Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Alumni Relations, the responsibilities of the Director, Alumni Engagement include leading a team that oversees alumni involvement in alumni benefits, alumni travel programs, and the Association of Rice Alumni Board of Directors. The role is also responsible for developing annual and long-term strategic and alumni program planning in collaboration with a variety of campus colleagues and for cultivating, managing and stewarding alumni volunteers. The Director, Alumni Engagement will work closely with colleagues across the Development and Alumni Relations division to ensure quality programming is offered for Rice alumni and volunteers of Rice.
The ideal candidate is a leader and a self-starter with a positive attitude and professional demeanor who is able to cultivate meaningful relationships while simultaneously coordinating multiple projects.
Essential Functions
Manages operations of an alumni function such as communications, marketing, member services or volunteer relations
Manages, recruits, coaches and develops alumni relations staff providing them with supervision, guidance and mentoring in goal setting, performance management, skill building and professional growth
Sets departmental budget, goals and objectives in alignment with organizational goals
Communicates mission to staff, volunteers and alumni
Develops department plans, policies and procedures for alumni programs and events
Develops strategies and implements outreach programs to enhance the university's reputation and visibility
Evaluates and monitors trends for effectiveness of activities and segments
Provides leadership and support on issues / projects related to university alumni initiatives
Researches alumni program trends and make recommendations for department
Collaborates with campus partners
Performs all other duties as assigned
Additional Functions/Information
Strengthens and maintains ties with alumni and friends by leading a team that develops and oversees alumni engagement through programs and partnerships focused on the volunteer experience, alumni travel and benefits, and the Association of Rice Alumni Board of Directors
Develops, oversees and supports consistent volunteer management across Rice University
Provides and maintain guidelines and education to volunteers of Rice University
Maintains and promotes to internal and external audiences organizational structures, policies, goals and results that are transparent and readily communicated to others
Leads and supports annual alumni relations planning, including setting measurable goals and strategically evaluating success for alumni benefits and alumni engagement programs
Works with alumni staff to formalize annual plans in all programming areas to implement the goals set forth in the strategic plan
Contributes to and stays current with regard to institutional and organizational priorities and helps determine how these priorities are showcased in and implemented through department strategies
Provides guidance and mentorship to both direct reports and colleagues across the Alumni Relations team, including supporting and guiding team members in the development of strategic planning and execution of goals
Efficiently manages direct reports, evaluates performance and assists with staff members' professional development while collaboratively working with the Assistant Vice President, Alumni Relations and other colleagues across the Development and Alumni Relations division
Seeks use of activities and events as opportunities to promote Rice in local communities when appropriate
Works closely with divisional colleagues to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and propose program additions and changes as necessary
Serves as a catalyst for project completion, timelines and creative thought
Collaborates and manages relationships with divisional and campus colleagues (e.g., Admissions, Athletics, Development)
Participates in and supports key divisional events, including presidential visits
Responsible for writing, editing and finalizing briefings for VIP programs and events in appropriate regions
This position requires up to 20% travel and the ability to work nights and weekends as needed
In addition to having frequent contact with various offices on campus (including the President's and Provost's Offices), the incumbent has extensive contact with Rice alumni and frequent contact with internal and external vendors
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree
Five years related professional advancement experience working in a nonprofit or higher education environment, which includes experience in managing a staff, leading volunteers, working in alumni relations and/or other closely related experience
Skills Required
Leadership and strategic management skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to lead and motivate others
Ability to manage a large number of project activities simultaneously
Ability to engage and motivate groups of diverse individuals
Strong ability to understand customer needs and show good judgment and diplomacy
Strong attention to detail and ability to quickly understand and remember details about alumni/donors and projects to which they are assigned
Substitutions
Five years of professional work experience supervising and managing teams of individuals in different geographic and content areas and experience with volunteer leadership can be substituted for the required experience above
License/Certification Requirements
Must possess (or have the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire) and maintain a valid Texas driver's license with no more than three moving violations and/or at fault accidents within the past 36 months, and no convictions or deferred dispositions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) within the past five years.
Preferred Qualifications
Education and Experience
Master's Degree
Skills
Ability to act strategically, championing new ideas and programs while maintaining long-term integrity and legacy
Proven success building relationships with diverse personalities and managing, assisting and motivating volunteers to accomplish goals on time, within budget and with adherence to university guidelines
Service-oriented and sensitive to the needs, motivations and expectations of others
Strong skills in organization and time management and the ability to manage multiple activities and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines
Ability to speak before groups with ease
Detail-oriented and focused on producing work of the highest caliber
Strong communication skills with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately and tactfully
High level of maturity and emotional intelligence with the capability of exercising good judgment
Strong working knowledge of personal computers in a Windows/PC environment
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Strong familiarity with Blackbaud CRM or other alumni/development database system
Rice University HR | Benefits
https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values
Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.
Current Rice University COVID policies, which include vaccination, face mask, testing, gatherings, occupancy limits, and travel policies can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies
