Manager of Alumni Relations

We are committed to enhancing and cultivating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment through actions that foster a sense of belonging and safety for all members of the NMC community. 

Summary & Qualifications:

Summary

Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) is seeking a Director of Alumni Relations to shape and execute initiatives that foster meaningful connections between NMC and its alumni community. Reporting to the Director of Development and Alumni Relations, this position will play a key role in developing and executing innovative strategies that drive alumni engagement and support NMC’s goal of securing private resources. This position will help bring signature events and programming to life, manage a high-level volunteer board, and craft communications for a large alumni network. 

Qualifications

Required:

Bachelor's Degree (Required)

At least 2 years experience in fundraising, communications, or similar experiences with a solid understanding of non-profit principles and methodologies (Required).

Experience coordinating events and/or engagement-focused activities (Required)

Preferred:

Experience working with volunteers or supervising others (Preferred)

Experience working efficiently under pressure with careful attention to detail (Preferred)

Experience and competency working in data and/or relational databases, and competency in appropriate software. (Preferred)

Experience assembling communication and marketing plans and competency using appropriate software including website management and social media (Preferred)

Strong communication skills, both written and spoken, including competency in appropriate software (Preferred)

Working knowledge of Raisers Edge or comparable donor software (Preferred)

Essential Responsibilities

• (Critical) Create and implement a strategic plan for programming to increase engagement of NMC’s alumni. Set and meet measurable goals; develop and share reports with college and foundation leadership.

• (Critical) Plan for and manage volunteer leadership for alumni programming, engaging these individuals to drive strategy, form consensus and create best practices.

• (Critical) Be the face of NMC Alumni programming by representing program interests across campus and communities. Connect with student, faculty & staff groups and create programming which will engage students and encourage them to become active and supportive alumni.

• (Critical) Working in support of NMC’s strategic directions, identify the best ways that alumni engagement can serve the college and be rewarding to constituents, working with staff and faculty to assess needs.

• (Critical) Develop and oversee the strategy and execution of communication, program marketing, and events for the alumni and friends audience, including the e-news, which currently reaches over 25,000 addresses regularly, direct mail and promotional material, and social media.

• (Critical) Collaboratively develop and implement alumni recognition and stewardship program, currently highlighted by the Outstanding Alumni award program.

• (Critical) Manage, coordinate, train, and support alumni, working on behalf of the program.

• (Very Important) Work with fundraising staff to establish performance goals and strategies for alumni giving to the College.

• (Very Important) Strategize and implement effective data management plan for alumni and former employee records.

• (Very Important) Study and guide the use of current alumni trends and practices, fundraising, direct marketing and volunteer management programs, and practices and procedures being used in the not-for-profit sector.

• (Very Important) Develop and manage program-specific budgets, meeting expectations for revenue generation and break-even programming.

Place of work