A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
The University of Michigan-Dearborn seeks an innovative and energetic Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement to join our Institutional Advancement team. The Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement will work closely with the Director of Alumni Engagement to support the department's vision, programming and initiatives. This staff member will support volunteer management and collaborate across Institutional Advancement to champion alumni-driven initiatives and outreach, and improve the connection our alumni have with UM-Dearborn.
The successful candidate will develop and execute programs to engage alumni both regionally and by corporate affiliation, manage alumni affiliate groups and lead the Office of Alumni Engagement?s digital presence across all platforms, including social media. Additionally, this position will be involved in identifying, recruiting and staffing alumni volunteer committees, as well as supporting various events hosted by Institutional Advancement and our campus partners.
The Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement provides leadership for increasing UM-Dearborn's ability to engage alumni in the life of the university. This position works closely with the Alumni Engagement and Institutional Advancement teams, providing support and coordination to enlist our greatest asset?our graduates?as trained, well-supported volunteers.
The key responsibilities for this position include managing Alumni Affiliate volunteer groups, developing the Alumni Engagement social media strategy, and establishing regional and corporate alumni engagement initiatives. Additionally, in partnership with the Director of Alumni Engagement, the Assistant Director will assist in leading the office through volunteer management and cross-campus partnerships.
More specific responsibilities include:
Alumni Affiliate Groups:
- Oversee the operation and growth of alumni affiliate groups (such as affinity groups, professional networks, and special interest alumni networks).
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and support to group leaders and members.
- Develop engagement strategies and programming to bolster participation and impact.
- Serve as a resource for the alumni affiliate group leaders.
Corporate Alumni Engagement:
- Partner with the director overseeing the corporate and foundation fundraising initiatives within Institutional Advancement to strategize and execute programs that strengthen corporate alumni engagement, including identifying alumni volunteers at corporate partners and supporting recruitment/mentorship events.
- Serve as a campus liaison for alumni in the business community, facilitating meaningful partnerships.
- Identify opportunities to connect with alumni at top employers, such as hosting on-site alumni programs to engage alumni already working there.
- Manage the Alumni Business recognition program.
Alumni Engagement Social Media Presence:
- Develop, curate, and manage content across all Alumni Engagement social media channels to increase visibility for alumni news, events, and initiatives.
- Monitor analytics, grow social media audiences, and maintain an active digital presence in alignment with UM-Dearborn branding and guidelines.
- Serve as a key contributor for AE social media channels, including coordinating additional contributions from the AE Social Media Group.
- Maintain the Alumni Engagement social media calendar.
Regional Alumni Engagement:
- Develop and implement strategic regional alumni engagement initiatives to foster community and connections among UM-Dearborn alumni worldwide, both locally and globally.
- Manage and support alumni volunteers in their interest to engage UM-Dearborn in their area/community.
- Plan and coordinate regional events, networking opportunities, and communication tailored to the specific needs of regional alumni populations.
Volunteer Management & Leadership:
- Recruit, train, and provide ongoing support to alumni volunteers, with a focus on developing leadership and recognition among volunteers.
- Develop and implement volunteer opportunities that enhance alumni involvement in campus activities and initiatives.
- Partner with the Director of Alumni Engagement in the development and implementation of annual plans to create a strong culture of engagement for the UM-Dearborn Alumni Society Board and all alumni affiliates.
- Work with the Director of Alumni Engagement to develop an annual strategic plan that ensures the department keeps the university's mission and vision in front of the alumni community.
Cross-Departmental Project Collaboration:
- Collaborate with colleagues across Institutional Advancement on special projects and campaigns, including annual giving, alumni awards, Homecoming, and student-alumni programming initiatives.
- Serve as an office liaison to UM-Dearborn Athletics and serve as an additional resource to our academic partners.
- Contribute to data collection, reporting, and evaluation of alumni engagement efforts for continual improvement.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Travel locally for alumni cultivation meetings (this position is based in Michigan).
- Complete interaction reports to document alumni engagement and movement along the engagement continuum.
- Assist with other projects and initiatives that advance the office and university mission and increase alumni engagement.
- A baccalaureate degree is required.
- 3-5 years of professional alumni engagement, volunteer management, event planning, or higher education experience (Alumni engagement experience preferred).
- Experience using social networking tools (such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.) to advance departmental mission and increase constituent engagement
- Ability to interact successfully with faculty, staff, alumni, and students alike.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written).
- A high level of sophistication and maturity in social and professional settings.
- Demonstrated leadership ability to initiate, develop, organize and implement plans and motivate volunteers.
- Ability to interact successfully with faculty, staff and students alike.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written).
- A high degree of creative initiative.
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a team environment.
- Discretion and the ability to interact with donors while maintaining strict confidentiality.
- Moderate level of comfort with personal computers and software programs for retrieving, organizing and researching appropriate donor/prospect information, as well as data gathering and manipulation.
- An ability and interest in quickly learning the University history, mission, demographics, faculty, current programs, departments, etc., as well as the University culture, to be able to articulate how UM-Dearborn distinguishes itself from peer institutions.
- Ability to use web-based tools to increase alumni involvement and volunteer management.
- Ability to work independently, when needed, and thrive in a fast-paced,
