What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Campaigns position at Wayne State College?
Job Title
Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Campaigns
Nature of Work
The Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Campaigns is a key leadership position within the Wayne State Foundation, responsible for fostering meaningful relationships with alumni, leading annual giving efforts, and overseeing marketing and communication strategies to enhance engagement and philanthropic support.
Responsibilities
- Alumni Relations:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy to deepen connections with Wayne State College alumni.
- Plan and execute alumni events, including WSC Homecoming alumni events, alumni reunions, regional gatherings, and virtual networking opportunities.
- Collaborate with campus partners to create meaningful ways for alumni to engage with current students, faculty, and the broader college community.
- Oversee the Outstanding Alumni Awards program, 10 Under 10 Young Alumni Awards program, and other alumni recognition initiatives.
- Build and maintain relationships with alumni, encouraging active involvement in foundation activities.
- Annual Campaigns:
- Lead the planning and execution of annual giving campaigns (i.e., Phonathon and Giving Day), using direct mail, phone program, email, and digital strategies.
- Hire, train, and supervise a team of student workers involved in the phonathon campaign.
- Analyze giving trends and donor behavior to develop data-informed fundraising strategies.
- Collaborate with development staff to create targeted solicitations for various donor segments, including alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of the college.
- Track and report on annual giving progress, ensuring alignment with the Foundation's fundraising goals.
- Marketing and Communications:
- Develop and execute a marketing plan to support alumni engagement and fundraising initiatives.
- Manage the creation of print and digital materials, including alumni magazines, e-newsletters, social media content, email campaigns, and the Foundation's website pages.
- Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all Foundation communication channels.
- Collaborate with college marketing staff to align alumni relations and fundraising efforts with institutional priorities.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, business, or a related field.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to build and sustain relationships.
- Strategic thinker with a collaborative approach to problem-solving and teamwork.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in higher education or non-profit organizations.
- Experience in alumni relations, annual giving, or related fields is preferred.
- Knowledge of fundraising principles and best practices.
- Familiarity with Wayne State College's mission, history, and alumni community.
- Demonstrated success in planning and executing events, managing campaigns, and producing marketing materials.
- Experience using donor databases, email marketing platforms, and social media tools.
