Department: Advancement & Alumni Relations

Web Announcement:

Associate Director of Alumni Engagement

The George Mason University Office of Alumni Relations invites applications for an Associate Director of Alumni Engagement. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment.

About the Department:

The George Mason University Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations is charged with generating private philanthropic support for the University as well as engendering strong donor and alumni relationships through creative programming and compelling communications. The mission of the Office of Alumni Relations is to work with the George Mason University Alumni Association (GMUAA) and its Board of Directors to facilitate outreach and communication to and among alumni, and to provide opportunities for alumni to be engaged in the life of the University consistent with the goals and objectives of the institution. The mission of the Alumni Association is to strengthen George Mason University by engaging alumni through mutually beneficial programs, services and fellowship that encourage active participation in and support of the university.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the A.V.P. for Alumni Relations this position works collaboratively with alumni program staff, university advancement and Foundation colleagues to develop and increase Alumni Engagement. This position will assess program effectiveness, develop strategy, and cultivate a strong team of staff and volunteer leaders to support the strategic goals of the Office of Alumni Relations. The key responsibilities include engagement strategy, strategic management and execution of all Alumni Relations' signature events., engagement programming, event communications, university-wide collaboration, and overall alumni relations program assessment.

Principal Duties:

• Manage alumni awards and recognition events, including Celebration of Distinction (annual Alumni Association awards ceremony). Duties include:
  • working with Advancement colleagues and chapters during the selection process;
  • planning and management of the event, including invitations, registration, publicity, vendor coordination, speaking program and VIP coordination.
• Manage all signature Alumni Relations events, including (but not limited to): Homecoming, Alumni Weekend/Fall programming, reunion programs, and professional sporting events;
• Partner with office and university colleagues on university wide events including (but not limited to) Gold Rush and Mason Day;
• Serve as a resource to colleagues in the Office of Alumni Relations when planning non-signature events;
• Manage student worker dedicated to event support;
• Support the implementation and management of alumni relations programs consistent with the University's strategic mission by growing volunteer networks and providing outreach to alumni;
• Develop strategy for alumni engagement based on long-term effort, life-long engagement, and connection with their alma mater that demonstrates clear mutual benefit of engagement;
• Work with colleagues in Advancement to align investment of time and budget to those efforts that are proving to be most effective in engaging alumni;
• Develop and/or maintain strong working relationships/partnerships with key University stakeholders and unit-based colleagues to maximize resources;
• Maintain knowledge of best practices in alumni relations, alumni engagement, volunteer service and management, metrics and assessment, alumni programming, communication, and philanthropy;
• Meet regularly with volunteers on and off campus and attend Alumni gatherings;
• Develop marketing, communications, and social media plan for all signature events;
• Serve as alumni events liaison on CRM implementation team;
• Develop engagement metrics for events and communications;
• Facilitate quarterly (or more frequent) collaboration sessions between OAR and GMUAA Board of Directors.
  
  

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree or equivalent education and experience, with a minimum of 5 years of alumni relations experience, including significant and progressively responsible event planning experience;
• Extensive and proven experience with events management and associated communications, including e-communications, digital, print, social media, and experience with marketing/promotion;
• Extensive experience with iModules and Advance database;
• Proven leadership, organizational planning, high-level sophistication and maturity in social and professional settings;
• Proven ability to work effectively with peers and senior leaders;
• Superior writing, editing and speaking skills and experience with public speaking and developing and delivering presentations;
• Experience in developing and managing resources;
• Experience developing, executing, and evaluating strategy;
• Experience in recruiting, organizing, and motivating teams of volunteers, and the ability to identify and engage prospective volunteers for board committees and chapter leadership;
• Must be flexible to work some evenings and weekends, especially related to alumni chapter and board meetings, alumni events and programs, and relevant University events and programs. Occasional travel is required;
• Appreciation and understanding of the university's need to foster, maintain and strengthen high-quality individual relationships with alumni;
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively as a leader, as well as a member of a team;
• Entrepreneurial spirit, positive attitude and energy to implement new strategies and meet ambitious goals;
• Understanding of and experience with the operations for Alumni Associations or non-profit membership organizations;
• Ability to thrive in a diverse and fast-paced environment, possess strong analytical and independent decision-making ability, and take initiative and ownership of projects, seeing them through with excellence;
• Ability to manage multi-phase projects from inception to completion, including the ability to build consensus among team members and balance multiple concurrent priorities;
• Excellent computer skills including use of database systems;
• Detailed-oriented with a mind for the broader picture and skilled at resolving issues as they arise;
• Demonstrated ability with strategic thinking and creative problem-solving.

Salary: Commensurate with education and experience.

Location: Fairfax, VA

Mason Ad Statement:

Great Careers Begin at Mason!

George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report “Up and Coming” spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education.

Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason’s diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.

If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!

George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

Equity Statement:

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.