Alumni Relations Specialist

Basic Function and Responsibilities:

Under general supervision, the Alumni Relations Specialist cultivates and maintains relationships with alumni to foster a sense of pride, engagement, and support toward Oakton College. A member of the Educational Foundation team, the Alumni Relations Specialist fosters strong connections between Oakton's alumni community and the College through digital and print communications, events, and volunteer management. Primary responsibilities of this position are the planning and development of events and activities to build and maintain meaningful relationships with alumni and create opportunities for them to be involved with the institution, its programs, and its goals.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute strategies to engage alumni through various channels, including events, newsletters, social media, and targeted communications.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for alumni inquiries, providing timely and personalized responses to requests for information, assistance, and support.
• Support Educational Foundation team in event management in execution.
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments to identify opportunities for alumni involvement in student mentorship, volunteerism, fundraising, and other initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records of alumni contact information, engagement activities, and communications preferences using the Educational Foundation's database or CRM system.
• Assist in the creation of compelling content for alumni communications, including newsletters, blog posts, and social media updates, to showcase the achievements and impact of alumni.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with key alumni volunteers, leaders, and influencers to leverage their support in advancing the organization's goals.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of alumni engagement initiatives and recommend program adjustments regularly.
• Be informed about trends and best practices in alumni relations and higher education advancement, continually seeking opportunities to enhance alumni engagement efforts.
• Oversee and execute the Distinguished Alumni recognition program, including determining qualifications, nomination and selection process, awards ceremony and subsequent engagement. Forward Oakton Distinguished Alum to Illinois Community College Trustee Association (ICCTA) and American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) award nomination process annually.
• Attend Foundation Quarterly Meetings, select committee meetings, and special events.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Supervision Received:

Administrative supervision is received from the Director of Major and Planned Giving.

Supervision Exercised:

None.