Dakota State University
Senior Director of Alumni Relations
Dakota State University, Madison, South Dakota, United States, 57042
Dakota State University is seeking an outgoing, organized, seasoned events professional, who understands the importance of relationship management and values the small details that make a big difference to event outcomes, to take our alumni and university events to the next level. Working with the development officers, the director will focus on new ways to engage alumni and deliver outstanding experiences for guests.
The Senior Director of Alumni Relations is a strategic professional and creative leader responsible for the overall direction and execution of university special events and alumni gatherings. The Senior Director of Alumni Relations collaborates with the university community in the planning and execution of successful university events by providing key expertise and strategies for events to support key engagement involving alumni, donors, community leaders and VIP guests.
Expectations First 24 Months:
Develop and implement strategies to engage alumni and foster a strong sense of community.
Collaborate with the Director of Annual Giving & Communications to reach the goal of 12% of giving and an overall engagement goal of 24% with a target date of FY 29.
Reestablish the Alumni Association Board or Council and confirm its Mission and Vision.
Develop an Alumni Interview strategy to interview alumni to create bios annually to be posted on the DSU website and LinkedIn.
Leverage the University’s outstanding base of graduate students to establish a highly effective Office of Alumni Relations.
Plan and execute events, programs, and initiatives to connect alumni with the institution.
Develop a Strategic Alumni Awards Program tied to Homecoming.
Develop a road show strategy to leverage away athletic events.
Collaborate with various academic units, career services, and athletics to coordinate alumni outreach efforts and communication.
In collaboration with the Director of Prospect Research & Information Management, maximize the power of the alumni database and track engagement metrics to assess effectiveness of initiatives.
Serve as a liaison between alumni and the institution, representing alumni interests.
Stay current on industry trends and best practices in alumni relations.
Develop and oversee the alumni relations budget and allocate resources effectively.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree
required in a relevant field such as Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Management, Accounting, or a related discipline.
Extensive Experience in Alumni Relations and/or Fundraising and Development:
At least 5-10 years of progressively responsible experience in alumni relations, fundraising, development, or a closely related field.
Event Planning and Management:
Experience in planning and executing large-scale events and/or programs.
Relationship Management:
Strong background in managing relationships with stakeholders, including alumni, donors, faculty, and administration.
Leadership Experience:
Demonstrated experience in a leadership role, with a track record of managing teams and developing strategic initiatives.
Communication Skills:
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Project Management:
Superior project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Knowledge of CRM Systems:
Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems and alumni databases is a plus.
Analytical Skills:
Ability to analyze data to measure the effectiveness of alumni programs and initiatives.
Benefits:
Flexible benefits package – health, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, hospital indemnity insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, health reimbursement account.
South Dakota Retirement System. Employees receive 6% fully matched contributions from SDRS and are vested after three years of service.
Paid time off – full time 12-month employees earn 15 days per year of annual leave and 14 days of sick leave per year. In addition, employees receive 11 federal paid holidays.
Reduced tuition for education.
Professional liability coverage
Paid family leave
How to Apply:DSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit
https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu . Please submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and a list of at least three references.
DSU is committed to equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Applicants with disabilities are invited to identify any necessary accommodations required in the application process. E-Verify, EOE.
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The Senior Director of Alumni Relations is a strategic professional and creative leader responsible for the overall direction and execution of university special events and alumni gatherings. The Senior Director of Alumni Relations collaborates with the university community in the planning and execution of successful university events by providing key expertise and strategies for events to support key engagement involving alumni, donors, community leaders and VIP guests.
Expectations First 24 Months:
Develop and implement strategies to engage alumni and foster a strong sense of community.
Collaborate with the Director of Annual Giving & Communications to reach the goal of 12% of giving and an overall engagement goal of 24% with a target date of FY 29.
Reestablish the Alumni Association Board or Council and confirm its Mission and Vision.
Develop an Alumni Interview strategy to interview alumni to create bios annually to be posted on the DSU website and LinkedIn.
Leverage the University’s outstanding base of graduate students to establish a highly effective Office of Alumni Relations.
Plan and execute events, programs, and initiatives to connect alumni with the institution.
Develop a Strategic Alumni Awards Program tied to Homecoming.
Develop a road show strategy to leverage away athletic events.
Collaborate with various academic units, career services, and athletics to coordinate alumni outreach efforts and communication.
In collaboration with the Director of Prospect Research & Information Management, maximize the power of the alumni database and track engagement metrics to assess effectiveness of initiatives.
Serve as a liaison between alumni and the institution, representing alumni interests.
Stay current on industry trends and best practices in alumni relations.
Develop and oversee the alumni relations budget and allocate resources effectively.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree
required in a relevant field such as Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Management, Accounting, or a related discipline.
Extensive Experience in Alumni Relations and/or Fundraising and Development:
At least 5-10 years of progressively responsible experience in alumni relations, fundraising, development, or a closely related field.
Event Planning and Management:
Experience in planning and executing large-scale events and/or programs.
Relationship Management:
Strong background in managing relationships with stakeholders, including alumni, donors, faculty, and administration.
Leadership Experience:
Demonstrated experience in a leadership role, with a track record of managing teams and developing strategic initiatives.
Communication Skills:
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Project Management:
Superior project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Knowledge of CRM Systems:
Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems and alumni databases is a plus.
Analytical Skills:
Ability to analyze data to measure the effectiveness of alumni programs and initiatives.
Benefits:
Flexible benefits package – health, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, hospital indemnity insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, health reimbursement account.
South Dakota Retirement System. Employees receive 6% fully matched contributions from SDRS and are vested after three years of service.
Paid time off – full time 12-month employees earn 15 days per year of annual leave and 14 days of sick leave per year. In addition, employees receive 11 federal paid holidays.
Reduced tuition for education.
Professional liability coverage
Paid family leave
How to Apply:DSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit
https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu . Please submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and a list of at least three references.
DSU is committed to equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Applicants with disabilities are invited to identify any necessary accommodations required in the application process. E-Verify, EOE.
#J-18808-Ljbffr