Director of Alumni Relations

Director of Alumni Relations

WPU0055317

WPU provides a culture that fosters an energized team environment, builds on our strengths, promotes creativity and innovation, and encourages respect and open communication. We value our faculty and staff. We know they are important and vital to the growth of our university and culture. Senior leadership is personally dedicated to the professional growth and development of each employee. We want to help you build your career, while ensuring you have great work-life balance and flexibility.

We teach our students the skills needed for ethical citizenship, not just in the classroom, but by example. We believe in giving back to our community, and our employees take pride in working at William Peace University.

Office of Advancement

The Office of Advancement at William Peace University exists to connect alumni and friends to advance the mission of William Peace University. We are responsible for alumni engagement, creating and sustaining community partnerships, friend-raising and fundraising for annual (operating), capital, and endowment campaigns. Our vision is to cultivate a philanthropic culture among our alumni and friends, fostering pathways of support for WPU to provide vibrant learning experiences for our students.

The Director of Alumni Relations is responsible for managing and growing relationships with alumni, enhancing their ongoing connection to the University. The Director will implement engagement strategies, organize alumni events, and provide opportunities for alumni to contribute to the life and success of the University through volunteering, mentoring, and philanthropic support.

Location: | On-campus, in-person with occasional remote work opportunities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Reporting to Vice President for Advancement, the individual holding this position is responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy in collaboration with the University Advancement team.
• Strengthen relationships with alumni through local, regional, and national engagement opportunities, including volunteer leadership roles.
• Oversee the alumni ambassador program to increase engagement and retention.
• Guide the Alumni Board in fulfilling its strategic mission, recruiting new members, scheduling meetings, and executing outreach and fundraising strategies.
• Organize alumni regional clubs and programs for young alumni
• Develop and execute Alumni reunions, and special reunions, including engagement with reunion classes
• Foster alumni support for specific University departments to increase designated area giving.
• Collaborate with the Senior Class executive officers to launch the senior class gift and other student engagement/giving programs.
• Partner with Admissions to involve alumni in student recruitment, including legacy admissions.
• Foster relationships with various University constituencies, ensuring alumni support is acknowledged and celebrated.
• Supervise alumni-sponsored scholarships and awards programs, including nominations, selection, research, and recognition.
• Contribute to the production of alumni communications and publications to engage alumni with the University’s activities.
• Foster volunteerism among alumni, especially focusing on engaging young alumni in leadership and volunteer roles.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• May supervise and direct student workers/interns. Supervisory responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; evaluating performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints; and resolving problems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability needed in order to perform the duties of the position, including the ability to retain on the job learned skills and abilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with a broad range of internal and external constituents including faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents, donors, volunteers, and friends of the University
• Demonstrate diplomatic, professional, courteous and perceptive interpersonal skills; display discretion in dealing with sensitive, confidential issues
• Outstanding planning and organizational skills with the ability to multi-task as well as work independently and collaboratively, managing multiple projects on deadline
• Demonstrated success in recruiting, guiding and motivating volunteers individually and in groups; ability to establish cooperative, effective working relationships
• Highly organized, self-starter with good interpersonal, problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to work with key, senior level constituents including senior level administration and donors
• Understanding of database management, gift processing, and donor relations
• Demonstrated analytical and fundraising skills with the ability to recognize opportunities, identify critical, high pay-off activities and prioritize them to attain goals
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills
• Ability to travel and work a flexible schedule as weekend and evening work is required
• Thorough knowledge of advancement operations, with exceptional experience in managing an overall alumni relations and annual giving program

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to detect and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids; close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to move and transport 5 pounds regularly and up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to operate office equipment such as a calculator, computer, copy machine, printer, etc.
• Ability to communicate in audible tones so that others understand clearly, adjusting volume and pace as required.
• Frequently is required to move and remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Must be able to drive or secure transportation for occasional travel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While a hybrid work schedule may be available on occasion, most work will be done on-site and in-person as business needs dictate.
• The noise level in the work environment is typical of an office environment. The position experiences regular interruptions.

QUALIFICATIONS Candidates who apply within established recruitment dates are required to meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for employment. Minimum qualifications are the absolute smallest amount of experience and education that provide the ability to determine if the candidate could potentially perform well in the position. Preferred are the qualifications that enable a candidate to potentially excel in the position.
Minimum Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and five years of experience in alumni relations, Advancement, or another relevant field. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Must have excellent analytical and communication skills including the ability to build relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree.
• Experience in a higher education environment
• Experience using CRM or donor database systems.
• Leadership/Supervisory experience
• Experience developing Alumni programming

40 hours/12-month duration

03/06/2025

03/20/2025