Job Summary:

The Assistant Director for Regional Engagement energizes SMU’s base through the expert management and implementation of engagement events and experiences for alumni, parents and friends in key cities across the nation.

As part of the Annual Giving and Alumni Relations (AGAR) team reporting to the Director of Alumni Relations, the Assistant Director manages a core group of regional volunteer leaders and collaborates with SMU colleagues to design and execute annual comprehensive, constituent-centric regional strategies that will advance SMU’s overall philanthropic and engagement goals in preparation for its upcoming comprehensive campaign.

The Assistant Director role is goal-oriented and metrics-driven, engaging in partnerships with SMU colleagues and volunteers to optimize regional alumni content and connections with the goal of strengthening the SMU brand for events and programs to increase alumni & parent involvement & evangelism.

Essential Functions:

• Collaborate with internal & external stakeholders including chapter leadership, board members, DEA colleagues and other volunteers to develop, orchestrate and execute a uniquely specific regional engagement plan, resulting in the coordination of at least six events/experiences in a minimum of eight key regions, annually aimed at engagement/connections, giving, volunteer-ism & social networking for alumni, parents, incoming students and friends. Collaborate with Marketing colleagues for comprehensive event promotion and execution: developing invitations/marketing content, overseeing registration and reporting progress to key stakeholders. Remotely facilitate all event logistics, including contracts, vendor management, and event execution as needed.
• Identify, recruit, manage, train, retain and steward a core group of volunteer leaders in 8-10 key cities, nationwide. Set strategy and engage in regular communication to set annual timelines, expectations, deadlines and incentives. Provide regular resources and support, track progress and results against goals, and make data-driven suggestions to optimize future experiences. Coordinate with University colleagues who manage volunteers to ensure consistency of volunteer experience for all participants and reporting consistencies that promote a progressively deepened commitment for future donor pipeline development and further engagement.
• Optimize events by employing creative ideas in an effort to increase attendance and engagement from regional prospects in advance of a comprehensive campaign. In regular collaboration with DEA and SMU school and unit colleagues, identify and coordinate compelling opportunities that would elevate annual event experiences for target cities by providing value to attendees.
• Manage and execute a system for ensuring appropriate, strategic follow-up with event attendees and regional volunteers after each regional experience, to assist with pipeline development and constituent cultivation that may involve digital re-targeting, fundraiser qualification, or donor migration tactics. Maintain appropriate volunteer and event engagement records in SMU’s central database to facilitate tracking alumni engagement as an important metric for distribution to SMU stakeholders.
• Facilitate additional alumni engagement events on behalf of schools and units, in an effort to build cross-campus relationships, create consistency of constituents’ experience nationwide and advance the priorities and objectives of schools in light of an upcoming comprehensive campaign.
• Manage the programs’ budget to achieve the goal of building signature cost-effective alumni and parent engagement experiences that will inspire increased engagement from our base resulting in financial support for the University. Oversee expenses and revenue for all programs and initiatives and ensure that all financial accounting, reimbursement requests and credit card statements are reconciled on a monthly and annual basis in coordination with team staff support.
• Position may require weekend or evening work to accommodate volunteer and event needs.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in business, marketing or communications, with emphasis on project management.
• A minimum of two years of work experience in fundraising, marketing, communications, project management or volunteer management experience is required. Experience managing or working with volunteers in a professional setting is also required.
• Experience with managing volunteers, clients or constituents across multiple geographic areas is strongly preferred. Experience with boards or high level volunteers is highly desirable.
• Professional non-profit work experience is a plus.
• Experience with managing event logistics is preferred. Experience managing a budget is desirable.
• Experience with marketing or engaging constituents through social media platforms is highly desirable. Knowledge of SMU traditions and culture a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Candidate must possess strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to successfully work with a wide range of stakeholders. Must also demonstrate evidence of success in cultivating and maintaining collaborative relationships. Strong written communication skills with ability to produce error-free written communications are essential. Position works with a broad variety of constituents where attention to detail, confidentiality and professionalism is of utmost necessity.
• Candidate must possess strong organizational, planning and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects at a time. Must also demonstrate the ability to work in a fast-paced deadline driven environment and thrive in a team environment. Strong project management skills and experience are essential.
• Candidate must have strong analytical and strategic skills to effectively manage marketing campaigns as part of the overall strategic direct marketing plan. Strong problem solving skills with the ability to identify, analyze problems and devise solutions are essential.
• Candidate must possess a high level of Microsoft Office Suite experience, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Working knowledge of CRM (preferably Blackbaud Enterprise) or content management database software is also required.
• Some social media or web design experience is preferred. Willingness to learn new online tools and database programs as needed, required. Experience with project management systems is strongly preferred as is knowledge with web conferencing methods (i.e., Skype, Go To Meeting, etc.)

Physical/Environmental Demands:

• Bend, squat, stand
• Walk for long distances
• Reach above shoulders
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Carry/lift 25 lbs.
• Kneel
• Sit for long periods of time

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, [email protected].