Southern Methodist University
Director, Alumni Relations
Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, United States, 75215
Job Description - Director, Alumni Relations (DEA00000444)Salary Range:
Salary commensurate with experience and qualificationsAbout SMU:SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact. SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.About the Department:Development and External Affairs (DEA) supports SMU by securing funding for University priorities; by promoting meaningful involvement in the life and work of the University; by heightening international, national, state and local awareness of SMU; and by supporting the enrollment of a diverse and able student body.DEA comprises the offices of Office of the Senior Vice President, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, Development Services, Program Services and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, Principal and Major Gifts, and School and Project Development. SMU continues to leverage the benefits from the largest fundraising campaign in its history to achieve dramatic increases in academic quality and impact.About the Position:This role is an on-campus, in-person position. The Director will oversee the management and execution of a comprehensive alumni engagement plan for 135K+ alumni, orchestrating programs designed to inspire SMU alumni to "go," "give," "help," and "connect" with SMU. Working closely with the Sr. Director, the position cultivates collaborations with University leadership and volunteers to strategically enhance alumni giving and engagement, aligning with SMU's campaign goals. Build and sustain strong processes for program operation and optimization, leading a team that executes more than 100 alumni events annually nationwide.Spearhead quick pivots, as needed, to strategies that support the $50M annual campaign fundraising goal and engagement objectives. Guide four direct reports in planning and executing signature events, including Homecoming, regional chapter events, and campus gatherings. Develop and manage budgets to ensure the successful completion of initiatives.Essential Functions:Manage & optimize overarching alumni strategy for all signature weekend experiences (Homecoming, Founder’s & Commencement), regional chapter/network programs in up to 25 key U.S./international cities, & campus alumni events (incl. all tailgates, signature awards, & reunion activity for 10 classes).Create a holistic marketing vision &, with support of DEA colleagues, build and incorporate each program's marketing plans within the AGAR annual calendar, constantly seeking opportunities to optimize alumni touchpoints.Leverage relationships w/Univ. leaders to integrate experiences from all schools/units into annual plans, as appropriate.Support or lead the execution of other large-scale alumni programs and activity, especially those related to Distinguished Alumni Awards, SMU Giving Day, SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute, etc.Perform all management duties for four employees, incl. leadership and guidance regarding program strategy, setting appropriate engagement and philanthropic goals, and volunteer governance.Monitor, analyze & report on program effectiveness to Board of Trustees, other volunteer leadership, and SMU stakeholders.Oversee and manage alumni relations budgets, setting cost-revenue analysis for paid events.Other duties as assigned.Position will require travel to regional areas in US to oversee alumni events and athletic partnerships. Position will require occasional to seasonally frequent evening and weekend work.Qualifications:Education and Experience:Bachelor’s degree is required. Master's preferred. Degree in Marketing, Communications, Higher Education, Non-Profit Management, desired. A minimum of five years of experience in non-profit development or alumni relations is required. Events management experience and large scale volunteer management are required. Experience in project/process management is also required.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Strong problem-solving skills, organizational, planning and time management skills are essential.Physical and Environmental Demands:Sit for long periods of timeWalk for long distancesReach above shouldersHandle objects (dexterity)Carry/lift 25-50 lbs.Deadline to Apply:The position is open until filled. Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by September 13, 2024.EEO Statement:SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits.
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Salary commensurate with experience and qualificationsAbout SMU:SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact. SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.About the Department:Development and External Affairs (DEA) supports SMU by securing funding for University priorities; by promoting meaningful involvement in the life and work of the University; by heightening international, national, state and local awareness of SMU; and by supporting the enrollment of a diverse and able student body.DEA comprises the offices of Office of the Senior Vice President, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, Development Services, Program Services and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, Principal and Major Gifts, and School and Project Development. SMU continues to leverage the benefits from the largest fundraising campaign in its history to achieve dramatic increases in academic quality and impact.About the Position:This role is an on-campus, in-person position. The Director will oversee the management and execution of a comprehensive alumni engagement plan for 135K+ alumni, orchestrating programs designed to inspire SMU alumni to "go," "give," "help," and "connect" with SMU. Working closely with the Sr. Director, the position cultivates collaborations with University leadership and volunteers to strategically enhance alumni giving and engagement, aligning with SMU's campaign goals. Build and sustain strong processes for program operation and optimization, leading a team that executes more than 100 alumni events annually nationwide.Spearhead quick pivots, as needed, to strategies that support the $50M annual campaign fundraising goal and engagement objectives. Guide four direct reports in planning and executing signature events, including Homecoming, regional chapter events, and campus gatherings. Develop and manage budgets to ensure the successful completion of initiatives.Essential Functions:Manage & optimize overarching alumni strategy for all signature weekend experiences (Homecoming, Founder’s & Commencement), regional chapter/network programs in up to 25 key U.S./international cities, & campus alumni events (incl. all tailgates, signature awards, & reunion activity for 10 classes).Create a holistic marketing vision &, with support of DEA colleagues, build and incorporate each program's marketing plans within the AGAR annual calendar, constantly seeking opportunities to optimize alumni touchpoints.Leverage relationships w/Univ. leaders to integrate experiences from all schools/units into annual plans, as appropriate.Support or lead the execution of other large-scale alumni programs and activity, especially those related to Distinguished Alumni Awards, SMU Giving Day, SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute, etc.Perform all management duties for four employees, incl. leadership and guidance regarding program strategy, setting appropriate engagement and philanthropic goals, and volunteer governance.Monitor, analyze & report on program effectiveness to Board of Trustees, other volunteer leadership, and SMU stakeholders.Oversee and manage alumni relations budgets, setting cost-revenue analysis for paid events.Other duties as assigned.Position will require travel to regional areas in US to oversee alumni events and athletic partnerships. Position will require occasional to seasonally frequent evening and weekend work.Qualifications:Education and Experience:Bachelor’s degree is required. Master's preferred. Degree in Marketing, Communications, Higher Education, Non-Profit Management, desired. A minimum of five years of experience in non-profit development or alumni relations is required. Events management experience and large scale volunteer management are required. Experience in project/process management is also required.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Strong problem-solving skills, organizational, planning and time management skills are essential.Physical and Environmental Demands:Sit for long periods of timeWalk for long distancesReach above shouldersHandle objects (dexterity)Carry/lift 25-50 lbs.Deadline to Apply:The position is open until filled. Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by September 13, 2024.EEO Statement:SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits.
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