Assistant Director of Alumni & Family Engagement

Eastern University is recruiting a dynamic and collaborative team player to join our Advancement team as Assistant Director of Alumni & Family Engagement.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Alumni & Family Engagement, the Assistant Director of Alumni & Family Engagement will be responsible for conceptualizing, implementing, and managing programs / initiatives that strategically engage alumni and families, build affinity for Eastern University, and provide tangible benefits to alumni, current students, and their families.

Eastern's current 17-member Advancement Office raises approximately $3 million - $5 million annually and is looking to increase this in the coming years through rant proposals, documented legacy gifts, unrestricted gifts to the annual fund, and strengthening alumni and family engagement. The office has a collegial and collaborative ethos where staff communicate with one another and work together toward common goals. The successful candidate is expected to be a positive addition to the team.

ENGAGEMENT

Provide strong, reliable teamwork with the Senior Director, to professionally develop and oversee coordination of on-campus, local and regional events essential to the University's mission and alumni and family engagement efforts, particularly those regions with large constituency populations.

Develop and foster internal University relationships to support the development of a culture of philanthropy within the Eastern community, and to support the expansion of constituent relationships with Eastern through their time, talent and treasure.

Collaborate with campus partners as necessary to develop and coordinate annual events such as Homecoming, regional receptions and affinity group gatherings.

Increase alumni engagement and exposure by partnering with internal campus partners such as admissions, marketing, colleges / deans, and career services.

Develop and manage virtual alumni and community-building events and programs.

Oversee regional communications and event registrations through use of broadcast email tools, mailings, event registration tools, and social media.

Consistent digital engagement with alumni. In partnership with the Coordinator of Alumni Engagement & Volunteer Management, create and curate content to provide engaging content on our main channels : Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, keeping in mind philanthropic priorities of the University, along with ways to highlight or engage possible prospects through this content.

Further develop and manage class and affinity reunion planning.

Partner with Advancement colleagues on various engagement events and projects as needed.

Communicate attendance information with Advancement colleagues, focusing on both pre and post event communication follow up, along with assisting with prospecting attendees, as needed.

Attend University events that involve alumni, families, and the Alumni Advisory Board.

Some additional out of town travel may be required throughout the year, including evening and weekend work.

Perform other related duties as required. All specific projects or responsibilities are subject to change and may shift at any time due to evolving institutional priorities, staffing transitions, or other reasons.

STRATEGIC AND OPERATIONAL

Ensure all events are consistently executed with the highest level of quality, cost- effectiveness, and overall support for the University's mission and strategic goals.

Collaborate with the Senior Director to develop and execute assessment plans to evaluate the impact of programming and engagement initiatives, recommending and implementing opportunities for growth in the spirit of continuous quality improvement.

Engages in learning best practices and how to redefine said practices, when appropriate, in a changing environment.

Document constituent activities and communications in the University Advancement CRM.

MANAGEMENT

Manages one (1) professional staff member. Set and manage meaningful performance objectives to foster ongoing growth. Document performance and promote professional development opportunities while holding staff accountable to position and performance expectations.

Effectively stewards the departmental budget.

Strategic Thinking

• Keeps the University's strategic objectives in mind when developing and contributing to plans and initiatives for Alumni and Family Philanthropic Engagement. Is able to explain the link between program goals and the University's strategic direction to Advancement.

Change Adaptability

Communication and Networking

Drive for Results

Talent Development

Minimum Requirements :

Bachelor's degree

Three (3) years or more in Alumni and Family engagement, Alumni Relations or relevant professional experience.

Proficient in using relational databases, understanding information management and have hands-on experience with Microsoft Office suite, Excel, and other appropriate electronic resources, along with ability to learn new systems.

Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build, foster, and maintain positive professional relationships with colleagues and other constituencies.

Excellent writing, communication, proofreading, editing, and organizational skills. This is also essential for interaction with University leadership, Advancement staff, support staff, academic leaders, university faculty and staff, alumni, volunteers, prospects, and donors.

Strong organizational and time management skills focused on details and meeting deadlines. Calendar driven.

Proven success at establishing and achieving quantified objectives. Knowledge of best practices of alumni and / or volunteer engagement.

Ability to work independently and as a team, to prioritize work efficiently, and to meet deadlines while maintaining a positive attitude.

Ability to work with a diverse range of individuals in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to be creative, engaging, adaptive, and resilient.

Ability to handle confidential material and situations with sensitivity, tact, and the utmost discretion.

Ability to carry out multiple activities / projects concurrently is expected.

Technology and social media savvy.

Travel is required, along with a willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Strong commitment to cooperative teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with and success in the complex environment of a faith-based university.

Knowledge of the principles of fundraising and relationship cultivation.

The successful candidate embodies values of caring and compassion, justice and integrity, competence and affirmation. S / He will commit to the mission and values of Eastern University and will seek to treat each member of the campus community with fairness, dignity and respect, seeking a spirit of unity and harmony as we join together to achieve our common mission.

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