Purpose of Job

The Director of Alumni Affairs (DAA) is a member of the Division of Institutional Advancement (DIA) team and is responsible for managing the Office of Alumni Affairs (OAA) by developing and implementing a comprehensive engagement program designed to provide meaningful opportunities for volunteerism, service, personal and professional development, and events and programs for alumni to enhance loyalty, dedication, and support for Alcorn State University.

Scope of Responsibilities

He/she is supervised by the Vice President for Institutional Advancement while effectively administrating the alumni affairs office, which includes overseeing the planning and execution of initiatives and programs that enhance alumni engagement and cultivate connections. The Director of Alumni Affairs facilitates the growth of the student pre-alumni association fostering student philanthropy, student engagement, and student-alumni connections. The DAA develops and maintains cooperative and collaborative relationships and programs across the University, such as Admissions, Career Services, Parent and Family Programs, Athletics, Student Affairs, and academic schools and departments. The Director of Alumni Affairs oversees the production and distribution of ASU National Alumni Association, Inc. (ASUNAA) and university news and information, online content on social media platforms directed to alumni, and serves on the University Homecoming Committee.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides administrative management and oversight of the Office of Alumni Affairs
• Administers the liaison relationship between the University and the ASU National Alumni Association, Inc. and ASU National Alumni Association Foundation, Inc. board of directors and respective committees, and other partners and committees to plan and execute the vision and strategy of the University related to alumni engagement.
• Engages alumni in the life of the University through consistent and positive communication using electronic, digital media, print, and social media (ASU Magazine, Brave Beat newsletter, etc.),
• Provides exceptional customer service and meaningful opportunities for volunteerism, service, personal and professional development, and events and programs.
• Manages the student and young alumni engagement plans to build life-long connection and facilitate continued engagement and support for the University.
• Develops and manages an effective volunteer management system that supports the objective of engaging alumni in meaningful volunteer opportunities and serving as a source for alumni talent and resources for students, faculty, and staff.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships and programs with University units, including Admissions, Career Services, Parent and Family Programs, Athletics, Student Affairs, and academic schools and departments.
• Meets the needs of all constituencies during Homecoming/Alumni Reunion by serving on the committee that plans and executes relevant activities for alumni, students, faculty, staff, and the community.
• Develops and executes plans and activities for alumni affinity groups (academic, special interest, professional affiliations, etc.), identifies and cultivates volunteer leadership, develops strategies for the success of each group, and supports their events and activities.
• Develops and executes promotional events and partnerships (Zoo Day, alumni nights with Professional sports teams, etc.) that raise the visibility of the University and the Alumni Association among constituents across the country.
• Identify and launch loyalty programs providing a benefit or service to alumni to cultivate volunteers and donors and generate income for alumni association programming.
• Oversee an alumni travel program to promote and encourage involvement with the University.
• Oversee the selection and distribution of several alumni association scholarship awards and awards that recognize outstanding alumni achievements.
• Works with the Manager of Advancement Services to ensure alumni records are current to help locate and connect with them.
• Manages the Alumni House Bed & Breakfast and Hall of Honor.
• Facilitates a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
• Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed by the supervisor.
• Contributes to the overall success of the Office of Alumni Affairs by working on special projects and performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree preferably in a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum: Seven years of progressively responsible work experience in the successful management of public relations, communications, alumni relations, marketing, or related efforts.
• Supervisory experience.
• Preferred: Work experience in advancement and alumni relations operations and issues.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, abilities and skills may be considered.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Superior interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Able to work successfully in a high volume, deadline-driven environment
• Knowledge of the principles, concepts, practices, methods, and techniques of an administrative, managerial, or professional field such as business administration, human resources, social sciences, communications, or education.