Associate Director, Alumni Relations

Job Posting

Position Summary

The Columbia College Development and Alumni Relations (CCDAR) team serves the more than 55,000 living alumni of Columbia College along with current and past College parents and friends. We are an innovative team of development and alumni relations professionals committed to fostering strong, lasting relationships between Columbia alumni, parents, students and friends through engagement, participation and philanthropic investment. We connect stakeholders to opportunities that support College goals and advance engagement and fundraising priorities.

Reporting to the Director of Alumni Relations, the Associate Director, Alumni Relations is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of various volunteer programs, including Columbia College Young Alumni (CCYA), and indirect oversight of a suite of student-alumni programs (including admitted student programs (Welcome Receptions and Summer Send-Offs)), through management of the Assistant Director, Student and Alumni Connections. The Associate Director is responsible for implementing the strategies set in concert both with the Director of Alumni Relations and volunteer leadership. The major responsibilities of this position are: 1) developing and managing volunteers; 2) enhancing volunteer structures; 3) creating and implementing strategic programming; 4) supporting marketing initiatives; 5) managing projects; and 6) actively contributing to a team that drives all aspects of alumni engagement for Columbia College alumni.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Director and volunteer leaders to develop strategic plans for Columbia College Young Alumni (CCYA). The plans for this group follow the lifecycle of students to alumni and thoughtfully engage young alumni at various life stages. In addition, work with leaders to create a strong volunteer board and committee management structure and direct the onboarding and training of new volunteers and develop strategies around the growth and enhancements of the programs.

• Oversee all programming related to CCYA and inspire innovative programs and events that motivate alumni to participate more deeply and act as ambassadors to inspire peer engagement. Provide the group with both thought leadership and logistical support as needed.

• Supervise the Assistant Director, Student and Alumni Connections, including providing guidance and leadership to the incumbent and supporting the strategic direction of programming for Student and Alumni Connections. Provide guidance in the management admitted student programs by engaging alumni leaders to support Columbia College admitted student goals through a series of global events and outreach efforts. Growing the regional presence of the Columbia College Alumni Association (CCAA) by engaging admitted students, families, alumni, and current students through targeted welcome events. The Associate Director will track and report data in order to identify trends, demonstrate progress and develop strategies for enhancements and growth.

• Partner closely with marketing colleagues to develop communications and collateral that support both admitted student programs and CCYA. Additionally, create strong partnerships and collaborate with colleagues across the school and university to support admitted student and CCYA programs, events and communications.

• Manage administrative tasks such as scheduling and arranging quarterly board meetings and regular check-ins with volunteer leaders; preparing materials for events and meetings; tracking volunteer and event activity in the database, etc.

• Coordinate activities for assigned classes in support of Reunion including developing and working with 5th, 10th and 15th reunion class committees.

• Other duties as assigned.

• Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or its equivalent required.

• A minimum of three to four years of experience in alumni relations, volunteer management, admissions, marketing, or related field.

• Candidate must possess excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills and demonstrate the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. Experience with Microsoft Office suite is required.

• Position will require long hours, including evenings and weekend assignments. Some travel may be required.

• Applications submitted without a resume and cover letter will not be reviewed.

• Preferred Qualifications

• The ideal applicant will be self-motivated, creative and work well in a group setting.

• Some experience with relational databases, design software and Web-based event tools is a plus.

• Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

• Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.