Associate Director of Alumni Relations, Diverse Alumni Communities Engagement

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Alumni Relations, Diverse Alumni Communities Engagement is responsible for managing and executing alumni engagement strategies for all identity-based affinity programming in collaboration with regional engagement, school/college engagement and alumni traditions. This role will have a primary focus on developing and implementing inclusive engagement strategies for alumni of diverse backgrounds to increase engagement in alignment with university priorities.

*This position is hybrid-eligible. Candidates may work from any location, but will be required to regularly meet with leaders from the cultural centers and other related parties on campus*

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop a comprehensive strategy for building, managing, and/or supporting identity-based affinity programs, with the explicit goal of increasing engagement across diverse populations. These populations include (but not limited to) communities of color, first generation, and LGBTQ individuals.
• Identify, recruit, and engage a diverse group of alumni to support diversity and inclusivity engagement efforts.
• Determine which populations should be targeted for creating new affinity programs.
• Advise colleagues on development and management of additional identity-based events and volunteer programs and build connections for unit-based board & advisory council pipelines.
• Ensure coordination between identify-based affinity programs and other alumni groups, initiatives and activities.
• Build and/or maintain strategic plans for each identity-based affinity programs, including goals and desired outcomes.
• Create an alumni Diversity Advisory Council, Multicultural Council, or relevant strategic volunteer leadership group.
• Build and maintain key campus partnerships, including (but not limited to) the Office for Diversity and Inclusion, Student Affairs, Cultural Centers, Greek Life, Campus Recreation, Learning Communities, and Student Support Services.
• Support continuous efforts to increase the amount of demographic data for alumni to allow for better tracking of progress and strategic planning for the future.
• Meet with alumni/constituents each fiscal year in an effort to increase engagement and identify volunteer opportunities.
• Provide event planning and logistical support for identity-based affinity group programs and activities following all Foundation policies and guidelines.
• Track related program marketing, budgets, contracts.
• Collaborate with Development colleagues to identify, qualify, cultivate and steward existing and potential prospects and partner for engagement and cultivation opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Competencies

• Superior interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, including the ability to listen, learn and respond to the needs of different constituent groups.
• Ability to remain focused on multiple priorities and work collaboratively with staff and colleagues from across the university to meet strategic goals.
• Demonstrated ability to work with, motivate, and lead volunteers; develop and nurture key partnerships.
• Proficiency in the planning, execution, and follow up for programs and events.
• Integrity in dealing with confidential information.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the needs and experiences of a diverse alumni and student base.
• Demonstrated understanding, ability to work with, and desire to serve diverse populations.
• Ability to forge partnerships across campus and develop and implement plans in a team environment with a shared-outcome philosophy.
• Willingness to work flexible hours to attend alumni meetings and work events in evenings and on weekends.
• Requires lifting up to 25 pounds, moving equipment and the ability to move a rolling cart.
• Must be willing to travel as necessary; reliable transportation is required for this position
• Must possess a valid driver’s license issued from state in which employee resides. Employee must maintain at their expense, automobile liability insurance coverage in the minimum amount of $500,000 or a combination of umbrella and automobile liability insurance coverage of $500,000. A certificate of automobile insurance evidencing the limit, must be provided to the Foundation at hire and annually thereafter.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 5+ years in alumni relations, advancement, student affairs or comparable experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1+ years of experience with volunteer management.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (i.e., Outlook, Word, and Excel). Demonstrated ability to work in multiple system environments.

The University of Connecticut Foundation is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering diversity in its workforce.