Assistant Director, Alumni & Donor Relations
Opening Information
Post Date:01-22-2020
Department:University Advancement
Deadline:01-29-2020
Salary Range:Negotiable
Description
Michigan State University, Advancement is seeking an Assistant Director, Alumni & Donor Relations. The Assistant Director will plan and manage events and related projects supporting the mission of University Advancement and its constituent units, including University Development and the Office of Alumni.
Basic Function: Alumni & Donor Relations produces as many as 150 events annually in support of the fundraising and alumni engagement initiatives of University Advancement. The Assistant Director of Alumni & Donor Relations will plan and manage events and related projects supporting the mission of University Advancement and its constituent units, including University Development and the Office of Alumni.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Director will report directly to the Director of Alumni & Donor Relations in University Advancement.
Event Planning and Production
Plans and manages events for University Advancement that occur on- and off-campus, in- and out-of-state, functioning as member of the Alumni and Donor Relations team.
- As the event planner assigned to specific geographical regions of the U.S., coordinates with regionally assigned fundraisers and alumni engagement officers the planning of events in those regions. Manages production of those regional events, including supervision of the events onsite.
- Ascertains resources and locations (including site-visits) for university events.
- Retains and directs the activity of external contractors and vendors engaged in the production of events, including negotiation of prices, terms and conditions of related contracts and service agreements.
- Prepares detailed event agendas that account for related activities and schedules, in a standard format routinely used to communicate with colleagues, contractors and university administrators.
- Prepares budgets in preparation for University Advancement events, updates them consistently through pre-production and ensures that billing is consistent with expectations.
- Initiates, manages and reconciles data, in cooperation with colleagues in systems, for use in mailings, reports, nametags and related event applications.
- Prepares printed and photographic materials, and electronic media, in cooperation with colleagues in communications and marketing, to be used at events.
- Serves with alumni and donor volunteers on committees engaged in initiatives on behalf of University Advancement.
- Participates in the physical transport, setup and disassembly of events materials.
- Extensive travel is required by air and automobile.
- Work schedule can include variable hours in early mornings, evenings and on weekends and holidays, sometimes involving overnights.
Event Strategy & Coordination
- Collaborates with development and alumni colleagues throughout the university to assess whether and how events can advance the objectives of their respective units.
- Meets on a regular schedule, and as needed, with fundraisers and alumni engagement officers in assigned areas to discuss potential, pending and active events.
- Meets on a regular schedule, and as needed, within Alumni & Donor Relations to facilitate effective communication about, planning for, and production of active events.
- Establishes a confirmed basis on which event expenses are to be paid and/or shared by university accounts.
Personal/Professional Development
- Maintains and regularly upgrades computer and systems skills pertinent to the planning and production of MSU events.
- Employ best practices in office systems, practices, files and record keeping.
- Adhere to strict confidentiality requirements in the handling of all related information and data.
- Train to develop and maintain a working knowledge of the Advance database.
- Attend appropriate workshops and seminars to enhance professional development.
- Act as a public goodwill ambassador for Michigan State University and University Advancement.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Knowledge equivalent to that acquired by completing a four-year degree program in events, communications, public relations, marketing, business, liberal arts or related field; One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in events, communications, public relations, marketing, business, liberal arts or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in an events-related field, such as communications, public relations, marketing, business, or liberal arts.
- 3-5 years of professional events experience or readily transferable skills and a proven track record of working in a complex environment.
- Excellent written, verbal, communication and interpersonal skills.
- Collaborative team-oriented style and an ability to work with a variety of personality types.
How to apply
If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Gary Wilson, Director of Alumni and Donor Relations, University Advancement, at wilsong@msu.edu.
All candidates must submit an application and resume through the Michigan State University Human Resources web-based system the URL for that website is careers.msu.edu . Please indicate the position number 634019 when submitting your application.
An electronic version of this posting is available at advancement.msu.edu– follow the “Career Opportunities” link.
Screening of applicants will continue until the position is filled.
MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.
MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities.