The Alumni Relations Specialist (Associate Director of Alumni Relations) in the College of Health and Human Development plays a critical role in enhancing the engagement and connection of the University’s alumni; develops and implements strategies to strengthen alumni relationships, increases participation in alumni events, and promotes networking opportunities; identifies, recruits, and manages alumni volunteers to serve on boards and committees.
- Serve as the lead office liaison to department-based alumni groups, monitoring budgets as needed and working with volunteers to strategically develop programming that supports department goals and engages alumni
- Use SAP Concur to process expenses related to events and travel, with limited administrative staff support
- Organize and coordinate alumni events, including reunions, networking sessions, and professional development workshops at University Park and in top regional markets; coordinate and manage an extensive awards program hosted by the Alumni Society Board
- Create and manage content for newsletters, social media, and other communication platforms to keep alumni informed and engaged; may include writing for print and on-line publications
- Work with the Director of Alumni Relations to develop strategies for increasing the involvement of alumni in the College as part of an annual engagement plan
- Provide staff support and guidance to an extremely active and engaged Alumni Society Board of directors, including five standing committees; involvement in some evening meetings (typically virtual) will be required
- Assist with recruiting, training, and managing alumni volunteers for participation in programs, boards, and committees
- Work with College communications and marketing staff in the development of alumni publications, invitations, and other communications materials including the oversight of an annual social media plan
- Assist with website maintenance and managing event-related technology
- Assist with unit budgetary responsibilities; and work with Development staff to enhance alumni participation in philanthropy
- Maintain and update alumni records in the database, ensuring accurate information for outreach and engagement efforts Participate in the strategic and long-range planning for new initiatives and programs designed to enhance alumni relations activities
- Work closely with internal teams to align alumni relations efforts with broader organizational goals
- In conjunction with the director, collect and analyze feedback from alumni to assess engagement strategies and identify opportunities for improvement
- Facilitate mentorship and networking opportunities between alumni and current students or recent graduates
- Provide professional guidance and leadership to volunteers, boards, committees, and other staff to develop and execute strategies and programs
- May hire, supervise, train, and direct the work of assigned staff and/or students
This job will be filled at the Advanced Professional level, depending upon the successful candidate’s competencies, education, and experience. Typically requires a bachelor’s degree or higher plus two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
The successful candidate will be well organized, experienced, and self-directed. Those who enjoy working with people in a busy, fast paced environment are encouraged to apply. Exemplary interpersonal, organizational, and communication (written and verbal) skills and a genuine appreciation for working with diverse audiences required. The ideal candidate will have experience establishing and overseeing a volunteer management system including recruiting, training, monitoring, supporting, empowering, and motivating volunteers. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties, and some overnight travel may be required. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review at https://police.psu.edu/annual-security-reports.