Job Summary/Basic Function

Maryville University is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the Executive Director of Alumni Relations. As the university's key representative for alumni engagement and outreach, the Executive Director will play a pivotal role in fostering a strong and vibrant alumni community while strategically advancing the university's mission and goals. This position requires a passion for higher education, excellent communication skills, a proven track record in building and maintaining relationships, and the ability to lead a team.

Essential Responsibilities:
1. Alumni Engagement Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy that aligns with the university's mission and objectives. This includes creating and implementing innovative initiatives to engage alumni in a meaningful and lasting way.
2. Relationship Building: Establish and maintain strong relationships with alumni, donors, and other stakeholders, including regional and national alumni chapters and affinity groups. Foster a sense of community and belonging among alumni, encouraging their continued involvement with the university.
3. Alumni Events: Plan, coordinate, and oversee a diverse range of alumni events, both on and off-campus, that cater to different alumni interests and demographics. Events may include reunions, networking functions, professional development seminars, and social gatherings.
4. Alumni Communications: Oversee the development and implementation of communication strategies to keep alumni informed about university news, events, and achievements. Utilize various channels such as email newsletters, social media, and print materials to maintain a strong and consistent connection with alumni.
5. Fundraising Support: Collaborate with the university's development and advancement teams to identify and cultivate potential donors among the alumni community. Work closely with major gift officers to solicit alumni contributions in support of the university's fundraising priorities.
6. Data Management: Ensure accurate and up-to-date alumni records and databases to facilitate efficient communication and engagement efforts. Utilize data-driven insights to assess the impact of alumni programs and adjust strategies accordingly.
7. Collaborative Leadership: Work collaboratively with various university departments, including academic affairs, student life, marketing, and advancement, to integrate alumni engagement into broader institutional initiatives.
8. Budget Management: Oversee the budget for alumni relations, ensuring effective use of resources to achieve programmatic goals and outcomes.
9. Professional Development: Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in alumni relations to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the university.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• At least 5-7 years of experience in alumni relations, donor relations, or a related field, preferably within a higher education setting.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing comprehensive alumni engagement strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
• Proven leadership experience, including managing and motivating teams.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of fundraising principles and experience with donor cultivation.
• Proficiency in database management and alumni engagement software is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

Physical Demands

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

An offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background screening.

Applicants requiring University sponsorship to obtain employment authorization will not be considered for this position.

Maryville University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race/color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. This extends to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruiting, hiring, training, on-the-job treatment, promotion, layoff, and termination.