PRIMARY PURPOSE/SCOPE
The Director of Alumni Relations will contribute to the fulfillment of the goals of the Office of Institutional Advancement and to the overall vision and mission of Bluefield University. This will be through effective leadership and work focused in the areas of fundraising, donor relations, marketing, public relations, alumni relations, church relations, and general community relations for Bluefield University. The Director of Alumni Relations will assist with day-to-day operations of the Office of Institutional Advancement as directed. The Director of Alumni Relations will serve as the secretary of the Bluefield University Alumni Association Board of Directors and as its liaison to Bluefield University.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND FUNCTIONS
- Assists with the implementation of policies, systems, and procedures for the Office of Institutional Advancement.
- Administers budget resources.
- Assist with the development of engagement plans for alumni of Bluefield University to increase the awareness of the University and its mission and goals.
- Assists with the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of annual and athletic focused gifts from constituent groups of Bluefield University.
- Identifies and solicits potential contributors for special projects as needed.
- Plans and coordinates special events on campus and in regions where alumni are located.
- Supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in maintaining records of alumni.
- Surveys alumni base on routine basis for pertinent data used by the institution in reporting.
- Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Master’s degree preferred, minimally BA/BS in business administration, marketing, communications, public relations, non-profit management, and/or commensurate experience.
- 5+ experience in business administration, marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, development of publications, non-profit management, fundraising, campaign, planned giving, grant writing, constituent relations, and/or commensurate experience.
- This position requires strong customer service, focus, and organization and time management skills. Professional demeanor with the ability to interface with internal and external customers with diplomacy and tact is essential.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, an attention to detail, an aptitude for logical thinking, a commitment to professional ethics, and the ability to interact with development staff and with sensitive and confidential information is essential.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and independent judgement when necessary.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and meet goals in a timely manner is essential.
- Demonstrated ability to raise funds and generate resources.
- Skilled in interpersonal relationship development and effective presentations.
- Ability to think collaboratively, strategically, and creatively.
- Ability to manage budgets and make sound financial decisions.
- Ability to apply highly developed organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks with concurrent deadlines.
- Willingness to travel for work, attend trainings, and professional development workshops.
- Experience with Microsoft Office products, relevant software systems, and fundraising database systems (i.e. Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge NXT, Jenzabar, etc.) knowledge is essential.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:
- Profess Christian faith.
- Have a commitment to the Christian mission of the University, as well as a commitment to actively promote its vision, mission, and values.
- Professional appearance and presentation in the working environment (including business casual attire).
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
This position is subject to at least an annual evaluation based upon the job duties, responsibilities, and functions as set forth above.
ERGONOMIC REQUIREMENTS
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position is not necessarily a physically demanding job and generally requires no specific physical demands other than those typical in a modern office environment. Normal responsibilities should not afford risks of accidental injury.
Specialized Equipment Requirements:
The use of specialized equipment listed here is representative of equipment an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires equipment typically used in a modern office environment, including personal computers, calculators, copiers, and fax machines.
Working Conditions and Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the duties, responsibilities, and functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties, responsibilities, and functions. This position has no specific working conditions; the work environment is typical to that of a small private residential institution of higher education, with physical remote site locations within 500 miles of the main campus in Bluefield, Virginia.
APPROVALS
The job duties, responsibilities, functions, and requirements delineated above should not be interpreted as an all-inclusive list of same. Additional duties, responsibilities, functions, and requirements may be assigned as deemed appropriate. The University reserves the right to change or reassign job duties, responsibilities, and functions, or combine positions at any time. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which impose undue hardships on the University. Position descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The University maintains its status as an at-will employer.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
To apply for this position, please visit https://www.bluefield.edu/employment/ to complete the electronic staff employment application and upload the following:
- Letter of interest
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Names and full contact information for at least three professional references
- Statement of Christian Faith
Hard copy application materials may be sent to the Human Resources Department at Bluefield University, 3000 College Avenue, Bluefield, VA 24605.
Additional information about Bluefield University is available at www.bluefield.edu.
To be considered for this position, all application requirements listed above must be completed.
Bluefield University is a Christ-centered, multicultural learning community that values and seeks faculty and staff who represent diverse backgrounds and perspectives, are committed to diversity, work effectively with diverse populations, and engage others in ways that honor our rich cultural mosaic and biblical foundation.
Bluefield University is a private, not-for-profit institution affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia. Bluefield University shall not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other basis on which the University is prohibited from discrimination under local, state, or federal law, in its employment or in the provision of its services, including but not limited to its programs and activities, admissions, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other University-administered programs. This institution encourages women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply.