Director, Alumni Strategy & Relations

Position Summary

The Director of Alumni Relations is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating alumni programs and services that support the college's strategic priorities and encourage engagement in the life of Dallas College. The Director will also serve as a liaison between students and the academic and administrative leadership and will partner with Advancement and/or Foundation colleagues to encourage alumni giving. Responsible for the administration and management of an alumni membership program and initiatives. Performs a variety of ongoing functions related to the identification and cultivation of alumni, honorary alumni and potential donor relationships.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and experience understanding policies and procedures and federal, state, and local funding agency guidelines.

• Demonstrates a fundamental respect for the dignity of others.

• Works collegially and is a proven team player.

• An innovator, capable of creating or seizing opportunities to improve service effectiveness and department outcomes as well as build strategic partnerships within the organization and with alumni.

• Understands and values quality improvement.

• Able to effectively address overlapping projects and deadlines.

• Excellent organizational skill and must be able to prioritize responsibilities and handle multiple tasks relating to concurrent projects.

• Politically astute and tactful; attentive to the perspectives and competing interests of various internal and external stakeholders.

• Ability to thrive in a flexible, fast-paced, accredited, and growth-oriented environment.

• Adaptable and reliable in face of conflict, crisis, or changing priorities.

• Ability to analyze problem situations, identify feasible solutions, and present recommendations in a concise, logical and systematic manner.

• Knowledge of internal controls and the ability to analyze and apply.

• Proven project management experience as well as superb strategic planning, writing and editing skills required.

• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.

• The ability to exercise good judgment in confidential matters.

• Able to work across departments and coordinate team efforts in a timely, friendly, and effective manner.

• Ability to adapt to change and learn and integrate specialized and/or upgraded software packages utilized by the district.

• Ability to partner with others across the district and externally to exchange information, collaborate on projects, share resources, etc.

• Proven success in following through and completing projects.

• Promotes positive staff, customer and community relations by communicating organizational and departmental plans and priorities on a regular basis.

• Able to gather, compile, and analyze data/information and prepare reports as requested.

• Detail oriented with the ability to manage multiple assignments and projects, create detailed actions plans, as well as the ability to adapt to changing priorities, deadlines and directions.

• Must have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituents within the Dallas College community.

• Must be able to provide excellent customer.

• Proficiency with an integrated administrative system and current computer software programs.

• Ability to demonstrate a cooperative attitude while working with a diverse student population.

• Ability to adhere to College & departmental policies and procedures.

• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to current and prospective students and employees.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and evaluate alumni and student programs with the purpose of creating awareness and increasing alumni engagement.

• Manage and evaluate major alumni relations programs and events.

• Plan a robust variety of alumni events each year to engage alumni population, creatively anticipating needs of the population such as W5K, Wine Walk, Alumni subgroup gatherings, hosting online events, etc.

• Coordinate alumni relations participation in Student Life programs in an effort to create awareness within the student body.

• Coordinate alumni relations participation in departmental programs and events that involve alumni including some athletic events and community events.

• Develop volunteer opportunities for alumni to engage and connect with students and other alumni through networking, mentoring, speaking, and other means.

• Maintain regular schedule of communication with alumni, community and the college.

• Manage and evaluate an active Alumni Relations social media presence.

• Gather news and alumni information for use in alumni communications.

• Coordinate with Communications providing ideas and content for alumni ads, stories, class notes, etc.

• Serve as principal liaison to all alumni to keep them connected to each other and the College.

• Collaborate with Admissions on recruitment efforts as they relate to alumni.

• Collaborate with Career Services for opportunities to connect with alumni who are seeking internships, positions or employment.

• Collaborate with Deans, Department Heads, and Athletics in relation to opportunities for alumni to volunteer and interact with students.

• Responsible for administrative functions of Alumni Relations.

• Supervise relative staff and student workers.

• Coordinate with Database Manager to ensure alumni data accuracy and or mange the said data.

• Coordinate with fundraising team to develop and secure alumni sponsorship opportunities.

• Implement policies and procedures for operation of Alumni Relations that adheres to best practices within this field of Advancement.

• Attending training events and webinars to stay abreast of funding opportunities and agency compliance changes.

• Completes required Dallas College Professional Development training hours per academic year.

• Other duties assigned

Physical Requirements

Normal physical job functions performed within a standard office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with physical challenges to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications