Director of Alumni Relations (DAR) provides leadership and service to nearly 30,000 alumni through effective communications, customized programs, and special events. In this role, the Director of Alumni Relations will engage and strengthen relationships among past graduates and current students. The DAR, as a member of the Advancement team, seeks to engage alumni in a meaningful way that will facilitate an investment of time, talent and private support that will benefit the University. The DAR will lead the charge in securing commitments from alumni to provide professional expertise and volunteer service; collaborate with colleagues throughout the university, including schools/colleges, to create and maintain pathways for alumni participation that advance the goals of the University; partnering with Advancement colleagues to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni giving; and serve as a liaison to the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

• Take the lead in building a sustainable program of alumni engagement among existing and future graduates that will lead to investment of private support. Manages an annual fundraising portfolio of up to 40 prospects. Increase the percentage of giving among alumni to 5%.
• Create and disseminate a quarterly alumni e-newsletter, generate a robust pipeline for the alumni spotlight features, respond to and monitor the alumni email account and alumni app. Working closely with UMC, manage and strategically direct and execute social media strategies/mass communications to alumni. Responsible for the content and upkeep of the alumni website and social media presence.
• Plan, direct, manage, and/or support signature events like Homecoming and alumni-networking events. Work in collaboration with colleges/schools by planning, assisting, and supporting alumni weekend/reunions, establish and regularly communicate with affinity groups such as Athletics and college program-based groups with an intent to increase giving and alumni participation.
• Coordinate and provide support to the USC Upstate Alumni Association Board of Directors. Facilitate quarterly meetings and assist the Board in fulfilling programs initiative by recruiting and training members, setting agendas, distribution of minutes, contribute to the development of the committee’s annual action plans. In full support of the USC Upstate vision, ensure the development of volunteer opportunities for the Board to engage with the University and to increase and grow alumni volunteerism.
• Develop strategies to increase student involvement with alumni and leadership programs; manage collaborative relationships with campus departments (such as Enrollment Services and Career Management) and student organizations to identify, promote and execute new and existing programming.
• Document significant interaction with alumni in Raiser’s Edge to grow our understanding of our alumni and their accomplishments. Other duties as assigned.
• To conduct an ongoing assessment of existing alumni programs looking for opportunities to become more efficient with our limited budget.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years related experience in an area such as alumni development, fundraising, prospect research, or business development.
• Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Valid driver’s license, good driving record and successful background check are required.
• Salary: $41,729 – $61,975;
• Salary commensurate with education and experience.