Director Of Alumni Relations

Summary and Purpose:

Are you passionate about learning and eager to contribute to a rebuilding effort with significant impact? Join our growing team on a beautiful campus in a vibrant city, where you'll work in a collaborative environment dedicated to advancing our institution's mission. We believe that a liberal arts education, a global perspective, and lifelong learning are essential to outstanding career preparation. Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive college community aligns with our Dominican and Catholic identity.

This key role on our Institutional Advancement team will work closely with colleagues to align alumni relations strategies with institutional goals, establish initiatives like an Aquinas Ambassador program, and ensure alumni perspectives shape our decisions. The role involves organizing events, crafting engaging communications, and serving as liaison to alumni groups, including the Alumni Association Leadership Council. If you're driven by impactful outreach and professional growth, come join us.

Responsibilities/Duties/Tasks/Essential Functions:

• Work closely with the VP for Institutional Advancement to align alumni relations strategies with overall institutional goals.

• Create a new Aquinas Ambassador program to support admissions enrollment goals.

• Serve as a liaison between alumni and the college, ensuring alumni perspectives are represented in planning and decision-making.

• Plan and coordinate alumni events such as reunions, homecomings, regional gatherings, and networking events.

• Partner with marketing to write and create frequent and informative alumni communications, including newsletters, magazines, and social media content.

• Work closely with the Advantage Center to manage and maintain alumni mentorship programs and other post-graduate career services.

• Recruit, train and support the Alumni Association Leadership Council and other affinity groups as necessary.

• Generate leads for fundraising portfolios by identifying alumni and community members who have affinity and propensity to give.

• Manage correspondence by phone, email, and mail with alumni.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of alumni information and interactions in the CRM.

• Monitor industry trends and best practices to ensure the college remains competitive in its alumni relations efforts.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 3 years of experience in constituent relations or a related field, such as community engagement, communications, or business administration.

• Proven track record of successfully designing and implementing outreach programs and/or special events.

• Excellent organizational skills and an ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects.

• High level of initiative, creativity, and resourcefulness, including the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required for alumni events and engagement activities, with occasional travel required.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Must be able to function effectively in a busy environment with interruptions.

• Constant use of computer and telephone.

• Some occasional lifting (20-35 pounds)

MISSION, VISION, VALUES:

Aquinas College, an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic and Dominican traditions, provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good.

Aquinas College is recognized as the exceptional Catholic liberal arts college that prepares individuals for careers of leadership and service in developing a sustainable and just global community. Aquinas College is recognized by its values: Faith, Service, Learning and Community.

Aquinas College prides itself as a leader in sustainability, and this requires the participation of every member of the college community. In this regard, employees and their supervisors are expected to engage in the process of "appreciative inquiry" to identify ways that each position can advance sustainability in the employment experience.

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the Aquinas College Service Statement:

The College serves our community with excellence and respect through an institutional commitment to quality, accountability, cooperation, professionalism and responsiveness.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Aquinas College is an equal opportunity employer and an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition. Aquinas College provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good. Aquinas College values: Faith, Learning, Service and Community.

Aquinas College offers an excellent benefits package that includes affordable medical, dental, and vision plans, generous paid vacation each year, 16 paid holidays, paid sick time and short-term disability, and college-paid life and AD&D insurance. Additionally, Aquinas employees and their dependents are eligible for free tuition at Aquinas after one year of full-time employment.