Associate Director of Alumni Relations

Bradley University seeks an energetic, highly motivated, results-driven professional to facilitate alumni engagement and volunteerism through effective event management, communication and relationship building. Primary responsibilities include strengthening and building relationships with alumni while providing quality programming and events to increase alumni involvement and participation in the life of the University through a variety of outreach efforts, events and volunteerism. The advancement environment at Bradley requires teamwork, a can-do attitude, perseverance, optimism and the ability to think strategically and creatively. This position reports to the Executive Director of Alumni Relations.

The Associate Director of Alumni Relations has a focus on local events and community engagement including pre-planning, communication, event execution, and post-event follow up. There is a heavy focus on on-campus events such as alumni reunions for Greek chapters, academic programs, and other groups of alumni. This position is in charge of annual reunions and has a heavy emphasis on Homecoming activities. Other events include, but are not limited to: Home Basketball Pre-Game Parties, Arch Madness Pre-Game Parties, Job Fair Breakfasts (Spring and Fall), Grad Fairs and Receptions, and communication for other events. This position also leads online engagement by managing the Alumni Learning Consortium (Brave Talks) webinars, social media communication, bi-weekly newsletter, and Cvent registration sites and emails. The Associate Director of Alumni Relations seeks to engage Alumni in on-campus, virtual, and Peoria Area events.

Responsibilities Include:

• Organize and assist alumni implementing reunions and campus gatherings. Provide leadership, event/activity support and direction to volunteer leaders and program participants.
• Establish and build relationships with a wide range of alumni, locally, regionally and nationally by serving as the lead coordinator of a twice-monthly digital newsletter to all Bradley alumni, being the primary social media manager for the Alumni Office, and serving as a creator of other regular communication with alumni via direct contact, email campaigns, social media and print publications.
• Collaborate with Advancement staff to develop and manage our new online alumni community.
• Develop strategic partnerships and collaborative relationships with University departments/units where needed to develop or enhance initiatives consistent with goals.
• Assist in the development of programs for key volunteers.
• Provide stewardship and recognition of alumni volunteers.
• Serve as a staff liaison to assigned Bradley University Alumni Association committees, attend quarterly BUAA board meetings, and assist in the planning and organization of Board activities.
• Create and manage promotion, marketing and registration pages for events.
• Develop content regarding planned events and programs to be published through email, direct email, invitations, and website registration pages.
• Monitor progress of programs against planned outcomes.
• Assist with negotiations for venue contracts, book space, arrange food and beverage, order audiovisual equipment and arrange for signs, décor and other items to meet the quality expectations of the alumni association.

Candidates must possess the following skills and abilities:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required, both written and oral, as well as high-level sophistication and maturity in social and professional settings.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects; flexible and comfortable in a fast-paced environment, with excellent follow through.
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team environment. Strong analytical and independent decision making ability is required.
• Demonstrated success in planning and implementing in-person and virtual special events.
• Successful volunteer management experience, including identifying, cultivating, training and stewarding individuals.
• Strong organization skills, with keen attention to detail.
• Creativity, adaptability, diplomatic skills and a sense of humor.
• Willingness and ability to travel periodically and work on evenings and weekends as necessary.

A Bachelor’s degree is required, and a minimum of three years professional experience in higher education, alumni relations, event management or non-profit management is preferred. Candidates must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Employment with Bradley University is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Bradley University is a top-ranked, private university in Peoria, Illinois, offering nearly 6,000 undergraduate and graduate student opportunities, choices, and resources to build their futures. Innovation, action, and collaboration drive Bradley students to generate ideas and create solutions that remake the world around them. Our comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate academic programs includes business, communications, education, engineering, fine arts, health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and technology.

Bradley University offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life and disability coverages, FSA, HSA, and retirement plan options. Bradley also offers significant higher education cost savings for employees and dependents through the Tuition Remission program.

Bradley University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The administration, faculty, and staff are committed to attracting qualified candidates from underrepresented groups.