Reporting to the President of the University, the Director of Alumni Engagement (DAE) will help advance the mission of Coker University by providing leadership and strategic direction for a comprehensive, vibrant and sustainable alumni and parent engagement program. The DAE is charged with working with the President of Coker University and the Advancement Team to actively involve alumni in the life of the university and develop mutually beneficial relationships between the university and its graduates. In order to achieve this, the DAE needs to be a highly successful collaborator, facilitator, communicator and implementer – working with colleagues in the advancement services division; the communications and marketing division; and other campus departments, faculty, staff and students to celebrate the history of the university, develop and execute engagement opportunities, and foster a culture of philanthropy.

The DAE will take the lead in the development and execution of alumni programs, university and stewardship events, and effective volunteer management; creating alumni communications across multiple channels; and developing long-lasting relationships on behalf of the university.

Responsibilities:

• Work with the advancement office and Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to develop a dynamic strategic plan that focuses alumni engagement on philanthropic and mission-driven programming.
• Develop and lead all alumni, parent and donor marketing, outreach and stewardship activities to increase connectivity and engagement with the university.
• Establish and develop relationship opportunities with alumni, parents and friends that help achieve the strategic objectives of Institutional Advancement and the university.
• Work with appropriate offices in order to oversee the execution of an annual communications plan, which includes direct, and electronic mail, alumni e-newsletter, web and social media to leverage and foster volunteerism, improve event attendance, and increase participation.
• Oversee the development and execution of alumni programming, special events and award ceremonies, including Homecoming and Alumni Reunions, and other signature events.
• Conducts and organizes Alumni Association Board meetings, including volunteer growth and advancing the strategic priorities of Institutional Advancement and the university.
• Work collaboratively with all members of the Advancement Team to promote fundraising initiatives among all constituencies, identify and cultivate prospective supporters of the Coker University Annual Scholarship Fund and other gifts programs.
• Personally solicit gifts from the alumni board and develop a successful student philanthropy program.
• Maintain a portfolio of 30-50 face-to-face solicitations at the Coker Society level.
• Work in conjunction with the President and other members of ELT to build, nurture and expand relationships with the University’’s alumni and parents through personal visits, events, telephone calls, written and e-communications.
• Develop and manage the annual budget for the Office of Alumni Engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Ability

• Demonstrated successful experience in alumni and parent programming and volunteer management required.
• Superior management, organization, and planning skills.
• Successful track record of data-driven alumni and parent program development, implementation, and assessment.
• Experience working with diverse constituent groups.
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking, capacity to listen, ability to interface with staff and volunteers in a collaborative manner, ability to initiate and maintain relationships with a broad range of internal and external constituents including faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents, friends of the university and community members.
• Customer service oriented.
• Experience with technological tools and platforms used in advancement such as CRM, social media, and volunteer management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and solve problems.
• Exceptional integrity, mature judgment, ability to handle confidential information, and successfully navigate sensitive situations.
• Proven ability to work successfully both independently and in partnership with a wide array of internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and work collaboratively to create, support and allocate resources to advance priorities.
• Previous supervisory experience.
• Positive attitude with creative mindset and take-charge initiative.
• Willingness and ability to travel; possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Some weekend and evening work required.
• Supervise student workers and volunteers
• Travel, weekend and evening hours as necessary for alumni activities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Higher Education experience

To apply, send a resume and cover letter to [email protected] and complete the Coker University Employment Application. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.