Assistant Director, Parent And Family Relations

Position Title & Department:

 Assistant Director, Parent and Family Relations; University Advancement Posting #

4782

Department Description:

Parent and Family Relations (P&FR) is dedicated to enriching relationships with USD families and supporters through relevant communication, signature events, opportunities for involvement and day-to-day problem solving. Liaising with current parents and families, P&FR enhances the student experience and strengthens parents' connection to the USD community while assisting with retention of first-year students, increasing graduation rates and providing access for those in need through fundraising initiatives.

University Description:

The University of San Diego, a contemporary and engaged Roman Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity's urgent challenges.

Detailed Description:

The Assistant Director of Parent and Family Relations (P&FR) is responsible for coordinating parent programming and events meant to inform, steward, and enrich relationships with current and past parents and families of USD students. Working collaboratively with various campus offices, programming and events include, but are not limited to, Parent and Family Orientation, Homecoming and Family Weekend, Grandparents' and Family Spring Weekend, Commencement, and Summer Send Off receptions. This position also serves as communications liaison between parents and the campus community, producing the monthly e-newsletter and annual calendar, maintaining and updating the P&FR website, and expanding social media outreach. The Assistant Director will oversee the Parent Ambassador Program, cultivating and engaging volunteer support. This position advances the fundraising efforts of P&FR and encourages support of the university at all functions. This position will collaborate with the senior director to staff an active international Parent Advisory Board of Directors. This position will represent the Office of Parent and Family Relations and the Parent Advisory Board on campus-wide committees.

Parent and Family Relations (P&FR) is dedicated to enriching relationships with USD families and assists with the retention of first-year students as well as supporting measures to increase the graduation rate of undergraduates. Liaising with current parents and families, P&FR enhances the student experience and strengthen parents' connection to the USD community through regular communication, programmatic offerings, and special events.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Parent Programming and Events:                                                                             

• Coordinate Summer Send Offs across the country and virtually to welcome new families and present Torero Tips for Success; assist with securing locations, communicate with hosts, manage invitations, compile event logistics, and coordinate volunteers; travel to administer events and present to students and their families.
• Develop compelling and relevant programs for parents, grandparents, and families; conduct post-event analysis with campus partners; evaluate programming for effectiveness and practicability.
• Partner with a variety of campus stakeholders including, but not limited to, Special Events, Alumni Relations, Student Affairs, and Admissions, on the coordination, staffing, and execution the following annual events and initiatives:
  • Parent and Family Orientation held during move-in weekend;
  • Homecoming and Family Weekend in the fall;
  • The Fabulous Torero Casino Night fundraiser for the Torero Student Support Fund;
  • Grandparents' and Family Spring Weekend;
  • Commencement ceremonies and Baccalaureate Mass;
  • The Torero Closet, providing support and resources to eligible students;
  • New admit visits and parent session presentations;
  • Regional events and presidential visits.
• Oversee programming and event expenses and revenue to ensure budgetary parameters and revenue goals are met.
• Collaborate with Student Affairs and Admissions on committees impacting parents and families to ensure best practice strategies are employed for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Communication Coordination:                                                                              

• Manage all P&FR communications including, but not limited to:
  • Produce monthly e-newsletter, email news blasts, and other resource materials for parents and families; write, edit, and compile relevant and timely content.
  • Oversee publication and distribution of annual wall calendar; verify and update content annually; closely collaborate with office coordinator on revisions; produce in coordination with Creative Services.
  • Oversee commencement mailing providing key information to parents of graduating students.
• Develop strategic content for parent website and social media platforms, exploring emerging media technologies, services, and programs; ensure parent website is current.
• Collaborate with Digital Communications on social platform execution strategies to maximize audience engagement; participate in meetings of USD's social media managers group.
• With the senior director and chair of the Outreach and Communications Committee, establish digital communications program and develop social media strategies.
• Communicate directly with campus administration and departments regarding P&FR programs, priorities, and engagement strategies; communicate with administrators for participation in various programming events.
• Support the senior director with critical response during emergency or disaster situations, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by the senior director.

Volunteer Engagement:                                           

• Guide and oversee office coordinator and Alumni Relations' volunteer coordinator to support the volunteer needs of P&FR activities.
• Develop and implement Parent Ambassador Program to increase Parent and Family engagement.
• Recruit, cultivate, engage, and train parent volunteers/ambassadors for Parent Orientation, Family Weekend, Summer Send Offs, Grandparents' Weekend, parent sessions for Admissions' Overnights, and freshmen/transfer parent email campaign.
• Recruit and manage student volunteers for Summer Send Offs, Family Weekend, Grandparents' Weekend, and for Admissions' office programs and activities.
• Assist the senior director in coordinating meeting content and nomination process for Parents Advisory Board; act as the liaison for Board outreach committees; attend Board meetings and report as necessary.
• Coordinate fall and spring parent phone calls/emails.

Development:                                                                                      

• Advance senior director's fundraising efforts and encourage support of the university.
• In collaboration with the senior director identify, steward, and cultivate parents for their support of USD.
• Solicit auction items and sponsorships for fundraising events.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Effective June 1, 2023, based on CDC guidance, the University strongly encourages all campus members to stay up to date with Influenza and COVID-19 vaccination recommendations.  For more regarding information USD's COVID-19 protocols, please visit sandiego.edu/onward.

Background check:  Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes. 

Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Three years of administrative and management experience, with specific experience in event planning, higher education fundraising, alumni/parent relations, and/or volunteer leadership.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking; ability to communicate positively and effectively with a diverse audience; possess exceptional critical listening and thinking skills.
• Must exhibit attention to detail with excellent organizational and time management skills; remain professional under pressure.
• Possess an understanding of modern marketing communication techniques and heightened awareness of social media trends required.
• Must be able to work independently, taking initiative and be able to ascertain priorities in a dynamic environment of regular interruptions, multiple projects, and deadlines.
• Experience with budgetary management.
• Strong computer skills (especially Microsoft Office) and proficiency with database systems and enterprise platforms.
• Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Willingness and ability to travel.
• Must be friendly and personable.

Preferred Qualifications:

• University of San Diego graduate.
• Degree in education administration, or counseling.
• Five years of administrative and management experience, with specific experience in student affairs.
• An outgoing personality with comfort in developing new relationships.
• Knowledge of university departments, functions, personnel, and their locations.

Performance Expectations - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Commitment to working as a member of a team and collaborate with colleagues.
• Strong sense of integrity and ethical conduct.
• Cultural competency and sensitivity a must; ability to understand different cultural contexts and viewpoints, demonstrate respect for others, adapt to different cultural settings; and accept cultural differences.
• Strong managerial and leadership skills; demonstrated ability to inspire confidence, to motivate, and to persuade.
• Ability to anticipate, recognize, and solve problems.
• Exercise independent judgment to determine proper, immediate response to resolve constituents' (i.e. parents, students, alumni, etc.) concerns or by referring to other appropriate personnel.
• Ability to establish credibility and rapport with key volunteers and prospects; speak publicly, communicating positively and effectively with a diverse audience of parents, students, faculty, and administrators.
• Knowledge of social media trends and expertise in creating, maintaining, and updating social media sites.
• Entrepreneurial, creative, self-starter, and oriented toward action and results.
• Knowledge of USD's policies and procedures.
• Ability to set and meet goals.
• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information, internally and externally.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications; ability to become proficient with new technologies and CRM platforms.
• Knowledge of USD's policies and procedures.

Posting Salary:

$5,546.67 - $5,833.34 per month; Excellent Benefits
The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers.  Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer.  USD: Human Resources: Benefits

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position.  Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Special Application Instructions:

Resume and Cover Letter Required

Click the 'Apply Now' button to complete our online application. In addition, please upload a cover letterand resume to your application profile for the hiring managers' review.  If you have any questions or difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu.

Additional Details:

Hours: 40 hours per week

Closing date: Open until filled

Note: Exte...