The Director of Alumni Relations oversees and manages all aspects of the Office of Alumni Relations and is responsible for managing, implementing and coordinating a comprehensive alumni and donor relations program that appropriately and consistently promotes interaction with and recognition of alumni and donors. This will be achieved by executing meaningful and strategic programs, events, and communication with ONU’s alumni and friends. When implemented, these strategies will lead to both volunteer and financial support for Ohio Northern University and will align with the University’s strategic goals, mission, and vision. The Director will develop strategies that are in line with industry best practices and the priorities of Ohio Northern University.

Principal Responsibilities: 

• Serve as an expert on the needs of Ohio Northern University’s alumni and friends with respect to events, messaging, volunteer opportunities, outreach and services.
• Create, envision, plan and measure the effectiveness of various programs, communication strategies, and events for alumni and friends of the university. These opportunities should foster engagement, participation and giving of time, talent, and financial resources.
• Partner with Development Directors and Director of Annual Giving to determine best strategies for effective stewardship of donors.
• Advise on the facilitation of recognition events and coordinate or assist with various activities for donors / donor societies.
• Advise on work with internal constituents, campus departments, and alumni groups to provide consultation on best practices when working with alumni and friends of the university.
• Oversee the Alumni Relations budget, manage the department calendar, and supervise staff and or student workers.
• Serve as chair or representative on various committees which are related to alumni relations and friends of ONU.
• Partner with development staff, when appropriate, to steward and recognize individual donors and volunteers.
• Oversee university programs and services, including but not limited to, reunions, homecoming, recognition/award programs, alumni clubs, affinity groups, parents, and alumni admissions partnerships.
• Coordinate various special events – on and off campus.
• Engage alumni and friends in the life of ONU through consistent and positive communication using electronic, print, and social media.
• Provide exceptional customer service and responsiveness to colleagues, alumni, and friends of ONU.
• Manage student and recent alumni engagement plans to build life-long connection and continued engagement with ONU.
• Communicate daily with alumni and friends of ONU via letters, personal visits, email, social media, phone and campus tours.
• Work regularly with other advancement directors to ensure continuous improvement in alumni relations and to ensure that communication and development strategies are being achieved.
• Serve as a key advisor in campaign strategies.
• Oversee and manage the Alumni Advisory Board.
• Oversee substantial projects impacting the long and short range future of the University.
• Set policies, procedures and precedents and devise new, non-standard approaches to address highly intricate and technically complex challenges that relate to ONUs alumni and friends.
• Regularly communicate with persons of importance, obtain the cooperation of others, and handle delicate relationships and complex situations effectively.
• Report on progress through the development of strategic engagement metrics.
• Follow the objectives of the Alumni Advisory Board as defined in the constitution.
• Remain competent and current through self-directed professional reading, development professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed by the supervisor.
• Maintain the highest standard of confidentiality in handling information.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills: 

• Direct experience with alumni relations, public relations, or a related field in which the candidate can demonstrate successful track record.
• Ability to self initiate problem solving through the identification and exploration of issues.
• Outstanding written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability and commitment to travel and attend evening and weekend events as required.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Five or more years of similar work experience

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s Degree
• Direct experience with alumni relations
• Seven or more years of similar work experience
• Working knowledge of Banner

ONU is an equal employment opportunity employer. Accordingly, no person shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, transgender status, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all areas of employment including recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, separation and other terms, condition and privileges of employment.