Associate Director of Strategic Engagement

Classification Title:

ASO DIR, Alumni Relations

Classification Minimum Requirements

Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and one year of appropriate experience in alumni affairs or related field; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience in alumni relations or related field.

Job Description:

The Associate Director of Strategic Engagement will develop and implement alumni engagement strategies and special events for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Office of Advancement and Dean’s Office. This position reports to the Senior Director of Strategic Engagement and will drive strategies that will deepen philanthropic relationships while planning major college events.  The incumbent must have the ability to coordinate multiple complex projects at a high level of performance, accuracy, and speed.

 

Alumni Engagement

• Plan and implement Alumni Relations strategies to engage CLAS alumni and friends. Including the dissemination of alumni relations information to the Office of Advancement and college departments, and developing alumni engagement opportunities.
• Develop and implement programs and strategies to measurably increase engagement and strengthen the college’s relationship with target alumni and constituent groups.  Efforts should focus on strategically selected audiences with the goal of increasing the impact for the Office of Advancement, college initiatives, and supporting unit fundraising goals.
• Lead engagement initiatives based on the priorities of Advancement leadership and campaign goals.  This could include events, targeted outreach in partnership with the External Engagement team, campus visits, or speaking engagements. 
• Manage CLAS alumni/donor/friend involvement and participation data in the CRM, ensuring timely updates and accuracy. Develop, manage, and interpret reporting that analyzes the college’s engagement activities and their effectiveness.  Use this data to make recommendations on partnership opportunities, DO participation, and external engagement collaborations.   
• Develop and manage a comprehensive engagement tracking system for the college departments and centers that capture activities with alumni and friends within individual units.  Use this data to make recommendations on partnership opportunities, DO participation, and external engagement collaborations with individual CLAS units.   
• Work across the college to understand individual unit affinity, alumni engagement, and student involvement.  Work with CLAS Advancement colleagues to support these units with their affinity groups and the development of strategic engagement opportunities. 
• Serve as a liaison to the UF Alumni Association by attending scheduled meetings, supporting UFAA events and creating new partnership opportunities. 
• Develop and implement programs and strategies to measurably increase engagement and strengthen the college’s relationship with target alumni and constituent groups.  Efforts should focus on strategically chosen audiences with the goal of increasing the impact for the Office of Advancement, college initiatives, and supporting unit fundraising goals.
• Serve as a strategic partner to development staff to build engagement in their regions and develop opportunities that target top prospects within their portfolios. 

 

Advancement Event Coordination

• Coordinate a variety of events or meetings in conjunction with UF Advancement or Alumni Association events, such as Grand Guard, UFF National Board, 40 Gators Under 40, Gator100, and campaign-related milestones and awards.    
• Manage a portfolio of Office of Advancement events, as determined by leadership.  This could include speaker series, campus visits, regional events, gift celebrations, award ceremonies, and stewardship events. 
• Responsible for all aspects of assigned events including  staffing, budgeting, RSVP management, invitation and promotional material development, coordination of venue/food/beverage/parking/décor, contracting, setup/strike, and coordinating payment. May require travel and additional hours to provide on-site support for various events.
• Serve as on-site lead for these events, including providing instruction to vendors and staff, facilitating the program, supporting the staffing of leadership, and troubleshooting any issues that arise.
• Partner with leadership to establish event goals, anticipate outcomes, and success metrics for events.  Work with development colleagues to determine strategic event coverage. Secure college leadership attendance, when appropriate.  Facilitate the preparation and dissemination of event briefing materials. 
• Develop event programming, including the coordination of speakers (alumni, students, faculty, etc.), appropriate materials (PPT, handouts, etc.), and scripts/talking points, as requested. 
• Ensure accurate reporting in CRM on event attendance and coordinate post-event follow-up. 
• Function as a liaison for the College with other event coordinators throughout UF, and in the larger Gainesville community.
• Manage the Office of Advancement event calendar. 

 

College Event Coordination

• Lead the planning and execution of the college’s recognition ceremonies, new student kickoff, dean’s medal awards, and other academic-focused events.  Responsible for the management of all aspects of these events. 
• Coordinate other special events as directed by leadership, including but not limited to awards ceremonies, holiday receptions, staff socials, and speaking events.  Network and communicate with various UF staff, both inside and outside of CLAS, as well as campus and outside vendors. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, securing appropriate venues, coordinating with caterers, parking, security, audio/visual, programming, etc.
• Must adhere to appropriate budgetary limits and ensure schedules are set, and deadlines are met to ensure events are well planned and run efficiently.
• Must ensure an appropriate number of individuals are recruited to assist with staffing prior to, during, and after the events.
• Must work closely with appropriate staff in the UF President’s Office for commencement ceremonies to ensure the event adheres to requirements set by that office and is consistent with all other UF recognition ceremonies.
• Responsible for recruiting and coordinating sufficient departmental faculty, staff, and student ambassadors to support these events.
• Partner with CLAS Communications to design and implement all Dean’s Office event communication needs, including websites and printed programs.

 

Event Operations & Management

• Oversee the day-to-day management of the event space “Ocora” in Pugh Hall, including policy and procedure implementation and enforcement, booking, billing, and use reporting.
• Supervision of event staff.
• Attend events, as needed, to facilitate operations and to respond to emergencies or problems; ensure all aspects of events are implemented and controlled according to plans.
• Responsible for coordinating maintenance of the space, maintaining inventory of equipment/supplies, and participating in the formulation and implementation of policies and procedures for usage and emergency requests.
• Advise college leadership on implementing programs, new initiatives, and special projects within the space.
• Responsible for ensuring all programs, activities, and series comply with university, state, and federal regulations.

 

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
As one of the University of Florida’s founding colleges, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) honors its rich heritage while continually embracing innovation. As the largest college on campus, we are dynamic and forward-thinking, pioneering advancements in both teaching and research. With the most extensive array of international programs, our influence is truly global.

 

Advancement Team
Through the generosity of our supporters, CLAS Advancement and Alumni Affairs helps create opportunities that benefit not only students, but also families, communities, and people around the world.  We partner with alumni, students, parents, friends, foundations, and corporations to advance CLAS—and, more importantly, to address the challenges that matter most to both the college and its supporters.

Our work makes a tangible difference: providing scholarships for CLAS Gators who might otherwise be unable to afford a college education, supporting professorships that attract and retain exceptional faculty, advancing initiatives that tackle real societal issues, and driving innovative research that strengthens communities.

Expected Salary:

$75,000–$84,500 annually, commensurate on education and experience.  The University of Florida offers a competitive benefits package including:

• Affordable State Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Comprehensive Coverage: Life and Disability Insurance
• Secure Retirement Options: Generous plans to safeguard your future.
• Paid Time Off: Including 11 paid holidays, as well as family, sick, and vacation leave.
• Professional and Personal Growth: Opportunities through UF Training & Organization Development, leadership development, LinkedIn learning, and more
• PSLF Eligibility: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer

Click here to learn more. 

Required Qualifications:

Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and one year of appropriate experience in alumni affairs or related field; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience in alumni relations or related field.

Preferred

• The ideal candidate will possess:

  • Experience with event planning in an academic setting.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to interact with a variety of stakeholders, including government officials, alumni, students, and professionals, with professionalism, tact, and courtesy.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to effectively manage, track, and follow through on multiple concurrent projects.
  • Effective problem-solving capabilities.
  • Ability to set up events spaces, including moving/lifting tables, chairs, boxes of supplies, etc. (required).
  • Ability to transport and deliver materials via walking and driving (required).
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and the capacity to engage effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of individuals are essential.
  • Support the University’s commitment to creating a respectful and collaborative work environment that values integrity, professionalism, and mutual respect in all interactions.
  • Proficient in the following areas: Windows operating systems, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access, as well as internet browsers and email platforms. Experience in a data-driven environment with familiarity with donor databases, contact management systems, and tracking systems is also highly preferred.
  • The ability and willingness to travel. A valid driver's license and good driving record are essential.* 

  *Business expenses are reimbursed through a standard accounting system. The ability to pay expenses using your personal credit card or funds and have them reimbursed is essential.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered for this position, you must upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with completed application.

All materials must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

 

Health Assessment Required:No