SALARY GRADE: 30E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

Under the limited direction of the Senior Director of Alumni Engagement, the Associate Director is responsible for managing engagement and pipeline activities in partnership with Development and Alumni Relations’ gift officers, engaging constituents to develop future donors and increase philanthropy from the constituencies. This position looks for new opportunities to develop those programs and activities while being intentional with a lens of impact and return on investment. The Associate Director will collaborate on an annual communications plan and manage prospects to develop a pipeline of future major gift donors. The Associate Director will make referrals, recruit new volunteers, and plan and execute strategic events in support of the institutional, unit and development and alumni relations short - and long-term strategic plans

This role works to build structured and supported college, departmental, and affinity-based alumni networks to increase alumni-faculty and alumni-student engagement, and to expand collaboration, connection, professional experiences, mentorship, and guidance in support of holistic student success.

The Associate Director exercises autonomy in researching, evaluating, developing, and executing activities designed to support goals through engaging and identifying volunteers, annual donors and future major gift prospects. This position requires an understanding of volunteer management and alumni and constituent engagement in a higher-education environment and involves significant interaction with students, alumni, donors and University leadership, including senior administrators.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and incorporate alumni and constituent engagement strategies, focused on driving the fundraising pipeline as part of an integrated advancement model.
• Successfully implement strategic initiatives and provide ongoing support for college, school and unit-based alumni and constituent engagement activities such as career, industry/professional events, focus groups and athletics strategy   in support of key unit priorities from constituents.
• Assist Development Officers in identifying potential new high net worth donor prospects. Cultivate and steward, those already qualified, high wealth capacity constituents in a targeted and strategic manner so gift officers can ultimately secure gifts.
• Pilot, launch and support new professional affinity groups and activities, developing a pipeline of volunteers from pool of key prospects for filling vacancies when needed, working closely with DAR and unit colleagues on priority prospects.
• Implement post-event protocols including data collection and recording, conducting survey of attendees, follow-up meetings and reports, making referrals for prospects for purposes of prospect identification, cultivation, stewardship and future major gift development.
• Collaborate with DAR’s Marketing Group to develop a strategic communications plan for programs and activities, targeting prospects and major gift donors when possible.
• Integrate engagement platform data into the development of strategic plans to drive professional connections and engagement with colleges and departments.
• Integrate a data-driven approach into program planning and evaluation, as well as volunteer/leader identification and cultivation.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and four years of experience in alumni relations, annual giving, development, volunteer management, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous higher education experience preferred.
• Ability to assess, develop, implement and evaluate comprehensive programs, establishing goals and objectives that translate into annual operating plans and appropriate staff assignments.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously and execute small and large events.
• Ability to work with diverse constituencies from all disciplines including donors, volunteers, alumni, staff, and students.
• Effective oral and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to actively listen while developing and maintaining credibility with colleagues.
• Values opinions and is committed to the success of the team.
• Ability to work effectively with established deadlines. Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with basic computer programs such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures and backgrounds.

Special Requirements:

• Evening and weekend hours, as well as some local and domestic travel, are required.