Alumni Relations Officer

SUMMARY: The Alumni Relations Officer plays a vital role in fostering and strengthening relationships between Briar Cliff University and its alumni community. This is accomplished by:building a comprehensive alumni relations program from the ground up, integrating alumni engagement directly into the university's fundraising strategies; developing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive alumni engagement program designed to cultivate lifelong connections, encourage alumni participation, and support the university's mission and strategic goals. The Alumni Officer will work closely with the Vice President of University Advancement, other advancement staff, and various university departments to foster lifelong connections between alumni and the university, leading to increased participation, advocacy, and financial support for Briar Cliff's mission.

Essential Functions:

Strategic Program Development & Management:

  • Develop, implement, and lead a comprehensive strategic plan for alumni engagement and giving, aligned with the university's mission and advancement goals.
  • Design and execute a sustainable framework for an alumni relations program, including establishing communication channels, event strategies, and volunteer opportunities.
  • Identify and implement best practices in alumni relations and development to build a vibrant and impactful program.
  • Knowledge of current federal regulations and University policies regarding gifts and pledges.

Alumni Fundraising & Cultivation

  • Actively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni donors, with a focus on annual fund gifts and growing the base of philanthropic support.
  • Collaborate closely with other members of the Advancement team to identify major gift prospects within the alumni pool and transition relationships as appropriate.
  •  Develop and execute specific appeals and campaigns targeting alumni, demonstrating the impact of their gifts on current students and university priorities.
  •  Work with the Vice President to integrate alumni activities into broader university fundraising campaigns, such as capital campaigns or strategic initiatives.

Alumni Engagement & Communications: 

  • Plan, promote, and execute a diverse calendar of alumni events, including reunions, homecoming activities, regional gatherings, virtual programs, and professional networking opportunities, designed to both engage and cultivate alumni for giving.
  • Develop and manage multi-channel communication strategies (e.g., quarterly email newsletters, social media, web content, direct mail) to connect with alumni and articulate the impact of their support.
  •  Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to create compelling content that celebrates alumni achievements and promotes the university's philanthropic priorities.
  •  Manage and regularly update the alumni database within Raiser's Edge to ensure accurate records, track engagement, and segment for targeted communications and solicitations.

Volunteer & Student Management:

  • Recruit, train, and manage alumni volunteers to support university initiatives via Alumni Board of Directors, including admissions, career mentorship, and fundraising efforts.
  • May supervise student workers or interns, providing guidance and oversight for alumni relations projects and administrative tasks.

Relationship Management & Outreach: 

  • Cultivate and maintain strong, authentic relationships with alumni, donors, and other university constituents.
  •  Conduct discovery and cultivation visits with alumni locally, regionally, and potentially nationally to deepen engagement and philanthropic interest.
  •  Represent the university at various alumni functions, community events, and professional conferences.

Administrative & Analytical: 

  • Manage the alumni relations budget effectively and responsibly.
  • Utilize Raiser's Edge for comprehensive data tracking, analysis, and reporting on alumni engagement metrics, giving trends, and program effectiveness.
  •  Prepare regular reports on alumni activities and fundraising progress for the Vice President for University Advancement and university leadership.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

May supervise student workers or interns, providing guidance and oversight for alumni relations projects and administrative tasks.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to work well with team and employees in other departments.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree or extensive advancement experience required.  Minimum of 3 years’ experience in alumni relations, university advancement, development or a related field with demonstrated emphasis on fundraising and relationship building.  Experience in working in Raiser’s Edge preferred.