Associate Director of Alumni Relations
Associate Director of Alumni Relations
Alumni chapters exist in multiple cities across the state, country, as well as abroad, and it is within the Office of Alumni Relations. This position reports to the Director of Alumni Relations and is responsible for implementing the strategic vision of the Office of Alumni Relations. Additionally, this position will support the Office of Alumni Relations with other programming and events as needed.
The Associate Director of Alumni Relations will identify recruit, train, and lead alumni chapter volunteers and engagement prospects. This requires regular meetings with chapter leaders and engagement prospects to assist with events planning and coordination and to train chapter leaders of the responsibilities and processes involved with volunteer alumni chapter leadership. The position requires well-developed interpersonal communication skills to effectively adapt communication style to work with volunteer leaders. Regular communication and collaboration with the Division of Development & Alumni Relations’ (DAR) team members is also necessary to further promote engagement programs and events within DAR. The Associate Director will participate in planning events organized by the Office of Alumni Relations and will assist with strategic alumni outreach initiatives.
Special Instructions to Applicants
This position is structured as a permanent position within the Division of Development & Alumni Relations. We are unable to sponsor a work visa for this position.
Minimum Qualifications
Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and/or Competencies
- Critical thinking, strategic planning, and ability to execute tasks at a high level.
- Experience with fundraising or advancement.
- Excellent time management and the ability to prioritize multiple competing priorities.
- Experience in volunteer management and event planning.
- Exemplary communications skills (both written and verbal).
- Commitment to outstanding customer service.
- Ability to motivate, coach, and lead groups and individuals.
- Ability to establish the trust of colleagues and build strong relationships with key faculty/staff.
- Collaborative style combined with the ability and desire to work in a team-based environment
- Creative thinker with ability to receive constructive feedback on ideas.
- Demonstrated computer competency and knowledgeable of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and social media outlets.
- Quick learner, self-starter, and can adapt to a fast paced, multi-faceted, and dynamic organization.
- Ability to articulate a proposal clearly and concisely for a new strategy or solution to a problem so that others can quickly and easily understand.
- Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to university business and confidential donor and prospect information.
- Communicates and employs interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct.
Additional Division Expectations
- Through open, honest, and respectful communication, all staff, supervisors, and colleagues of the Division of Development & Alumni Relations are expected to interact with fairness, compassion, and decency. All employees will be held accountable for meeting the expectation of promoting a stable, productive, and healthy work environment.
- Adherence to CASE standards and commonly accepted industry standards relating to fundraising reporting are expected of all fundraisers. All fundraisers will be held accountable for meeting this expectation.
Physical Demands
- This position potentially has the flexibility of being home-based in Atlanta or Athens
- Work in a standard office environment
- Travel in and out of state
- Work nights and weekends as necessary
- Work using electronic mail, telephone, face-to-face discussions, paper form correspondence
- Communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listening
- Organize and establish priorities; Remember detail; multi-task
- Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
- Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb
Duties/Responsibilities
(50%)
- Manage recruiting, organizing, and training of an active pool of volunteer leaders under strategic management to assist the University of Georgia in maintaining outstanding alumni chapter communities.
- Identify, recruit, and vet top volunteer leaders to lead chapters in DAR priority markets.
- Manage processes for onboarding and transitioning of chapter leaders.
- Oversee and lead chapter leaders in planning a strategic, UGA-focused calendar of events and programs to engage a broad range of alumni.
- Assist chapters in planning and organizing events that engage alumni and support UGA’s mission.
- Manage chapter accounts and program funds.
- Attend chapter programs and meetings as necessary in order to promote positive communication and volunteer support.
- Meet regularly with chapter leaders in person, or virtually, to assess their needs, train, and to communicate important university or departmental updates.
- Interact with chapters through social media outlets and maintain administrative access to all accounts.
- Monitor social media pages.
- Assist with other special regional projects and events as assigned.
- Collaborate with colleagues in the academic units to create opportunities for alumni participation, and partner with development colleagues to plan alumni outreach programs and events.
- Speak publicly about chapters’ structure and programs to board members, alumni, senior campus administrators, or other high-level individuals.
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with colleagues in the Office of Development and other campus partners.
- Attend and serve as an Office of Alumni Relations leader for events as assigned.
(20%)
- Assist in the planning and execution of alumni relations events and programs such as: Alumni Leadership Assembly, Game Watching Parties, Chapter Events, Dawg Day of Giving, Beat Week and other DAR events and programs as needed.
(20%)
- Work collaboratively across with DAR partners to ensure chapter program is successful with events that aim to connect attendees back to UGA. Additionally, will work collaboratively to ensure individual prospects are engaged with campus partners in meaningful ways.
- Provide a monthly Chapter Leader Update and conduct regular conference calls and training sessions.
- Provide updates and marketing strategies for Georgia Magazine, Bulldog Bulletin, and Pulse. Serve on event committees and attend alumni events and programs when needed and as assigned.
- Assist in the oversight, development and creation of models, guidelines, policies, and training materials that reflect alumni relations objectives as needed.
(10%)
- Work collaboratively across all unit functions within the Office of Alumni Relations to ensure all teams can fulfill obligations, meet deadlines, and to consistently maintain business continuity.
- Ensure timely and accurate updates are made in the Giving and Alumni Information Link (GAIL) database, and update colleagues regarding chapter information in a timely manner. (Include contact information, chapter involvement, interactions, and event attendance.)
- Record all chapter event information in GAIL and update all interactions on the shared drive. Post contact information and chapter interactions within 1 business day and copy regional and alumni directors when appropriate.
- Input a summary of meeting notes into GAIL and share notes with appropriate representatives.
- Communicate proactively with regional directors, alumni directors and other UGA representatives on chapter programs, prospect interactions, news, and travel plans.
About the University of Georgia
Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.
About the Division of Development and Alumni Relations
The Division of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Georgia advances the goals, objectives, and priorities of the university by generating private financial support, building, and maintaining relationships with alumni and donors, and assisting students with career development opportunities.
About the Office of Alumni Relations
The UGA Alumni Association advances the academic excellence, interests, and traditions of Georgia’s flagship university by inspiring engagement through relevant programming, enhanced connections, and effective communications.
EEO Policy Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.