Executive Director of Alumni Relations

Executive Director of Alumni Relations

UHR-HR Search Services

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton.

Alumni Relations

External

TRS or ORP

Employee

Benefits Eligible

Commensurate with Experience

04/19/2024

01/03/2024

Yes

Applicant screening will begin immediately. Candidates are encouraged to submit their materials by Sunday, February 25, 2024; however, screening will continue until the position is filled. The application packet should include a cover letter detailing how the applicant’s credentials and experience meet the needs, responsibilities, and qualifications stated above; a current resume; and contact information for three references (who will not be contacted without further correspondence with the applicant).

Athens Area

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([email protected]).

Director, Division / Department AD

Administrative Faculty

Fiscal (12 mo.)

Non-Tenure Track

A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations or a related field.

The Executive Director of Alumni Relations sets the strategic direction for engaging the university’s 355,000 living alumni across the world. Production, collaboration, innovation, and purpose will guide this advancement leader.

• A Master’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations or a related field.
• At least five years of senior level management experience in resource development, strategic planning, public relations/communications.
• At least 12 years of related higher education experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience related to marketing, development, business administration, higher education, project management, or relationship management.
• At least five years of experience working with and managing volunteer boards.
• Proven track record of fundraising success in higher education.
• Proven track record with comprehensive campaigns.

• Strong people management skills and time management skills.
• Ability to cultivate and solicit private gifts from high-level prospects.
• Knowledge of private funding landscape in higher education.
• Knowledge of IRS rules and regulations regarding charitable gifts and non-profit organizations.
• Self-starter and highly motivated.
• Collaborative style combined with the ability and desire to work in a team-based environment.
• Excellent writing skills with extreme attention to detail and confident, strong verbal communication.
• Problem solver who can take initiative and set priorities while being flexible.
• Team-oriented strategist able to effectively manage complex situations.
• Ability to establish the trust of colleagues and build strong relationships with key faculty/staff.
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects.
• Analytical, with adherence to self-guided goals and deadlines.
• Adept at navigating complex environments with evolving priorities.
• Ability to maintain high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to university business and confidential donor and prospect information.
• Skilled using Microsoft Office products such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Creative thinker with ability to receive constructive feedback on ideas.
• Ability to respond to donors needs and concerns in a kind and professional way.
• Ability to travel in and out of state.
• Willingness and flexibility to work nights and weekends if necessary.
• Work using electronic mail, telephone, face-to-face discussions, paper form correspondence.
• Communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listening.
• Organize and establish priorities; Remember detail; multi-task.

• Lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
• Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Strategy and Leadership: Internal Partnerships

• Alumni Relations Team
  • Build and lead results-focused teams with a leadership style that encourages confidence and promotes an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit among the team and shareholders.
  • Lead a strategic and financial annual review and development process for the Alumni Relations team. This includes close collaboration with leadership across DAR and development of a plan that provides guidance and mentorship to the Alumni team for their annual priorities and activities in support of the mission goals of the Division.
  • Structure, appoint, establish, communicate, and reinforce staff assignments, accountabilities, performance expectations, and goals for staff reporting to this position.
  • Ensure representation of the Alumni Relations team in the planning and execution of DAR signature programs, including strategic planning, engagement, and event execution.
  • Collaborate with DAR leadership on strategy to set goals, annual plans, and metrics to measure engagement and alumni programming in connection to fundraising and other DAR priorities.

• Campus Partners
  • Establish and nurture strong relationships and promote engagement with academic leaders, senior staff, and DAR colleagues across campus to strengthen alumni programming and align the work of the Alumni Relations team with the strategic goals and priorities of DAR.
  • Provide guidance and assist with the efforts of the schools, colleges, and other units in developing and enhancing alumni programming and engagement and promoting opportunities for financial support of the university.

55

Strategy and Leadership: External Partnerships

• Engagement of alumni, donors, and friends of the university
  • Provide the architecture for engagement between UGA and its alumni, friends, and constituents.
  • Lead and create strategies and programs that drive personal connection, affinity, and investment in UGA pursuing, always, the best constituent experience.
  • Grow the pipeline of engaged alumni, parents, friends, and constituents to support fundraising priorities and advance the mission of UGA.
  • Develop strong relationships with UGA alumni and community to support strategic objectives for the alumni programs, services, and activities to ensure successful outcomes. Ensure that programming and engagement are connected to opportunities for financial support of the university.
  • Lead the strategy for engagement of alumni in geographic markets in collaboration with the priorities of DAR.
  • Manage internal teams responsible for programing to external audiences.
  • Deliver speeches and present information that promotes the mission of the Office of Alumni Relations, encourages constituent engagement, alumni giving and participation, and accomplishes other objectives pertinent to the role.

• Strategic Leadership of the UGA Alumni Board and Volunteer Leaders
  • Lead the direction of the UGA Alumni Board, prioritizing the recruitment, selection, and training of effective alumni board members.
  • Create and sustain an effective volunteer alumni board strategic plan that enables DAR and the University of Georgia to achieve their mission.
  • Coordinate alumni board assignments and goals to enhance the collaborative goals of the priorities of DAR.
  • Confer with board members, organize board leaders, and staff liaisons to carry out the priorities of DAR.

45