What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of Alumni Relations (2 Positions) position at The University of Vermont Foundation?
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT FOUNDATION
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Updated: 12/3/2024
JOB TITE: Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
Two open positions: please indicate in cover letter a preference between:
Liaison to Rubenstein School of Environment & Natural Resources and College of Education & Social Services, or
Liaison to Athletics and College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (CALS)
REPORTS TO: UVM Foundation Assistant Vice President and Executive Director of Alumni Relations
EXPECTED SALARY RANGE: $55,000 – 65,000K; plus, the UVM Foundation’s progressive benefits package, which includes: a comprehensive health plan; dental, vision, and life insurance; a robust paid time off package; a 403(b) plan with immediate vesting and contributions; and tuition remission.
EFFECTIVE DATE: February 15, 2025, or a negotiated date agreed upon by both parties.
FTE: Full-Time
LOCATION: Burlington, Vermont
JOB-TYPE/HOURS: On-site. A limited hybrid arrangement may be possible, but frequent in-person presence will be required. This position will also require occasional work outside of standard business days and hours.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Assistant Director for Alumni Relations is responsible for strengthening and sustaining the long-term involvement of University alumni, friends, and donors in the life of the University. The specific focus of the role will be the oversight and management of partnerships between the UVM Foundation and the UVM campus, with a particular emphasis on alumni and donor engagement within partner schools. These unit-based engagement opportunities will strengthen relationships in ways that encourage alumni to give back through their time, talent, and treasure.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
70% Alumni Engagement: Work in collaboration with campus partners to identify and implement engagement opportunities that connect alumni with current and future students in ways that advance the University's and Foundation’s strategic priorities.
40% Strategic Relationship-Building
Develop programs and coordinate initiatives that increase alumni engagement (including but not limited to: alumni volunteerism, mentorship, and philanthropy as well as student engagement);
Establish and cultivate faculty relationships to identify and act upon alumni engagement opportunities with the school/college;
Foster positive relationships with alumni of the school or college and increase their awareness of the college’s work.
15% Philanthropic Opportunity-Building
Assist development partners, Deans, and faculty with identifying philanthropic priorities of the school or college;
Support growth in the donor pipeline through collaboration on college events and initiatives that increase donor retention, acquisition, and stewardship.
15% Documentation & Record Keeping
Document quantitative (numbers) and qualitative (stories) engagement data that has the potential to lead to further and future philanthropic engagement;
Utilize technology and data analytics to strategically focus resources for the greatest return;
Ensure that data and documentation is shared between the school or college and the Foundation.
25% Volunteer Management: As assigned, partner with Deans of schools to help identify, track, and engage with volunteers that serve as advisors to the Dean (currently known as School and College advisory boards).
5% Other duties as assigned.
Specific performance standards will be captured as metrics in an annual business plan.
DESIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES
Self-starter with the ability and desire to achieve a high level of productivity and success and to consistently seek new opportunities to learn and grow.
Effective problem-solver, able to flexibly adapt in a complex environment.
Collaborator and team-player, with a track record of working effectively with others toward common goals.
Connector with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Skilled relationship manager, with experience in volunteer management, group leadership, sales, or similar customer relations settings.
Champion for the mission and purpose of higher education, and the ability to talk with others about your passion.
Effective communicator with the ability to present oneself professionally.
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, combined with the ability to meaningfully apply those principles to strategy development and implementation.
Ability to travel locally/regionally and embrace occasional evening and weekend work/events - a valid driver’s license is required.
PREFERRED SKILLS & ABILITIES
Exceptional data-management skills including a working knowledge of Microsoft Excel is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated achievement in volunteer management and/or event management.
Proven success in developing engagement strategies that lead to further investment and involvement.
Computer knowledge to include familiarity with databases, social media, and other IT systems.
MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Professional or volunteer experience in program or event planning, preferably in higher education, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
SCHOOL/COLLEGE LIAISON ROLE
Each of our Assistant Directors works in partnership with a specific school/college or department (or more than one). The Assistant Director in this role will either work with work with the College of Education & Social Services and the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural resources; or with Athletics and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS).
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES
The College of Education and Social Services (CESS) enrolls 700 undergraduate students and 400 graduate students. The College is made up of three academic departments (i.e., Education, Social Work, and Counseling, Human Development, and Family Science) and two outreach centers (i.e., Center on Disability and Community Inclusion, and the Child Welfare Training Partnership). We prepare outstanding professionals in the fields of Pk-12 education, higher education and student affairs, social work, counseling, and human development who are dedicated to transforming education and social systems and hold key roles in Vermont, the nation, and the world. Their preparation includes multiple opportunities to work directly with children and youth, families, UVM students and administrators, and community partners, as well as opportunities to integrate international experiences into our CESS programs. Our commitment to excellence is evidenced through nationally accredited and highly ranked academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, nationally and internationally recognized faculty research and scholarship activity, and our on-the-ground work with state and federal agencies, schools and districts, community-based organizations, and higher education settings. Our alumni have high rates of employment and graduate school attendance, and are recognized throughout the country for their professional and leadership skills in teaching, social work, counseling, higher education, human services, and more.
RUBENSTEIN SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES
The Rubenstein School was founded in 1973 and is celebrating its 50 th anniversary at UVM. It is home to approximately 1,000 undergraduates, 130 full and part-time Master’s and Ph.D. students, 15 post-doctoral associates, 50 full-time faculty members and over 6000 alumni. The School has an annual budget of approximately $20 million with an additional $12 million in research grant funding.
The Rubenstein School’s academic programs and research are interdisciplinary, spanning the natural and social sciences. With a focus on environmental sustainability, justice, and experiential learning, the School attracts students looking to create equitable solutions to complex environmental problems. The School offers undergraduate programs in Environmental Sciences; Forestry; Parks, Recreation and Tourism; Sustainability, Ecology and Policy; and Wildlife and Fisheries Biology. It has M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Natural Resources; an MPS in Leadership for Sustainability; and a Ph.D. in Transdisciplinary Leadership and Creativity for Sustainability. Faculty, staff, and students work and learn in pursuit of a shared mission question: How can the Rubenstein School unleash empathy, passion, innovation, and creativity to heal and radically change human-environment systems in a just, equitable, and ecological direction?
ATHLETICS
The intercollegiate athletics program at the University of Vermont facilitates the personal growth and education of student-athletes through their participation in a comprehensive program of NCAA Division I sports. As an integral part of the university, the intercollegiate athletics program actively promotes equity and diversity, fosters the pursuit of academic and athletic excellence, and provides community enrichment. Through sustained competitive accomplishments and the excitement and festivities accompanying athletic events, the intercollegiate athletics program builds pride and esprit de corps, uniting our campus, alumni, friends, and the citizens of the great state of Vermont.
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE & LIFE SCIENCES
CALS students consider a "planetary health" approach, understanding that the health of people, communities, animals, plants, and ecosystems are linked. Their studies span a diverse spectrum and can encompass veterinary, animal, and plant sciences, as well as biological, microbiological, molecular, and biochemical sciences. They explore sustainable agriculture, food systems, and nutrition alongside the social sciences of agroecology, economics, and community development. Public communication skills are honed, empowering our students to build more just societies and create impacts that will lead to a better future for all.
UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT FOUNDATION
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Updated: 12/3/2024
JOB TITE: Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
Two open positions: please indicate in cover letter a preference between:
Liaison to Rubenstein School of Environment & Natural Resources and College of Education & Social Services, or
Liaison to Athletics and College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (CALS)
REPORTS TO: UVM Foundation Assistant Vice President and Executive Director of Alumni Relations
EXPECTED SALARY RANGE: $55,000 – 65,000K; plus, the UVM Foundation’s progressive benefits package, which includes: a comprehensive health plan; dental, vision, and life insurance; a robust paid time off package; a 403(b) plan with immediate vesting and contributions; and tuition remission.
EFFECTIVE DATE: February 15, 2025, or a negotiated date agreed upon by both parties.
FTE: Full-Time
LOCATION: Burlington, Vermont
JOB-TYPE/HOURS: On-site. A limited hybrid arrangement may be possible, but frequent in-person presence will be required. This position will also require occasional work outside of standard business days and hours.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Assistant Director for Alumni Relations is responsible for strengthening and sustaining the long-term involvement of University alumni, friends, and donors in the life of the University. The specific focus of the role will be the oversight and management of partnerships between the UVM Foundation and the UVM campus, with a particular emphasis on alumni and donor engagement within partner schools. These unit-based engagement opportunities will strengthen relationships in ways that encourage alumni to give back through their time, talent, and treasure.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
70% Alumni Engagement: Work in collaboration with campus partners to identify and implement engagement opportunities that connect alumni with current and future students in ways that advance the University's and Foundation’s strategic priorities.
40% Strategic Relationship-Building
Develop programs and coordinate initiatives that increase alumni engagement (including but not limited to: alumni volunteerism, mentorship, and philanthropy as well as student engagement);
Establish and cultivate faculty relationships to identify and act upon alumni engagement opportunities with the school/college;
Foster positive relationships with alumni of the school or college and increase their awareness of the college’s work.
15% Philanthropic Opportunity-Building
Assist development partners, Deans, and faculty with identifying philanthropic priorities of the school or college;
Support growth in the donor pipeline through collaboration on college events and initiatives that increase donor retention, acquisition, and stewardship.
15% Documentation & Record Keeping
Document quantitative (numbers) and qualitative (stories) engagement data that has the potential to lead to further and future philanthropic engagement;
Utilize technology and data analytics to strategically focus resources for the greatest return;
Ensure that data and documentation is shared between the school or college and the Foundation.
25% Volunteer Management: As assigned, partner with Deans of schools to help identify, track, and engage with volunteers that serve as advisors to the Dean (currently known as School and College advisory boards).
5% Other duties as assigned.
Specific performance standards will be captured as metrics in an annual business plan.
DESIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES
Self-starter with the ability and desire to achieve a high level of productivity and success and to consistently seek new opportunities to learn and grow.
Effective problem-solver, able to flexibly adapt in a complex environment.
Collaborator and team-player, with a track record of working effectively with others toward common goals.
Connector with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Skilled relationship manager, with experience in volunteer management, group leadership, sales, or similar customer relations settings.
Champion for the mission and purpose of higher education, and the ability to talk with others about your passion.
Effective communicator with the ability to present oneself professionally.
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, combined with the ability to meaningfully apply those principles to strategy development and implementation.
Ability to travel locally/regionally and embrace occasional evening and weekend work/events - a valid driver’s license is required.
PREFERRED SKILLS & ABILITIES
Exceptional data-management skills including a working knowledge of Microsoft Excel is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated achievement in volunteer management and/or event management.
Proven success in developing engagement strategies that lead to further investment and involvement.
Computer knowledge to include familiarity with databases, social media, and other IT systems.
MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Professional or volunteer experience in program or event planning, preferably in higher education, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
SCHOOL/COLLEGE LIAISON ROLE
Each of our Assistant Directors works in partnership with a specific school/college or department (or more than one). The Assistant Director in this role will either work with work with the College of Education & Social Services and the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural resources; or with Athletics and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS).
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES
The College of Education and Social Services (CESS) enrolls 700 undergraduate students and 400 graduate students. The College is made up of three academic departments (i.e., Education, Social Work, and Counseling, Human Development, and Family Science) and two outreach centers (i.e., Center on Disability and Community Inclusion, and the Child Welfare Training Partnership). We prepare outstanding professionals in the fields of Pk-12 education, higher education and student affairs, social work, counseling, and human development who are dedicated to transforming education and social systems and hold key roles in Vermont, the nation, and the world. Their preparation includes multiple opportunities to work directly with children and youth, families, UVM students and administrators, and community partners, as well as opportunities to integrate international experiences into our CESS programs. Our commitment to excellence is evidenced through nationally accredited and highly ranked academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, nationally and internationally recognized faculty research and scholarship activity, and our on-the-ground work with state and federal agencies, schools and districts, community-based organizations, and higher education settings. Our alumni have high rates of employment and graduate school attendance, and are recognized throughout the country for their professional and leadership skills in teaching, social work, counseling, higher education, human services, and more.
RUBENSTEIN SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES
The Rubenstein School was founded in 1973 and is celebrating its 50 th anniversary at UVM. It is home to approximately 1,000 undergraduates, 130 full and part-time Master’s and Ph.D. students, 15 post-doctoral associates, 50 full-time faculty members and over 6000 alumni. The School has an annual budget of approximately $20 million with an additional $12 million in research grant funding.
The Rubenstein School’s academic programs and research are interdisciplinary, spanning the natural and social sciences. With a focus on environmental sustainability, justice, and experiential learning, the School attracts students looking to create equitable solutions to complex environmental problems. The School offers undergraduate programs in Environmental Sciences; Forestry; Parks, Recreation and Tourism; Sustainability, Ecology and Policy; and Wildlife and Fisheries Biology. It has M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Natural Resources; an MPS in Leadership for Sustainability; and a Ph.D. in Transdisciplinary Leadership and Creativity for Sustainability. Faculty, staff, and students work and learn in pursuit of a shared mission question: How can the Rubenstein School unleash empathy, passion, innovation, and creativity to heal and radically change human-environment systems in a just, equitable, and ecological direction?
ATHLETICS
The intercollegiate athletics program at the University of Vermont facilitates the personal growth and education of student-athletes through their participation in a comprehensive program of NCAA Division I sports. As an integral part of the university, the intercollegiate athletics program actively promotes equity and diversity, fosters the pursuit of academic and athletic excellence, and provides community enrichment. Through sustained competitive accomplishments and the excitement and festivities accompanying athletic events, the intercollegiate athletics program builds pride and esprit de corps, uniting our campus, alumni, friends, and the citizens of the great state of Vermont.
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE & LIFE SCIENCES
CALS students consider a "planetary health" approach, understanding that the health of people, communities, animals, plants, and ecosystems are linked. Their studies span a diverse spectrum and can encompass veterinary, animal, and plant sciences, as well as biological, microbiological, molecular, and biochemical sciences. They explore sustainable agriculture, food systems, and nutrition alongside the social sciences of agroecology, economics, and community development. Public communication skills are honed, empowering our students to build more just societies and create impacts that will lead to a better future for all.
Salary : $55,000 - $65,000