University Advancement - Executive Director Of Alumni Engagement & Events

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University's nine colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and St. Vincent's College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change-in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 388 Colleges-2023 Edition, and Best Business Schools-2023 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu
Position Summary
The Executive Director of Alumni Engagement& Events (EDAEE) serves in an integral leadership position as a member of the University Advancement team, working in a strategic capacity to align meaningful Alumni Engagement programs, initiatives, and events with university-wide strategic objectives. The EDAEE will report through and partner with the Assistant Vice President of Alumni Engagement & Development (AVPAED) in developing and implementing a comprehensive Alumni Engagement strategy to create meaningful opportunities for alumni involvement, strengthen relationships, and drive philanthropic support for the university.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Work with the AVPAED and the Alumni Engagement team to shape and implement the annual plan for comprehensive Alumni Engagement programs. This includes setting measurable OKRs, and continuously evaluating and improving Alumni Engagement efforts.
• Develop and execute a strategic vision and plan for Alumni Engagement that aligns with the university's mission and goals of University Advancement.
• Directs the planning, coordination, and execution of all Alumni Engagement and designated University Advancement anchor events, reunions, and college-based networking events, establishing and growing regional chapters and their activities and designing and growing a reunion program.
• Strengthen and expand the Alumni Chapter/Affinity Program that is inclusive of young alumni (Graduates of the Last Decade [GOLD]) programming.
• Coordinate the annual nomination, review, and selection process for the Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Awards.
• Manage the annual event and activity plans for Alumni Engagement.
• Works in conjunction with UA communications & creative services to develop strategy, timelines, and content for alumni communication to engage alumni. Utilize various channels such as the alumni e-newsletters, social media, websites, and email to share news updates and event promotions.
• Collaborate with the major gift team to integrate Alumni Engagement and philanthropy efforts.
• Partner with Advancement Services, our data partners within the UA team, to develop measurements of engagement that define success.
• Maintain strong relationships with campus partners, faculty, staff, and student organizations. Serve as a liaison between alumni and the university.
• Participate in the budget workshop process within University Advancement and manage operating budgets to enhance the engagement of Sacred Heart alumni.
• Represent the University at events and constituent gatherings, as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Other Attributes

• Understanding and ability to articulate the values and mission of Sacred Heart University.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• At least 5-7 years of Alumni Engagement experience (preferably in a higher education setting).
• Proven experience developing and implementing successful Alumni Engagement strategies and programs.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including alumni, university leaders, volunteers, and donors.
• The successful candidate will be a mature, accomplished, and consistent professional with progressive program development and management experience in advancement and Alumni Engagement.
• A strategic and entrepreneurial self-starter with a strong work ethic who is conscientious, attentive to detail, and results oriented.
• A collegial team player with a proven ability to work collaboratively at all levels.
• Superior problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Candidate must be willing to travel occasionally and work some nights and weekends.
• Evidence of successful oral and written communication skills. Must have a high level of comfort in presenting to diverse audiences and speaking in public.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail and prioritization to meet deadlines.
• Preference for knowledge of Blackbaud's Raisers Edge or other advancement CRM.
• Familiarity with engagement platforms such as People Grove, LiveAlumni, Luminate and Cvent.

Unusual Working Conditions
The position requires a willingness and ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel.
Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.
Other details

• Job Family Staff
• Pay Type Salary
• Travel Required Yes
• Required Education Bachelor's Degree

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