Senior Manager, Alumni Relations

The Senior Manager, Alumni Relations will be responsible for building and driving Foley & Lardner’s Alumni Relations program in line with the firm’s strategic plan. This role will work closely with firm leaders, the Business Development & Marketing team, Talent team, and others across the firm. Responsibilities include tracking and maintaining information on Foley & Lardner alumni, developing alumni communications (e.g., newsletters, web presence, social media, alumni portal, etc.), leading alumni-related business development/client relations and marketing activities (including database management) , and event planning and execution.

Planning:

• Design, build and execute on a plan to create an alumni program that helps to move the firm’s strategy forward
• Work closely with sector and department chairs, office managing partners, and the business development and talent teams to develop the strategy, action plan, and infrastructure necessary to support the program’s goals
• Build a working knowledge of the firm's key clients, sectors, industries, practice groups, and regions to clearly understand each group's strategy, priorities, and clients – establish thought leadership that targets alumni and strengthens the reputation of the firm
• Develop and uphold a budget for the Alumni Relations program

Execution:

• Identify and execute alumni-focused activities (e.g., networking events, forming referral networks) that will support business development goals and objectives for the sectors, practices, industries, and regions
• Plan and execute events that continue to foster strong relations with firm alumni, including community events and tailored CLE programs
• Establish processes and procedures to enable recent leavers to join the alumni program in a professional and engaging manner
• Work closely with the talent team to identify career opportunities for alumni
• Regularly research and update information for alumni in the firm’s CRM system, utilizing LinkedIn, news reports, etc.
• Regularly prepare and distribute reports and metrics on alumni by location, industry, sector, or practice group

Communication:

• In coordination with the communications team, create an internal and external communications strategy that engages and informs alumni of developments and opportunities at the firm, which may include alumni-focused newsletters, thought leadership pieces, speaking opportunities, an alumni portal, and social media outreach
• Develop a value proposition and internal marketing materials that clearly articulate the value, benefits and goals of the Alumni Relations program
• Ensure that the alumni program is recognized as a market leading program in the industry

• Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Communications, or related field required
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in marketing and/or business development, including a minimum of five (5) years in Alumni Relations 
• Professional services experience strongly preferred
• Knowledge of a contact management system preferred