Director of Alumni Affairs

Description

The Director of Alumni Affairs gives direction and leadership to the Alumni/Church Relations area. He/she is responsible for the strategies and programming that guides both alumni and church relations. A key member of the Advancement team, the director seeks to serve all alumni and to bring them into a closer relationship with Greenville University through personal contact, programming, events, social media and other avenues as appropriate. The director also manages programming to connect current students to philanthropy and their role as “almost alumni”. As a key leader in connecting Greenville University to the Free Methodist denomination, the director will grow and maintain relationships with the church locally, regionally, and nationally. The director will also cultivate relationships with key churches outside the denomination.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Management

· In collaboration with the VP and the alumni relations team, develops strategies based on best practice to build relationships with all segments of the alumni population to increase both connections to the University and financial support;

· Develops and implements a strategic program of alumni involvement in key university priorities including student recruitment, career placement, advocacy and fundraising; 

· Serves as the primary liaison and support to the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Alumni Ambassadors, working with them to expand messaging, connections and philanthropy across the entire alumni base;

· Enhances and maintains church relations, including involvement in annual and general conferences of the Free Methodist Church of North America, and involvement in local and key churches; 

· Supervises staff, student/part-time workers on a regular basis, as well as alumni and student volunteers on specific projects;

· Leads a team to plan and implement homecoming and reunion programs;

· Conducts regional alumni events/chapters as warranted; 

· Makes presentations in churches, events and other gatherings as appropriate;

· Oversees implementation of accurate and timely alumni social media and web information;

· Responsible for ensuring a strong outreach to current students, educating them on philanthropy and their role as “almost alumni.”

Leadership

· Participates in special events on campus requiring Alumni representation;

· Participates in a leadership role in the Advancement Office;

· Represents the University in the absence of the President, VP or AVP for Advancement;

· Actively seeks out opportunities to be involved in the community; acts as an ambassador for philanthropy;

· Maintains and enhances the credibility of Greenville University;

· Performs other related duties as assigned.

· Travels to represent the University as needed;

· Assists in Advancement activities as needed.

Requirements

FAITH: Commitment to Christ and the Christian ideals of Greenville University, including all aspects of the Growing and Learning Together Lifestyle Statement. This position is expected to follow the lifestyle guidelines outlined in that statement.

SKILLS: 

· Demonstrated leadership and management skills

· Strong relationship building skills

· Exceptional verbal and written communications skills

· Energetic, strategic and dedicated to excellence

· Proficient in Microsoft Office product use

· Familiarity use of relational databases required; Raiser’s Edge or similar CRM experience preferred

· Familiarity with Advancement practices strongly preferred

MANNER: Able to not only accomplish the tasks and goals of the job, but to do it in a manner that edifies teammates, colleagues, and associates. Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to the philosophy of Christian liberal arts education as expressed historically and presently at Greenville University, and as advanced by university’s sponsoring denomination, the Free Methodist Church.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Master’s degree preferred. 3-5 years of higher education or related experience preferred. Greenville University graduate strongly preferred.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. 

Greenville University's Mission: 

Greenville University is liberal arts University that empowers students for lives of character and service through a transforming Christ-centered education. Our hiring practices reflect our commitment to be a Christ-centered institution. 

GREENVILLE UNIVERSITY: The university is located 50 miles east of St. Louis in an attractive residential community