Director, Special Projects

The Director, Special Projects will work collaboratively as well as independently to promote and advance:

• The mission of the MUAA to preserve and encourage communication among and with alumni and to support education and human values that continue the heritage and tradition of Miami University.
• Relations with the Miami University alumni in regards to engagement, events, volunteerism, alumni recognition, coordination with the Annual Fund and special projects.
• Relations between Miami University alumni and the University in regards to campus involvement and educational programs.

The position reports to the Associate Vice President of University Advancement Alumni Relations under the Vice President, University Advancement.

Duties/Physical Demands:          

• In collaboration with the Associate Vice President, oversee the operations of alumni relations in the areas of alumni recognition, alumni groups, alumni board, stewardship and events.
• In collaboration with Advancement partners, devise and implement strategies to increase overall alumni participation in the association through communications, programming, and annual giving. This includes, but is not limited to: marketing materials, solicitation mailings, online and email communications, social media, digital newsletters, special events, and program development.
• Coordinate with OSDR and Advancement Events to provide event support as needed, including invite and RSVP lists management, attendee check-in, speaker support and VIP stewardship for Advancement Awards and for select high-end donor events.
• Strategize and grow alumni group and reunion volunteer committees including training and retention/recognition of volunteers and provides assistance with the governance structure, function of volunteer boards, and attends volunteer events as needed.
• Maintain volunteer records, receive and respond to volunteer inquiries, and coordinate
• logistics of volunteer meetings. Prepare meeting agendas and various committee reports.
• Analyze, prepare, and monitor assigned budgets. Monitor donor gifts for groups via MoveInMiami and group annual fund efforts.
• Plan and execute a comprehensive donor acknowledgment program to enhance the relationship between Miami University and key alumni groups including MIAMI Women, MUAA Advisory Board, WCAA Alumnae, Advisory Board Ambassadors and other alumni affinity groups.
• Manage projects and events involving campus and divisional partners, including serving on cross-campus and cross-divisional groups and committees.
• Track metrics and data points to make strategic business decisions, determine effectiveness of programs, and to discover and cultivate opportunities for programmatic collaboration; produce reports and recommendations.
• In cooperation with the Associate Vice President, provide oversight of the development, design and execution of events on and off campus.
• Serve as a representative of the MUAA and/or UA on committees and at programs and events as necessary, including events on campus and away from campus, to include travel and weekend and/or extended hours as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:            

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of three years of relevant experience, including experience in development, working with volunteers, and/or alumni relations.
• Experience working with individuals of diverse backgrounds.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in a non-profit or higher educational setting.
• Experience in volunteer management.
• Experience leading alumni programming.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Ability to communicate clearly and accurately in written and oral communications. Excellent writing skills are essential.
• Professional interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with diverse constituencies.
• Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheets.
• Ability to understand the importance of building life-long relationships between the alumni/friends and the University.
• Must be able to successfully manage multiple tasks simultaneously with demonstrated problem solving and critical thinking skills, meet deadlines and pay attention to details and accuracy.
• Ability to take initiative.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Must be available to travel, and work some weekends and evening hours.