Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE                                                             

Reporting to associate vice president of alumni relations, the director of events, programs and reunions is responsible for leading and implementing long-term strategy and planning for a comprehensive alumni event program, utilizing in-person and virtual methods that communicate and promote the strategic engagement of Case Western Reserve University's 113,000 living alumni. The incumbent will plan and execute events and programs, encompassing homecoming and signature events, with a goal of increasing the university's alumni engagement initiatives. The director will create unique programs that connect or reconnect students, alumni, donors, and friends to increase to the university with an aim of increasing engagement and inspiring philanthropic support. 

The incumbent provides leadership, direction, and consultation as appropriate to schools and departments across campus when homecoming events and reunions are being planned. The incumbent works in tandem with alumni and development partners in the academic units as well as auxiliary departments (athletics, library, and student activities). The director oversees the management of the Linsalata Alumni Center, including budget planning, promotion, and execution of on-site events, with a goal of increasing revenue. The director will create a 50th year reunion undergraduate reunion program working with colleagues in the schools as well as selected volunteer leaders from the respective class. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Develop, lead, and implement a university-wide, comprehensive strategy and project management for Homecoming Weekend to ensure seamless execution with the goal of connecting or reconnecting our students, alumni, and donors to the university, in collaboration with various university departments and external clients, to ensure seamless execution on campus. Identify and implement planning priorities and provide infrastructure and support for all campus services and major events to meet current and future needs of Homecoming Weekend. Triage questions/issues and elevate only the most difficult issues to the associate vice president. Develop and oversee alumni registration, including the payment gateway, to ensure maximum participation levels. Develop and execute digital and print materials and collaborate with associate vice president and colleagues to produce a comprehensive engagement plan and materials that will support the brand and Homecoming experience. Evaluate attendee satisfaction with events and incorporate information to improve effectiveness of future Homecomings. (25%)
Develop, lead, and implement a 50th year undergraduate reunion program to ensure seamless execution on campus. Develop, cultivate, and expand relationships among alumni relations partners in schools/college to identify and achieve goals and outcomes, while also engaging with members for the class. Create and manage a 50th year external committee comprised of alumni from the celebrated year. Assist in the strategic identification of volunteers and scheduling of activities, beginning 24 months out, to ensure university standards and protocol for university events are met. Determine the best opportunities to showcase this new program and drive participation. (25%)
In collaboration with alumni engagement team, implement and oversee national and international alumni engagement events and programs, including chapter events and affinity programs, to ensure seamless execution. Manage and assist with other signature alumni, donor, and university events, on campus, nationally and internationally. (20%)
Oversee the day-to-day operation of the Linsalata Alumni Center to meet the needs of the facility, as well as the execution of successful internal and external events and programming, to increase revenue. Develop and manage a budget tied to strategic goals, including forecasts, budgets, and financial plans, formulate strategies and process improvements, and analyze spending patterns and problem areas, to ensure the integrity and smooth operation of the Linsalata Alumni Center and compliance with university policies. (10%)
Serve as staff liaison to the Awards and Recognition Committee and Oral History Committee of the Case Western Reserve University Alumni Board and evaluate recommendations for alumni for both alumni committees. (10%)
 

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Working in concert with alumni relations colleagues, develop engaging programming opportunities in collaboration with university stakeholders, including but not limited to: Cleveland Orchestra events, annual Library of Congress event, and quarterly women's forum, which provide students, alumni and friends the opportunity to support the university. Evaluate program success and identify opportunities for improvement. (5%)
Supervise, coach, and mentor three assistant directors and one manager. Set goals and metrics, define, and assign individual tasks, maintain schedules and standards, conduct performance reviews. (5%)
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. (<1%)
 

CONTACTS 

Department: Contact with associate vice president, directors, and all alumni relations staff as required to perform essential functions. 

University: Contact with the president's office, senior administrators, student programming staff along with alumni relations and development directors within academic units as required to perform essential functions.

External: Contact with alumni, donors, trustees, and outside vendors as required to perform essential functions.

Students: Contact with students and student volunteers as required to perform essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Supervisory responsibility for the assistant director of events and alumni center operations, assistant director of events, assistant director of reunion programs, and the engagement and business operations coordinator.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 7 years of work experience; prefer experience in alumni relations, event planning/ management, hospitality management, public relations, or related field; experience in higher education desired. Previous professional experience in alumni relations is highly desirable. 

Education: Bachelor's degree required, in a related field strongly recommended.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Demonstrated ability to strategize, implement and build constituency programs and activities, along with a talent for motivating volunteers.
Autonomously analyzes complex problems; identifies critical elements and alternatives, organizes existing resources and new information to implement most appropriate solution.
Ability to recognize the importance of certain tasks and responsibilities and the ability to prioritize to ensure that deadlines are met.
Sense of creativity, forward thinking, and enthusiasm for providing new experiences that will meet new and future needs of the university.
Ability to work with and effectively manage students and employees. 
High degree of energy, organization, creativity, flexibility and organizational skills as well as excellent verbal and written skills.
Ability and willingness to consider and implement best practices among peer institutions.
Proven ability to develop and manage budgets tied to strategic goals.
Serve as a member of the university Alumni Relations team on various fundraising initiatives, special events and alumni cultivation.
Ability to interact with and relate to various internal and external constituencies. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
Highly motivated with uncompromising standards of excellence and quality. 
Computer proficiency (including Microsoft Office) and ability to learn new programs. Experience with database programming is a plus. 
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office working environment. Must be able to work a flexible schedule. Attendance at major Alumni House events is required, including evenings and weekends. Attendance at major university events is also required to represent both the Alumni House and the university.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 7 years of work experience; prefer experience in alumni relations, event planning/ management, hospitality management, public relations, or related field; experience in higher education desired. Previous professional experience in alumni relations is highly desirable. 

Education: Bachelor's degree required, in a related field strongly recommended.