Overview

The George Mason University Office of Alumni Relations invites applications for an Associate Director of Alumni Engagement. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the A.V.P. for Alumni Relations this position works collaboratively with alumni program staff, university advancement and Foundation colleagues to develop and increase Alumni Engagement. This position will assess program effectiveness, develop strategy, and cultivate a strong team of staff and volunteer leaders to support the strategic goals of the Office of Alumni Relations. The key responsibilities include engagement strategy, strategic management and execution of all Alumni Relations’ signature events., engagement programming, event communications, university-wide collaboration, and overall alumni relations program assessment.

Principal Duties:

• Manage alumni awards and recognition events, including Celebration of Distinction (annual Alumni Association awards ceremony). Duties include:
  • working with Advancement colleagues and chapters during the selection process;
  • planning and management of the event, including invitations, registration, publicity, vendor coordination, speaking program and VIP coordination.
• Manage all signature Alumni Relations events, including (but not limited to): Homecoming, Alumni Weekend/Fall programming, reunion programs, and professional sporting events;
• Partner with office and university colleagues on university wide events including (but not limited to) Gold Rush and Mason Day;
• Serve as a resource to colleagues in the Office of Alumni Relations when planning non-signature events;
• Manage student worker dedicated to event support;
• Support the implementation and management of alumni relations programs consistent with the University’s strategic mission by growing volunteer networks and providing outreach to alumni;
• Develop strategy for alumni engagement based on long-term effort, life-long engagement, and connection with their alma mater that demonstrates clear mutual benefit of engagement;
• Work with colleagues in Advancement to align investment of time and budget to those efforts that are proving to be most effective in engaging alumni;
• Develop and/or maintain strong working relationships/partnerships with key University stakeholders and unit-based colleagues to maximize resources;
• Maintain knowledge of best practices in alumni relations, alumni engagement, volunteer service and management, metrics and assessment, alumni programming, communication, and philanthropy;
• Meet regularly with volunteers on and off campus and attend Alumni gatherings;
• Develop marketing, communications, and social media plan for all signature events;
• Serve as alumni events liaison on CRM implementation team;
• Develop engagement metrics for events and communications;
• Facilitate quarterly (or more frequent) collaboration sessions between OAR and GMUAA Board of Directors.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent education and experience, with a minimum of 5 years of alumni relations experience, including significant and progressively responsible event planning experience;
• Extensive and proven experience with events management and associated communications, including e-communications, digital, print, social media, and experience with marketing/promotion;
• Extensive experience with iModules and Advance database;
• Proven leadership, organizational planning, high-level sophistication and maturity in social and professional settings;
• Proven ability to work effectively with peers and senior leaders;
• Superior writing, editing and speaking skills and experience with public speaking and developing and delivering presentations;
• Experience in developing and managing resources;
• Experience developing, executing, and evaluating strategy;
• Experience in recruiting, organizing, and motivating teams of volunteers, and the ability to identify and engage prospective volunteers for board committees and chapter leadership;
• Must be flexible to work some evenings and weekends, especially related to alumni chapter and board meetings, alumni events and programs, and relevant University events and programs. Occasional travel is required;
• Appreciation and understanding of the university’s need to foster, maintain and strengthen high-quality individual relationships with alumni;
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively as a leader, as well as a member of a team;
• Entrepreneurial spirit, positive attitude and energy to implement new strategies and meet ambitious goals;
• Understanding of and experience with the operations for Alumni Associations or non-profit membership organizations;
• Ability to thrive in a diverse and fast-paced environment, possess strong analytical and independent decision-making ability, and take initiative and ownership of projects, seeing them through with excellence;
• Ability to manage multi-phase projects from inception to completion, including the ability to build consensus among team members and balance multiple concurrent priorities;
• Excellent computer skills including use of database systems;
• Detailed-oriented with a mind for the broader picture and skilled at resolving issues as they arise;
• Demonstrated ability with strategic thinking and creative problem-solving.