Director of Alumni Relations 

MidAmerica Nazarene University has an opening for the position of Director of Alumni Relations.  The Director is responsible for the overall leadership and direction of the University’s alumni program and for executive support of the Alumni Association. The Director shall plan, organize and implement a comprehensive Alumni Relations Program to build alumni participation and support through strong communication, personal interaction, organization of reunions, clubs, and special events. The Director will lead a comprehensive effort to expand and grow a global alumni presence by engaging in active and sustainable programming both on and off campus. The outcomes of such programming should be increased service to alumni and friends which in turn encourages service to, and support of, the University.  This position will be part of a team-oriented, collaborative organization and will serve as a key member of the university advancement team. 

Candidates for the above position should possess a commitment to Christian higher education, utilize servant leadership style of leadership, and be willing to assume the duties listed in the following general position description. 

Position Description: Director  

• ·        Develop, implement and evaluate programs, activities, events and communication serving alumni and friends of the University.
  ·        Supervise all aspects of planning and implementation for the University's Homecoming activities, including class reunions, reunions for the University's professional schools or academic areas, and additional affinity group gatherings.
  ·        Provide a variety of off-campus regional programs including cultural, athletic, social and educational events to serve alumni, young alumni and friends of the University. 
  ·        Enlist, motivate, train and manage a corps of 75-100 volunteers committed to successful alumni programming, including the recruitment and cultivation of alumni in strategic locations.
  ·        Serve as a liaison with other campus entities, coordinating alumni events with appropriate athletics and student-oriented events on and off campus.
  ·        Provide leadership for various communication programs for alumni including the coordination of all print, web, e-mail, and other media types.
  ·        Support and advance the 5-year strategic plan of the Alumni Association.
  ·        Work closely with Advancement Services to solicit, maintain, and track accurate and up-to-date information for alumni files.
  ·        Serve as a supportive member of the University Advancement team on various fundraising campaigns, alumni cultivation, and special events; some face-to-face solicitations will be an important aspect of this position.
  ·        Supervise office staff, volunteers, and students.
  ·        Provide executive leadership to the Alumni Association’s elected Alumni Council in accordance with the Alumni Association Constitution;  manage all Alumni Council related activity, including preparation of meeting agendas, committee work, participation in Alumni Council meetings, and maintaining ongoing communication with members of the board to ensure meaningful involvement. Develop effective written and oral messaging to motivate, mobilize, and represent organizational interests.
  ·        In cooperation with the Vice President for University Advancement and Alumni volunteer leadership, set and implement university policies regarding alumni activities.
  ·        Develop quantitative data measures to track progress and performance.
  ·        Devote up to 50% of time to be out of the office in direct engagement with alumni and volunteers. 

 Qualifications:  Each candidate must meet the following qualifications. 

• ·        Bachelor’s degree required

  ·        Minimum of 5 years professional experience required with at least 2 years in alumni relations or development preferred

  ·        Excellent organizational and planning skills

  ·        Experience with event planning

  ·        Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to relate to a diverse clientele

  ·        Thorough knowledge of principles and methods for the operation of a successful alumni program

  ·        Demonstrated ability to recruit, lead, manage, and motivate alumni and volunteer leadership

  ·        Basic understanding of fundraising software and Microsoft Office.

  ·        Ability to be personally supportive of the Christian character and mission of the University and able to articulate the distinctives of a Christian liberal arts education

  ·        Candidate should possess sophisticated interpersonal skills, excellent listening skills, the ability to demonstrate initiative, and a high level of energy.

  ·        Ability to travel
  

  Application: Interested individuals who meet the criteria outlined above should send a cover letter, resume and 3 to 5 professional references via email to Nancy Merimee, Director of Human Resources (Send to hr@mnu.edu).  Questions may be addressed to this email address or by telephone to 913-971-3427. 

Review of applications begins immediately and continues through January 20, 2010. 

MidAmerica Nazarene University is interested in reviewing applications from qualified members of traditionally underrepresented groups in America, including women and racial and ethnic minorities. 

 

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