POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Executive Director of Engagement and Alumni Relations
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1765
GRADE 47
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Vice President for University Advancement
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Executive Director of Engagement and Alumni Relations provides strategy and leadership to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive program designed to provide meaningful opportunities for volunteerism, service, personal and professional development, and events and programs for alumni to enhance loyalty, dedication, and support for Missouri State University. The Executive Director of Engagement and Alumni Relations serves as an on-campus spokesperson for 130,000 living alumni, leads efforts to create and sustain strong value connections for alumni and friends across the state, country, and around the world. The Executive Director of Engagement and Alumni Relations develops programs to facilitate lifelong dialogue between the University and its constituents to increase alumni participation and giving. The Executive Director of Engagement and Alumni Relations provides oversight and direction for the MSU Foundation Annual Giving department and program. The Executive Director of Engagement and Alumni Relations engages alumni and friends to actively contribute back to the University through philanthropic support, fostering strong relationships with alumni by engaging them in the life of the University and with each other, making connections for current students through the network of alumni and friends to further the mission of the University, and leadership development. The Executive Director of Engagement and Alumni Relations facilitates the growth of the student alumni association (SAA) to foster student philanthropy, student engagement, and student-alumni connections. The Executive Director of Engagement and Alumni Relations develops and maintains cooperative and collaborative relationships and programs with University units, such as Admissions, Career Services, Parent and Family Programs, Athletics, Student Affairs, and academic colleges and departments. The Executive Director of Alumni Relations oversees the production and distribution of the MSU Magazine and Bear Bulletin, oversees online content on social media platforms directed to alumni and friends of the University, and chairs the Homecoming committee.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor's degree is required.
Experience: At least five years of successful and progressive experience in communications, advancement, alumni relations, marketing, annual giving, or a comparable role that includes an acknowledged work history showing creative productivity is required.
Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills are required, with public speaking skills preferred. Excellent interpersonal skills are required. Demonstrated ability in motivating volunteers is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required. Computer literacy, particularly in word processing and using databases, is preferred.
Other: The scope of the job frequently requires travel and attendance at evening and/or weekend activities, meetings, events, seminars and workshops.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provides vision, leadership, and oversight to the Office of Engagement and Alumni Relations, the MSU Alumni Association board of directors and its committees, and other partners and committees to plan and execute the vision and strategy of the University related to engagement for alumni and friends of the University.
2. Engages alumni in the life of the University through consistent and positive communication using electronic, print, and social media (MSU Magazine and Bear Bulletin), exceptional customer service, and meaningful opportunities for volunteerism, service, personal and professional development, and events and programs.
3. Directly supervises the Engagement and Alumni Relations teams, providing management, advice, support, and guidance of day-to-day operations.
4. Creates opportunities for interaction among University staff, alumni, and potential donors and enhances the potential for giving by representing the University at various functions where there is a significant concentration of alumni and/or potential donors.
5. Provides oversight to the Director of Annual Giving on the MSU Springfield campus and the Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Engagement on the MSU – West Plains campus for the various solicitation programs developed and implemented by the annual funds office, including the phone campaign, crowdfunding, direct mail, electronic solicitations, etc. through the development and implementation of strategies to meet long- and short-range goals and objectives in the area of alumni and constituent giving.
6. Manages the student and young alumni engagement plans to build life-long connection and facilitate continued engagement and support for the University.
7. Develops and manages an effective volunteer management system that supports the objective of engaging alumni in meaningful volunteer opportunities and serving as a source for alumni talent and resources for students, faculty, and staff.
8. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships and programs with University units, including Admissions, Career Services, Parent and Family Programs, Athletics, Student Affairs, and academic colleges and departments.
9. Meets the needs of all constituencies during Homecoming/Reunion by chairing the committee that plans and executes homecoming activities for alumni, students, faculty, staff, and the community.
10. Develops and executes plans and activities for alumni affinity groups (academic, special interest, professional affiliations, etc.), identifies and cultivates volunteer leadership, develops strategies for the success of each group, and supports their events and activities.
11. Develops and executes promotional events and partnerships (Dickerson Park Zoo, alumni nights with St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals, etc.) that raise the visibility of the University and the Alumni Association among constituents across the country.
12. Identifies and launches loyalty programs providing a benefit or service to alumni to cultivate volunteers and donors and generate income for alumni association programming.
13. Oversees the Alumni Association Travel Program to promote and encourage involvement with the University.
14. Oversees the selection and distribution of several alumni association scholarship awards and awards that recognize outstanding alumni achievements.
15. Works with the Director of Advancement Services to ensure alumni records are current in order to locate and connect with them.
16. Manages funds by planning, developing and exercising approval authority for expenditures in three separate budgets, the Office of Engagement and Alumni Relations, the Homecoming Committee, and Annual Giving.
17. Facilitates a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
18. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed by the supervisor.
19. Contributes to the overall success of the Office of Engagement and Alumni Relations by working on special projects and performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Vice President for University Advancement.
SUPERVISION
The Executive Director of Engagement and Alumni Relations reports to the Vice President for University Advancement and supervises the Director of Annual Giving for the Springfield campus, the Associate and Assistant Directors of Alumni Activities, the Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations for the West Plains campus, administrative support staff, and a graduate assistant.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED APRIL 2021
