Executive Director of the Rutgers Alumni Association
August 21, 2013 / ← Job Descriptions
The Executive Director of the Rutgers Alumni Association (RAA) is responsible for the planning, management and implementation of programs and projects that strategically engage alumni in strengthening relationships to the Universityand providing tangible benefits to alumni, current students and the University community.
Serving as an ambassador, the Executive Director of the Rutgers Alumni Association is charged with securing commitments from alumni to provide professional expertise and volunteer services; collaborating with colleagues in University offices (including, but not limited to the Rutgers University Alumni Association (RUAA), other chartered Alumni Associations/groups, the Rutgers Foundation, Admissions, Athletics, Development, Public Affairs and Student Affairs departments) and the schools/campuses to create and maintain pathways for alumni participation that advance the goals of the University; partnering with development colleagues to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward alumni giving; and serving as a liaison between the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the academic and administrative leadership of the University.
The alumni community currently numbers approximately 212,000, of whom approximately 9,600 may be reached via current contact information.
All designates and degreed alumni are included as members of theRutgers Alumni Association.
Special Interest Groups and schools considered constituents of the RAA include (but not limited to) the: Rutgers University Bands Alumni Association, Rutgers Engineering Society, Rutgers Glee Club andall alumni of the New Brunswick/Piscataway Campuses. One of the roles of the Executive Director will include interfacing with the entire University on behalf of the RAA.
REPORTING STRUCTURE:
The Executive Director of the Rutgers Alumni Association reports to the Executive Committee of the RAA and is a standing, non-voting member of that committee. Annually, the Executive Committee shall determine if a single direct report is required.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
  • Work closely with the Alumni Association Board of Directors, arranging its meetings, staffing its committees and ensuring strong and productive relationships between its members and the academic and administrative leadership; serve as ex officio Executive Director of the Alumni Association
  • Plan, implement and promote alumni programs that support the University’s strategic plan as well as the goals of engaging alumni to support Rutgers University, its students, faculty and community
  • Ensure accurate and complete alumni database records; capture contact, biographical and career information of alumni via surveys, projects (e.g. alumni directory), correspondence, website, postal returns, etc.
  • Establish and build relationships with a wide range of alumni, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally; maintain regular communication with alumni via direct contact, email blasts, alumni web pages, and print publications
  • Educate graduating students about alumni benefits and engage them in programs
  • Partner with University leadership to spearhead the introduction of alumni involvement in the graduation and admissions process; partner with such leadershipto plan the growth and accessibility of career networking services and active alumni participation for graduating students/new alumni
  • Collaborate closely with development colleagues in increasing support from alumni; routinely identify and qualify alumni prospects for participation and gift contributions; work with the Executive Board to communicate development-related activities with internal RAA members and University leadership
  • Oversee and manage the budget of the RAA within the annual program allocation, manage existing and/or additional alumni programs, services and communications. Oversee on-time and accurate tax filings, financial reviews and audits
  • Develop fundraising programs for select special projects and events in collaboration with RAA volunteers
  • Supervise and manage RAA staff including; office manager, bookkeeper, administrative assistant (p/t), work/study employees (p/t), etc… and provide guidance to alumni volunteers
  • Support all volunteer committees/members so goals can be accomplished on an accurate, timely and effective basis
  • Promote the RAA and its services to the University and the New Brunswick/Piscataway/NJ communities
OTHER SKILLS:
  • A minimum of four years of experience within a university environment, alumni relations and/or external affairs with demonstrated accomplishments in fostering productive relationships with volunteers and developing volunteer leadership
  • A clear understanding of the workings of Rutgers University and established relationships with university leadership is desirable
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, together with the ability to work collaboratively and courteously with colleagues throughout the University, its alumni, faculty, other constituents and the general public
  • The demonstrated ability to strategize, implement and build constituency programs and activities, along with a talent for motivating volunteers
  • Demonstrably strong writing, planning and organizational skills
  • Flexibility and initiative, as well as the ability to work independently, combined with the skills for thriving in a team environment to achieve University and Alumni Association goals
  • High professional and ethical standards for handling confidential information
  • Ability to organize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail and prioritization to meet deadlines
  • Extensive experience with Microsoft Office applications and QuickBooks software
  • Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed
  • Bachelor's degree