Engagement and Alumni Relations, Senior Associate

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Job Title: Engagement and Alumni Relations, Senior Associate
Department: Advancement | Alumni Association

Position Overview

The Engagement and Alumni Relations, Senior Associate supports The Ohio State University Alumni Association's alumni engagement goals by implementing assigned engagement plans, supporting volunteer leaders, coordinating alumni programs, and maintaining relationships with assigned alumni clubs and societies. As a member of the Connections team within OSUAA, this position serves as the primary relationship manager for an assigned portfolio of moderately engaged alumni clubs and societies, using professional judgment to assess needs, provide guidance, and support activities that strengthen alumni engagement, volunteer leadership, and connection to Ohio State. The position builds and maintains relationships through in-person meetings, virtual engagement, phone outreach, and assigned programming consistent with established Alumni Association priorities. The Engagement and Alumni Relations, Senior Associate develops and implements portfolio-level engagement plans that align with established Alumni Association goals, annual priorities, and engagement objectives. Core responsibilities include identifying, recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers and alumni leaders, advising on established governance, constitution, financial, reporting, and scholarship-related processes, coordinating university partner engagement opportunities, and supporting volunteer-led programming and initiatives.

The position coordinates the annual Alumni Club and Society Awards program in partnership with the Society Liaison to recognize excellence and innovation among volunteer-led organizations. The position also collaborates with the Program Assistant on assigned projects and initiatives that support Connections team engagement objectives. In partnership with the Stewardship Coordinator for the Alumni Scholars Program, the position supports alumni club and society leaders with scholarship-related processes, stewardship opportunities, fundraising support resources, and volunteer communications related to club and society scholarship programs. The position collaborates with Advancement colleagues, college and unit partners, alumni relations professionals, and university stakeholders to coordinate engagement opportunities that support institutional and Alumni Association priorities. Working with Advancement Events, the position helps plan, coordinate, and execute up to three annual engagement events for Connections-level alumni audiences in Central Ohio, supporting a high-quality experience that promotes meaningful connection to Ohio State and one another. The role requires strong interpersonal, organizational, project coordination, and volunteer management skills, as well as the ability to complete varied work independently within established priorities, policies, and procedures. The position supports alumni engagement initiatives and university priorities and requires travel of up to 25%, along with occasional evening and weekend commitments to support programs, events, and stakeholder engagement. Reporting to the Regional Engagement Officer Lead, the Engagement and Alumni Relations, Senior Associate works independently within established organizational priorities and approved budget parameters, exercising professional judgment to administer assigned program resources and accomplish portfolio responsibilities. Success is measured through established engagement metrics, including volunteer engagement, alumni participation, leadership development, organizational health, event attendance, first-time engagement, and the growth and sustainability of assigned alumni clubs and societies.

All members of External Affairs are part of creating a culture that inspires an exceptionally multifaceted and talented team and are expected to exhibit The Ohio State University's Shared Values. The Office of External Affairs is committed to acting with kindness, respect, and integrity at all times and welcoming our colleagues' ideas, voices, and perspectives, acknowledging that we are better together.

Duties and Responsibilities

70% Develops and implements portfolio-level engagement plans for an assigned group of moderately engaged alumni clubs and societies in alignment with established Alumni Association goals and priorities. Serves as the primary liaison and relationship manager for assigned volunteer leaders and alumni stakeholders, maintaining regular communication and supporting organizational engagement needs. Identifies, recruits, trains, and supports volunteers and ambassadors to advance Alumni Association priorities and create meaningful engagement opportunities for alumni. Advises volunteer leaders on established organizational governance requirements, constitutions, operating practices, financial and scholarship-related processes, reporting requirements, and volunteer leadership transitions. Coordinates the annual Alumni Club and Society Awards program in partnership with the Society Liaison, including planning, communications, nominations support, and implementation activities. Ensures engagement activity and organizational information are accurately maintained within university systems and databases. Reviews engagement outcomes and recommends improvements that strengthen organizational effectiveness, volunteer leadership, and alumni participation within assigned portfolio responsibilities. Uses professional judgment to prioritize portfolio needs, select appropriate engagement approaches, resolve routine issues, and escalate unusual or sensitive matters through appropriate channels. Administers assigned program resources and budget activity in accordance with approved parameters, university requirements, and established Alumni Association procedures.

25% Partners with Advancement Events to plan, coordinate, and execute up to three annual engagement events for Connections-level alumni audiences in Central Ohio. Partners with Advancement Events to plan, coordinate, and execute up to three annual engagement events for Connections-level alumni audiences in Central Ohio. Works closely with the Program Assistant on assigned projects and initiatives that support Connections team engagement objectives. Collaborates with the Stewardship Coordinator for the Alumni Scholars Program to support alumni club and society scholarship efforts, stewardship activities, volunteer communications, and related established processes. Coordinates speaker requests, university partner participation, and assigned engagement opportunities that strengthen alumni affinity and connection to Ohio State. Tracks project timelines, partner commitments, communications, and follow-up items to support timely and effective implementation of assigned engagement activities.

5% Creates and maintains productive working relationships with colleagues across Advancement and the university. Contributes to Advancement by fostering and exhibiting teamwork, participates on internal committees and workgroups as appropriate, completes assigned projects, and performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two (2) years of relevant experience in customer relations, volunteer management, higher education alumni/constituent relations, or program planning.

Desired Qualifications

(We're committed to building a team that reflects a variety of skills and experiences and encourage you to apply even if your experience does not align perfectly)

• Knowledge of and experience in program planning and event management.
• Two (2) years of customer relations, volunteer management and/or institutional advancement experience.
• Direct alumni relations and/or fundraising experience.
• Demonstrated skill in working with diverse communities and cultural groups.

The Office of External Affairs is committed to providing tools and resources for you to learn our business, proprietary databases, university-specific processes, and advancement practices.

You Need to Know

Aside from the unparalleled benefits of working for The Ohio State University and working in the vibrant, smart, enjoyable, and growing city of Columbus, Ohio, this opportunity will provide exceptional rewards that arise from working for an institution doing worldwide life-changing teaching and research. Learn more here: Careers at Ohio State.

In accordance with the Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency Policy 6.17 this position has been designated as a standby position.

Additional Information:

To learn more about the Office of External Affairs, please visit Advancement Careers.

The budget for this position is up to $58,100.00. The offer for this position will be based on internal equity and the candidate's qualifications.

Function: Development and Engagement

Sub-function: Engagement and Alumni Relations

Career Band: Individual Contributor - Specialized

Career Level: S2 Experienced

Location: Longaberger Alumni House (0022)

Position Type: Regular

Scheduled Hours: 40

Shift: First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

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Ohio State provides access to opportunities and resources for all employees. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.

• WORK-LIFE: Flexible and remote work arrangements where applicable, child care program, and access to educational, athletic and cultural events.
• RETIREMENT: State pension and alternative options with competitive employer contributions, as well as optional supplemental plans.
• HEALTH: Medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, life insurance, flexible spending accounts and wellness programming.
• TIME OFF: Paid vacation and sick time, parental and medical leave plus 11 paid holidays. Short and long-term disability options also available.
• FINANCIAL: Tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, adoption assistance, and discounts with preferred vendors and university partners.
• WELLNESS: Lifestyle spending account, employee assistance program, health reimbursement account, and employee wellness program.