Operates with significant autonomy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor's degree.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in marketing, public relations, business administration or related field. Knowledge of fundraising software preferred. Reasonable knowledge and understanding of university policies and procedures.

Experience

Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience).

Minimum of two years of experience as a development, marketing, or event management professional. Higher education development or alumni relations experience and prior volunteer management experience preferred.

Experience using social media is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

ANALYTICAL AND PRESENTATION

SKILLS:

Ability to evaluate, interpret, and present complex information effectively in professionally prepared documents or presentations. Must possess a demonstrated attention to detail in order to achieve a high degree of accuracy.

COLLABORATION:

Exhibits a willingness to partner and model partnership with units across the university with integrity and high character to reach unified goals. Possesses the ability to navigate difficult situations with grace and understanding.

COMMUNICATION

SKILLS:

Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally both orally and in writing. Strong interpersonal…