Manager, Alumni Relations

The Manager, Alumni Relations works closely with the Director of Alumni Relations and support, organizes and executes alumni events, programs, and initiatives that promote and strengthen the bond between alumni and the University of Houston-Downtown. The Manager serves as one of the primary points of contact for both internal and external stakeholders, representing the Alumni Relations team through various forms of communication and engagement. The Manager also oversees event logistics and ensures the accuracy and completeness of alumni data records, while managing multiple projects simultaneously with ease.

• Coordinates day-to-day activities of the office with minimal supervision; proposes and implements improvements to current processes and procedures.
• Serve the Alumni Council by supporting the President of the Alumni Association, organizing and attending Council meetings and directing the Council to achieve its purpose and mission.
• Works with Annual Giving Manager to increase alumni giving through the use of volunteer leadership, individual cultivation and prospect management
• Plans and organizes alumni events, which include but are not limited to: Homecoming, Alumni Awards Dinner, alumni campus visits and student events to welcome them to the Alumni Association.
• Creates and maintains events that provide a touch-point for all alumni age groups
• Coordinates and conceptualizes communications for the Alumni Association which include but are not limited to: the monthly newsletter, posting weekly on social media outlets; collects, organizes and edits Class Notes, works with relevant University Relations liaison as needed to accomplish goals
• Work with University Relations on alumni website and to maintain Alumni database updates as needed
• Establishes, analyzes and maintains a network of key contacts to aid in development and efforts to strengthen alumni involvement.

• Occasional weekend and evening work will be required; possible travel
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Direct Reports:

• None

Delegation of Work:

• N/A

Supervision Given:

• N/A

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree

Required Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience working directly with alumni, volunteers, donors and/or in customer service, special events, higher education, or related fields.
• Experience managing volunteers
• Has demonstrated experience with various social media platforms through prior professional and/or personal experience
• Interest in alumni relations and fundraising and/or higher education

License/Certification:

• None

• Three (3) years of experience in alumni relations

Knowledge:

• Demonstrates solid mastery of MS Office applications, especially MS Excel and Word, and good understanding of database applications
• Knowledge of the trends, issues, and practices pertaining to higher education.

Skills:

• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal, customer-service, and organizational skills

Abilities:

• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in writing and verbally;
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituents in a diverse community

Primary Work Location:

• Works in an office environment.

Physical Demands:

• Work is usually performed in a typical, comfortable interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements; may occasionally be required to work in inclement weather conditions. Individual has discretion in relation to sitting (80%) walking (5%), standing (15%) etc., and has minimal exposure to physical risks.

Commitment to Excellence - UHD

• Demonstrates a commitment to competently perform his/her job duties and responsibilities within established time frames.
• Continuously strives to improve work performance.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her commitments to the university.
• Contributes to the success of the university by consistently providing quality results in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.

Respect and Cooperation

• Treats others with courtesy, respect, and dignity in the workplace.
• Promotes cooperation through open and honest communications and consideration of others ideas, thoughts, and opinions.

Integrity

• Demonstrates high ethical standards of conduct in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her actions.
• Respects and complies with department and university policies, procedures, and work rules.

Proficiency

• Possesses required job skills and knowledge.
• Demonstrates the ability to apply those skills and knowledge to competently perform his/her job duties and assignments.

Dependability

• Takes responsibility to accomplish job assignments within reasonable deadlines.
• Willing to accept new projects and/or commitments.
• Does due diligence to complete projects within specified timeframes and/or fulfill commitments.
• Arrives to work on time prepared and ready to contribute.

Flexibility

• Willingly adjusts to changing work assignments or conditions.
• Open to changes in operational procedures, technology, and/or organizational structure.
• Views changes as opportunities for learning and professional development.
• Displays a positive attitude to encourage others.
• Promptly responds to changes in work priorities and/or unexpected circumstances or situations.

Focus on Customer Service

• Focuses on customer's needs and expectations. (Customers can be students, external constituents, employees, or university guests.)
• Respectfully ascertains customer's needs and determines appropriate response.
• Promptly responds by providing requested information, takes appropriate action, or refers customer to appropriate individual or department.
• If further actions need to be taken, advises customers of realistic timeframes for a response to their request.
• Follows up with customers on outstanding requests in a timely manner.
• Tactfully explains to customers why their needs and/or expectations cannot be met if the university does not provide the requested information or services.

Building External Relationships

• Demonstrates the ability to build rapport and develop relationships with external constituents.
• Displays a genuine interest in constituents' ideas and concerns, and pursues mutual interests and aspirations between the university and external constituents.
• Builds trust and forms alliances through shared respect and cooperation.

Problem Solving

• Formulates plans and strategies to proactively resolve anticipated problems.
• Prudently responds to unforeseen problems through careful consideration and analysis of problem and relevant information and circumstances.
• Recognizes and apprises appropriate university administrator when resolution requires senior management input and/or approval.

Computer/Automated System Proficiency

• Proficient in the use of university applications or automated systems to perform job duties.
• Complies with related policies, procedures, and work rules to maintain system security and data integrity.

Student Success Indirect Support

• Contributes to student success by assisting students with anything that supports their student experience, whether directly or indirectly.
• Helps students navigate their way through the different offices, programs, and services at the university and/or connects students with the appropriate party(ies).
• Connects students with services or resources that can help them with career exploration, goal selection, and ongoing academic assistance.
• Helps students build peer support networks.
• Encourages student participation in out-of-class activities.
• Provides encouragement and guidance to foster student success.
• Treats students with respect
• Maintains the learning environment to ensure quality and/or sound pedagogy.