JOB SUMMARY:
The Assistant Director for Alumni Relations is responsible for strengthening and sustaining the long-term involvement of University alumni, friends, and donors in the life of the University. The specific focus of the role will be the oversight and management of partnerships between the UVM Foundation and the UVM campus, with a particular emphasis on alumni and donor engagement within partner schools, colleges, or units. These unit-based engagement opportunities will strengthen relationships in ways that encourage alumni to give back through their time, talent, and treasure.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
70% Alumni Engagement: Collaborate with campus partners to identify and implement engagement opportunities that connect alumni with current and future students in ways that advance the University's and Foundation’s strategic priorities.
40% Strategic Relationship-Building
- Plan and execute initiatives that increase alumni engagement (including but not limited to: campus engagement programs, volunteerism, mentorship, and philanthropy);
- Establish and cultivate faculty relationships to identify and act upon alumni engagement opportunities with the school/college;
- Foster positive relationships with alumni of the school or college and increase their awareness of the college’s work.
15% Philanthropic Opportunity-Building
- Assist development partners, Deans, and faculty with identifying philanthropic priorities of the school or college;
- Support growth in the donor pipeline through collaboration on college initiatives that increase donor retention, acquisition, and stewardship.
15% Documentation & Record Keeping
- Document quantitative (numbers) and qualitative (stories) engagement data that has the potential to lead to further and future philanthropic engagement;
- Utilize technology and data analytics to strategically focus resources for the greatest return;
- Ensure that data and documentation is shared between the school or college and the Foundation
25% Volunteer Management: Partner with Deans of schools and colleges to help identify, track, and manage volunteers that serve as advisors to the Dean (currently known as School and College advisory boards).
5% Other duties as assigned
Specific performance standards will be captured as metrics in an annual business plan.
DESIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Self-starter with the ability and desire to achieve a high level of productivity and success and to consistently seek new opportunities to learn and grow.
- Effective problem-solver, able to flexibly adapt in a complex environment.
- Collaborator and team-player, with a track record of working effectively with others toward common goals.
- Connector with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Skilled relationship manager, with experience in volunteer management, group leadership, sales, or similar customer relations settings.
- Champion for the mission and purpose of higher education, and the ability to talk with others about your passion.
- Effective communicator with the ability to present oneself professionally.
- Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, combined with the ability to meaningfully apply those principles to strategy development and implementation.
- Ability to travel locally/regionally and embrace occasional evening and weekend work/events - a valid driver’s license is required.
PREFERRED SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Demonstrated achievement in volunteer management and/or event management.
- Proven success in developing engagement strategies that lead to further investment and involvement.
- Computer knowledge to include familiarity with databases, social media, and other IT systems.
MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Professional or volunteer experience in program or event planning, preferably in higher education, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
SCHOOL/COLLEGE LIAISON ROLE
Each of our Assistant Directors in this role works in partnership with a specific school/college or department (or more than one). This role will work with Athletics and with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS).
The intercollegiate athletics program at the University of Vermont facilitates the personal growth and education of student-athletes through their participation in a comprehensive program of NCAA Division I sports. As an integral part of the university, the intercollegiate athletics program actively promotes equity and diversity, fosters the pursuit of academic and athletic excellence, and provides community enrichment. Through sustained competitive accomplishments and the excitement and festivities accompanying athletic events, the intercollegiate athletics program builds pride and esprit de corps, uniting our campus, alumni, friends, and the citizens of the great state of Vermont.
CALS students consider a "planetary health" approach, understanding that the health of people, communities, animals, plants, and ecosystems are linked. Their studies span a diverse spectrum and can encompass veterinary, animal, and plant sciences, as well as biological, microbiological, molecular, and biochemical sciences. They explore sustainable agriculture, food systems, and nutrition alongside the social sciences of agroecology, economics, and community development. Public communication skills are honed, empowering our students to build more just societies and create impacts that will lead to a better future for all.