The Director of Alumni Relations serves as the primary ambassador for alumni and parent engagement at Mars Hill University. This position is responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive engagement strategy that fosters lifelong relationships with alumni and families and encourages philanthropic support for the University. The Director collaborates closely with the advancement team to strategically build relationships that lead to meaningful involvement and financial contributions.
Responsibilities:

Plans, manages, and evaluates all on- and off-campus alumni and family activities, including internal and external events such as Homecoming, Family Weekend, Alumni of the Year recognitions, Heritage Student activities, campus updates for alumni and parent audiences, and milestone reunions.

Develops and implements a comprehensive annual plan for alumni and parent engagement, including targeted outreach to affinity groups, reunion years, and special constituencies.

Actively cultivates relationships with alumni and parents that build affinity and lead to increased participation in giving, including identifying and referring potential donors to development staff.

Provides leadership and direction to the Alumni Board, including coordination of nominations, elections, and strategic involvement of board members.

Establishes and directs a Parents Council to foster stronger relationships with families and to encourage both volunteerism and financial support.

Collaborates with campus offices (e.g., Career Services, Admissions, Student Life) to create opportunities for alumni and parent involvement, such as mentoring, internships, campus panels, and volunteer service.

In partnership with the Office of Marketing and Communications, supports a robust, multi-channel communication strategy that keeps alumni and parents informed, connected, and engaged.

Oversees alumni and parent correspondence, manages and evaluates engagement metrics and event outcomes, and maintains up-to-date records in institutional databases.

Develops and manages the departmental budget, ensuring efficient and effective allocation of resources.
Education/Skills Requirements:

Bachelor's degree required.

Minimum of two years of professional experience in alumni relations, parent engagement, fundraising, volunteer management, or a related field preferred.

Proven ability to build relationships that result in increased engagement and philanthropic giving.

A high degree of emotional intelligence and diplomacy.

Strong verbal and written communication skills; public speaking experience is a plus.

Exceptional organizational, event planning, and multi-tasking skills.

Proficiency with digital tools and new media platforms.

Strategic thinker with the ability to plan, assess, and adapt engagement strategies.

Must be detail-oriented, goal-driven, and able to collaborate effectively with donors, alumni, volunteers, faculty, staff, and families.

Willingness and ability to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), MHU provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the organization or alter the essential functions of the job. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be directed to Human Resources (see below).

MHU is committed to hiring faculty and staff who fully support the mission of MHU. In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating against any individual on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, familial status, sexual orientation, or reprisal.

To file a complaint with Mars Hill University, contact:
Jennie Matthews
Office of Human Resources
Box 6664
Mars Hill University
Mars Hill, NC 28754
828 689-1197
828 689-1256 Fax
jmatthews@mhu.edu
To file a complaint of discrimination, write to:
USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410
Washington DC 20250-9410
Or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642
(English Federal- relay) or (800) 845-6136
(Spanish Federal-relay).
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Mars Hill University

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