DEPARTMENT: Office of University Advancement
REPORTS TO: Assistant Vice President, University Advancement
WORK SCHEDULE: Hybrid Work Schedule
PRIMARY FUNCTION: The Alumni Relations Officer reports to the Assistant Vice President, University Advancement and is responsible for leading efforts to engage and build meaningful relationships with Point Park University alumni. This position plays a central role in managing alumni events, supporting the Alumni Board, and fostering connections between alumni and the University.
Key responsibilities include planning and executing alumni events, managing logistics, and ensuring impactful experiences that strengthen alumni ties to Point Park. The Alumni Relations Officer will also assist in cultivating relationships with alumni through personalized communications, tracking notable achievements, and addressing alumni inquiries.
This role requires strong collaborative skills to partner with internal teams and University stakeholders, along with creativity and attention to detail in managing alumni engagement initiatives. By fostering alumni relationships and supporting the Alumni Board, this position ensures alumni remain active participants in the University's mission and community.
Education and Experience: - Bachelor's degree required.
- 2-3 years of professional experience required; experience in higher education is preferred.
- Strong preference for candidates with experience in fundraising, event management, and professional writing.
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
Key Competencies: - Exceptional customer service orientation with a proven ability to build and sustain relationships.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Solid understanding of philanthropy and its role within higher education.
- Proven discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
- Strong interpersonal and written communication skills with demonstrated attention to detail and an ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences, both internally and externally.
- Experience in cultivating and managing relationships with alumni, donors, prospects, or clients.
- Social media management experience preferred.
Technical Skills: - Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required.
- Experience with integrated client database systems (e.g., CRM platforms) is preferred.
Professional Attributes: - Professional demeanor, appearance, and decision-making skills.
- Willingness to work evenings and weekends as necessary to support events and initiatives.
- Familiarity with the Association of Donor Relations Professionals (ADRP), the Association of Advancement Services Professionals (AASP), the CASE Donor Bill of Rights, and the CASE Ethics Guidelines
Core Competencies - Organizational Excellence: Demonstrates strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
- Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy and thoroughness in all aspects of work.
- Communication Proficiency: Exhibits exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, to engage effectively with diverse audiences.
- Judgment and Confidentiality: Uses sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.
- Team Collaboration: Thrives in a team-oriented environment, fostering cooperation and shared success.
Duties and Responsibilities: - Implement a comprehensive alumni engagement program through 1:1 efforts, regional and national events, volunteer opportunities, campus tours, dedications, and consistent communication and social media engagement
- Oversee all aspects of alumni event planning, including budget tracking, logistics coordination, and attendance management, ensuring seamless execution.
- Along with your supervisor, work closely with our Alumni Board to support their committees, events, and our Distinguished Alumni, Student, and Professor Awards process.
- Proactively support the stewardship responsibilities of the development staff by assisting them in establishing and coordinating individualized stewardship plans for alumni donors.
- Work collaboratively with University Advancement staff to compose letters, compile appropriate invitation lists, engage featured program participants, create programs and program materials, assist with preparing program scripts and participant remarks, and create and/or obtain alumni awards and recognitions.
- Leverage industry tools to track notable alumni accomplishments, alert appropriate staff, and upload key points into the database.
- Support our marketing and communications efforts related to alumni relations/stewardship programs.
- Participate in the strategic and long-range planning for new initiatives and programs designed to enhance alumni engagement and strengthen relationships.
- Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to the highest ethical standards in managing information.
- Perform other duties or special projects as required or assigned.
