Director of Alumni Relations

Job Title: Director of Alumni Relations

Reports To: Vice President of Advancement

Department: University Advancement

Division/College: Office of Alumni Relations

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Summary

The Director of Alumni Relations provides strategic leadership and direction for alumni relations programs and initiatives designed to strengthen lifelong engagement between alumni and Fort Valley State University. The Director develops and implements programs, events, communications, volunteer opportunities, and engagement strategies that connect alumni with the University and advance its mission. This includes creating opportunities for alumni to volunteer, mentor students, participate in university activities and events, support institutional priorities, and contribute philanthropically.

The Director is responsible for the planning and administration of alumni relations activities, including reunion programming, alumni events, regional and affinity engagement, volunteer initiatives, and alumni communications. The position builds strong partnerships across University Advancement and with departments including Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, Career Services, Marketing and Communications, and other campus partners to provide meaningful opportunities for alumni involvement.

Working closely with fundraising colleagues, the Director also helps identify and cultivate alumni relationships that may lead to increased philanthropic engagement and support for the University.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Director directs, manages, and administers alumni relations programs and activities that strengthen alumni connections to Fort Valley State University and serves as a key liaison between alumni and the University.

• Provides strategic leadership for alumni engagement programs, initiatives, and events that strengthen alumni relationships with the University.
• Plans, manages, and evaluates reunion programs, alumni events, and other engagement opportunities designed to increase alumni participation and connection with the University.
• Develops and oversees volunteer engagement opportunities, including programs that encourage alumni to serve as mentors, ambassadors, speakers, volunteers, and advocates for the University and its students.
• Builds effective working relationships with University departments, including Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, Career Services, Marketing and Communications, and other campus partners, to develop coordinated alumni engagement opportunities.
• Collaborates with fundraising and advancement staff to identify, engage, and cultivate alumni who have the interest and capacity to support University priorities, including prospective major gift donors.
• Develops programming and engagement strategies that encourage alumni participation and philanthropic support of the University.
• Establishes, strengthens, and maintains relationships with alumni locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Maintains regular and meaningful communication with alumni through direct outreach and in coordination with University communication channels, including email, websites, print communications, social media, and other appropriate platforms.
• Develops and enhances geographic, academic, professional, and affinity-based alumni programs through the planning and implementation of events, programs, networking opportunities, and other alumni engagement activities.
• Serves as a primary point of contact and resource for alumni seeking to engage with the University.
• Develops mechanisms for monitoring alumni participation and engagement and uses available information to evaluate programs and identify opportunities to strengthen alumni involvement.
• Represents the Office of Alumni Relations and University Advancement at appropriate University and alumni events and functions.
• Ensures alumni programs and communications are consistent with University priorities, policies, brand standards, and applicable requirements.
• Performs other related duties as assigned and reasonably within the scope of the position.

Qualifications

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, sales, management, business, public relations, communications, higher education, or a related field.

Required Experience

• More than three to five years of progressively responsible related experience in alumni relations, advancement, development, higher education, constituent relations, communications, event/program management, relationship management, or a related area.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with alumni, donors, volunteers, University leadership, faculty, staff, students, and other constituents.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and execute multiple programs and events simultaneously.
• Strong organizational, project-management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, professionalism, discretion, and diplomacy when working with diverse constituencies.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and organizational levels.
• Ability to develop alumni engagement strategies and translate institutional priorities into meaningful alumni programs.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively with limited supervision.
• Ability to use technology and constituent information systems to support alumni communication, engagement, and relationship management.
• Ability and willingness to attend evening and weekend events and travel as reasonably required to support alumni programs and University activities.

Working Conditions

• Work is generally performed in an office environment with periods of sitting, standing, walking, and other routine movement.
• The position may require participation in University and alumni events outside normal business hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Periodic travel may be required to support alumni programs, events, meetings, and engagement activities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to remain seated or standing for extended periods and perform routine activities associated with an office and event environment.
• May occasionally be required to move materials or supplies associated with alumni programs and events.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Fort Valley State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or University System of Georgia policy.