How to Apply
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.
Summary
The Director of Alumni Relations is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to engage and cultivate relationships with College of Engineering alumni. This role plays a critical part in fostering a sense of community and loyalty among alumni, while also leveraging their support and involvement to benefit the organization. The Director of Alumni Relations reports to the Senior Executive Director of the Office of Advancement.
Mission Statement
Michigan Engineering's vision is to be the world's preeminent college of engineering serving the common good. Our mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world. We seek to improve the quality of life by developing intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, creating collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promoting an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: https://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/ .
Who We Are
Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.
Our vision, mission and values are supported by a people-first engineering framework that guides our work. As Michigan Engineers, we strive to apply excellent engineering fundamentals, integrated expertise and equity-centered values to reimagine what engineering can be, close critical gaps, and elevate all people. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/.
The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Michigan Engineering models that commitment in our research, culture and collaborations. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of that commitment. Learn more about DEI at Michigan Engineering: https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Maternity and Parental Leave
Responsibilities*
- Develop and execute a comprehensive alumni relations program that effectively engages and cultivates relationships with alumni.
- Plan and coordinate a variety of events and activities, such as homecoming weekend, networking events, and social gatherings, to foster connections among alumni and between alumni and the College.
- Collaborate with College departments and offices (e.g. Corporate and Foundation Relations), as well as other University entities, to support and enable alumni engagement efforts.
- Leverage and deploy technology to support the College's alumni relations strategy.
- Support and contribute to the University's ongoing efforts to maintain an accurate and up-to-date alumni database, ensuring that contact information, employment details, and other relevant data are properly recorded.
- Create and distribute, in partnership with Communications and Marketing, regular communications, such as newsletters and email updates, to keep alumni informed about news, events, and opportunities related to the organization.
- Coordinate and support regional alumni relations efforts and events as appropriate, collaborating with the Alumni Association and other entities as appropriate.
- Collaborate with academic departments and other campus units to facilitate alumni involvement in student mentorship programs, guest speaking opportunities, and other activities.
- Develop and foster a collaborative community across academic departments within the College to increase alumni engagement coordination efforts and impact.
- Track and evaluate the success of alumni engagement efforts through metrics such as event attendance, participation rates, and alumni feedback.
- Manage the alumni relations budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources to support engagement activities and initiatives.
Required Qualifications*
- A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least 7 years of experience in alumni relations or related fields, with a track record of success in developing and executing programs and strategic initiatives.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to connect and communicate effectively with a diverse range of individuals, including alumni, staff, faculty, and volunteers.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft engaging and compelling content for various communication channels, including newsletters, emails, and social media platforms.
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, strong event planning and project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple events and initiatives simultaneously within given timelines and budgets across a decentralized organization.
- Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality when interacting with donors and alumni or working with donor and alumni data.
- Self-motivated, innovative problem-solver.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a team environment.
- Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse array of personalities under pressure and deadlines.
- Careful attention to detail.
- Proficient in utilizing CRM systems, databases, and other relevant software to manage and analyze alumni data and engagement metrics.
- Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to handle a variety of tasks, set priorities, meet deadlines, and address changing priorities.
- Familiarity with current trends and best practices in alumni relations and the broader advancement field.
- Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends as necessary for events and activities.
Desired Qualifications*
- Working knowledge of DART and Business Objects.
- Working knowledge of the University organization, policies, rules, and regulations.
Work Locations
The Michigan Engineering Office of Advancement operates in a hybrid work environment consisting of both inperson and remote work. This position will be classified as a FLEX position within the Michigan Engineering STARR classification matrix. You can find more information here: https://rpm.engin.umich.edu/human-resources/telecommuting/
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.