Alumni chapters exist in multiple cities across the state, country, as well as abroad, and it is within the Office of Alumni Relations. This position reports to the Director of Alumni Relations and is responsible for implementing the strategic vision of the Office of Alumni Relations. Additionally, this position will support the Office of Alumni Relations with other programming and events as needed.

The Associate Director of Alumni Relations will identify recruit, train, and lead alumni chapter volunteers and engagement prospects. This requires regular meetings with chapter leaders and engagement prospects to assist with events planning and coordination and to train chapter leaders of the responsibilities and processes involved with volunteer alumni chapter leadership. The position requires well-developed interpersonal communication skills to effectively adapt communication style to work with volunteer leaders. Regular communication and collaboration with the Division of Development & Alumni Relations’ (DAR) team members is also necessary to further promote engagement programs and events within DAR. The Associate Director will participate in planning events organized by the Office of Alumni Relations and will assist with strategic alumni outreach initiatives.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Manage recruiting, organizing, and training of an active pool of volunteer leaders under strategic management to assist the University of Georgia in maintaining outstanding alumni chapter communities.
• Identify, recruit, and vet top volunteer leaders to lead chapters in DAR priority markets.
• Manage processes for onboarding and transitioning of chapter leaders.
• Oversee and lead chapter leaders in planning a strategic, UGA-focused calendar of events and programs to engage a broad range of alumni.
• Assist chapters in planning and organizing events that engage alumni and support UGA’s mission.
• Manage chapter accounts and program funds.
• Attend chapter programs and meetings as necessary in order to promote positive communication and volunteer support.
• Meet regularly with chapter leaders in person, or virtually, to assess their needs, train, and to communicate important university or departmental updates.
• Interact with chapters through social media outlets and maintain administrative access to all accounts.
• Monitor social media pages.
• Assist with other special regional projects and events as assigned.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the academic units to create opportunities for alumni participation, and partner with development colleagues to plan alumni outreach programs and events.
• Speak publicly about chapters’ structure and programs to board members, alumni, senior campus administrators, or other high-level individuals.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with colleagues in the Office of Development and other campus partners.
• Attend and serve as an Office of Alumni Relations leader for events as assigned.
• Assist in the planning and execution of alumni relations events and programs such as: Alumni Leadership Assembly, Game Watching Parties, Chapter Events, Dawg Day of Giving, Beat Week and other DAR events and programs as needed.
• Work collaboratively across with DAR partners to ensure chapter program is successful with events that aim to connect attendees back to UGA. Additionally, will work collaboratively to ensure individual prospects are engaged with campus partners in meaningful ways.
• Provide a monthly Chapter Leader Update and conduct regular conference calls and training sessions.
• Provide updates and marketing strategies for Georgia Magazine, Bulldog Bulletin, and Pulse. Serve on event committees and attend alumni events and programs when needed and as assigned.
• Assist in the oversight, development and creation of models, guidelines, policies, and training materials that reflect alumni relations objectives as needed.
• Work collaboratively across all unit functions within the Office of Alumni Relations to ensure all teams can fulfill obligations, meet deadlines, and to consistently maintain business continuity.
• Ensure timely and accurate updates are made in the Giving and Alumni Information Link (GAIL) database, and update colleagues regarding chapter information in a timely manner. (Include contact information, chapter involvement, interactions, and event attendance.)
• Record all chapter event information in GAIL and update all interactions on the shared drive. Post contact information and chapter interactions within 1 business day and copy regional and alumni directors when appropriate.
• Input a summary of meeting notes into GAIL and share notes with appropriate representatives.
• Communicate proactively with regional directors, alumni directors and other UGA representatives on chapter programs, prospect interactions, news, and travel plans.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Critical thinking, strategic planning, and ability to execute tasks at a high level.
• Experience with fundraising or advancement.
• Excellent time management and the ability to prioritize multiple competing priorities.
• Experience in volunteer management and event planning.
• Exemplary communications skills (both written and verbal)
• Commitment to outstanding customer service.
• Ability to motivate, coach, and lead groups and individuals.
• Ability to establish the trust of colleagues and build strong relationships with key faculty/staff.
• Collaborative style combined with the ability and desire to work in a team-based environment
• Creative thinker with ability to receive constructive feedback on ideas.
• Demonstrated computer competency and knowledgeable of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and social media outlets.
• Quick learner, self-starter, and can adapt to a fast paced, multi-faceted, and dynamic organization.
• Ability to articulate a proposal clearly and concisely for a new strategy or solution to a problem so that others can quickly and easily understand.
• Ability to maintain high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to university business and confidential donor and prospect information.
• Communicates and employs interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct.

Additional Division Expectations:

• Through open, honest, and respectful communication, all staff, supervisors, and colleagues of the Division of Development & Alumni Relations are expected to interact with fairness, compassion, and decency. All employees will be held accountable for meeting the expectation of promoting a stable, productive, and healthy work environment.
• Adherence to CASE standards and commonly accepted industry standards relating to fundraising and engagement reporting are expected of all professionals. All professionals will be held accountable for meeting this expectation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field.  Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Volunteer management experience
• Sales and marketing experience
• Communications experience
• Fundraising and nonprofit experience
• Familiarity with the university setting