"Assistant Director, Alumni Relations"

Position Summary

This position reports to the Director of Alumni Relations and assists the Director in developing and implementing programs, events, benefits, and resources to inform and engage Manhattan University Alumni by involving them with the University. In addition, the Assistant Director of Alumni Relations assists with planning reunions and regional and affinity group activities for alumni across the country. This is an in-person, on-campus, non-remote position.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning, organization, marketing, coordination, and evaluation of engagement strategies and events, particularly related to reunion, young alumni, students, and parent programs
• Collaborate with the Director of Alumni Relations to enhance alumni engagement and strengthen relationships with the University community
• Assist the Director of Alumni Relations in planning and executing University and alumni events; support the planning and coordination of various regional, professional, cultural, and athletic events
• Coordinate the involvement of alumni in the planning, implementation, and management of comprehensive chapter and affinity programs; enlist, motivate and train a corps of volunteers committed to successful alumni programming
• Plan and execute events from concept through completion, including post-event reporting and follow-up communication with staff and volunteers
• Organize Alumni Society meetings; collect and manage alumni data; create and maintain databases and multiple event calendars
• Provide leadership for communications related to alumni programming, including the creation of marketing materials such as invitations, programs, briefing documents, social media content, monthly e-newsletters, website updates, and other correspondence
• Support the production of online and print marketing materials, social media posts, and event programs; assist with onsite registration logistics and budget tracking
• Assist the Director in developing annual operating budgets and strategic plans; oversee the hiring and supervision of student workers; and collaborate closely with campus partners and the Alumni Society Board to support alumni-focused programs
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Three years’ experience working in alumni relations, advancement, volunteer engagement, special events, and meeting planning
• Flexibility to work outside of regular business hours
• Ability to interact comfortably, tactfully, and effectively with donors, volunteers, internal constituencies
• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, and administrative skills and the ability to speak in public
• Superior writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a dynamic team
• Experience working in alumni relations and (or) event planning
• A self-starter committed to follow-through
• Ability to multitask and strong customer service skills are essential.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office, Raiser's Edge/NXT constituency database, Banner, NetCommunites, and all social media platforms. Dreamweaver, HTML, Photoshop, and Publisher; a plus
• The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds

Requirements and Education

• Applicants must be detail-oriented with a devotion to accuracy, an aptitude for numbers and analysis, and approaching problems proactively with a sense of urgency, creativity, and resourcefulness.
• The candidate must possess outstanding planning, organizational, and management skills.
• Must prioritize and successfully manage several projects while communicating regularly with the Director and colleagues in university advancement.
• Must thrive in a fast-paced environment and work efficiently with a varying amount of direction.
• Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and confidently engage high-level alumni with poise and self-confidence.
• Peak event periods require additional hours, including evenings, weekends, and some travel
• Some travel and occasional weekends/evenings are required.
• A valid driver's license and access to a reliable automobile are required.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field.
• Three years’ experience in event planning or demonstrated experience in professional alumni relations-related work.

About Manhattan University

Founded in 1853, Manhattan University is an independent Catholic Lasallian institution located in Riverdale, NY that embraces students of all faiths, cultures, and traditions. The mission of the University is to provide a dynamic student-centered educational experience that prepares graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement, and service to their fellow human beings. We expect our faculty, administration, and staff to be knowledgeable about our mission and to make a positive contribution to the mission.