Associate Director, Alumni Engagement

Associate Director, Alumni Engagement

Employer Name : Columbia University

Job Type : Officer of Administration

Regular / Temporary : Regular

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and Signature Programming, the Associate Director, Alumni Engagement, is the staff liaison to the Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) alumni groups which are based on interest, identity or industry. This individual will collaborate with University and School-based alumni and student affairs counterparts to strengthen partnerships and develop opportunities to increase and deepen alumni and student engagement. This will be accomplished by identifying potential alumni leaders, developing volunteer initiatives, creating new and expanding existing programming including alumni / alumni-student events, participating in CAA signature programs (i.e. Columbia Alumni Leaders Experience, Dine Across NYC / Globe, CU there!, etc.) as well as other University alumni and club-related initiatives.

The Associate Director will work with the Senior Executive Director to help grow the alumni group communitys leadership, engagement through strategic planning, increasing the level of volunteer management with an emphasis on succession planning and governance, and targeted outreach to broaden membership of existing groups and developing a framework for expanding interest and industry-based groups. This individual will work closely with other members of the Global Engagement team. The Associate Director will also collaborate with other Office of Alumni and Development units, such as Strategic Events, Annual Fund Programs, and Development, to maximize CAA offerings and development opportunities (alumni hosting, sponsorship) to benefit the CAA and alumni group activity. The Associate Director will partner with various schools and areas in the University, such as University Life, the Office of Multi-Cultural Affairs (OMA), Office of Military and Veteran Affairs, etc.

Responsibilities

Serve as the principal liaison for all alumni groups and clearly communicate with alumni around existing and new activities for interest, industry, and identity-based groups, which are open to all alumni, to sustain vibrant University relationships, and to grow and develop both new and existing alumni groups. The Associate Director will oversee the development of all new alumni groups in collaboration with the Senior Executive Director and when appropriate; School-based partners

Develop and implement a system to benchmark alumni group growth and to provide an annual analysis for the CAA Associations & Clubs Committee and the CAA Board

Collaborate on the development and execution of strategy, programming, and communications for our SIGs. Communicate alumni groups vision, mission, strategy, and University-related information to volunteers in both group and individual settings through attending group meetings, recruiting new leadership and developing a volunteer pipeline

Provide alumni groups with University best practices as it relates to the development and implementation of effective processes, procedures, and governance for managing alumni leaders, volunteers, and developing programming. Share best practices for communicating with members / constituency groups and student counterparts. Utilize the key performance indicators and metrics for managing and measuring SIG success, engagement, and growth.

Take an active role in SIG formation, volunteer leadership development, leadership transition / succession planning, and managing and recruiting volunteers. Strive to strengthen relationships and develop cross-collaboration with colleagues in the School-based alumni relations / development / student offices and with various campus partners including OMA, Admissions, Center for Career Education, Faculty, etc.

Recommend alumni for special consideration and greater involvement for potential volunteer / leadership or committee roles within the CAA. Encourage active use of University systems to provide address updates, networking, access to information and communications, etc. (i.e., NationBuilder, Alumni Community). Become proficient in the use of NationBuilder or other University platforms in order to facilitate operations and management including sending communications, event management and membership management / growth.

Manage the logistics for special events, projects, and meetings. Assist with other CAA / global team / alumni group-related priorities, projects, events, and University committees as assigned. Manage budget for assigned alumni groups. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelors degree required and three (3) to five (5) years of related experience required. At least five (5) years of alumni relations or similar work experience required. Proficiency in MS Office and working knowledge of desktop publishing required. Experience managing databases is required. Flexibility is essential. Must have extensive experience developing innovative programming, managing alumni events and developing new programs, managing and developing volunteer leaders, and providing strategic management for identifying and developing future volunteer leaders. Must have the unique ability to recognize the needs and interests of both students and alumni.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous higher education experience is preferred. Previous leadership / managerial experience preferred. Demonstrated knowledge and / or prior experience with alumni relations programming in a University setting, knowledge of managing alumni programs and volunteer development, as well as an ability to strategically develop programs to meet those needs is desirable.

Other Requirements

Demonstrated ability to work in a high-pressure, fast-paced, and time-sensitive environment. Demonstrated excellence in a variety of competencies including project management, teamwork, analytical thinking, and client / customer awareness and service. Sensibility and a mindset of ensuring there is diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging across all programs, projects and initiatives within the CAA. The ability to perform in a changing environment, be flexible, nimble, and prioritize multiple projects. Individual must possess excellent analytical and organizational skills. Strong interpersonal, active listening, oral and written communication skills required. Must be detail oriented with the ability to problem-solve, troubleshoot, and work independently in a dynamic team environment. Demonstrated ability to effectively partner with a diverse group of administrators and academic leaders. Possess strong negotiation, issue resolution, discretion, and influencing skills. Must possess a passion for excellent customer service and a commitment to exceptional quality. Superior presentation skills are required, as well as the ability to confidently and comfortably speak at public events in front of large, diverse audiences. Ability to effectively communicate with and navigate diverse constituencies such as alumni, principal donors, board members, and leaders in the field. A valid drivers license and willingness to travel is required. Some night and weekend work will be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.