Location: Granville,OH, USA
Basic Function
The Senior Associate Director of Affinity Engagement provides leadership and oversight for affinity-based alumni networks, events, volunteers, and communications. Affinity programming is focused on cohorts of alumni with a shared interest or experience. This position will support and coach affinity-based volunteers and committees while strategically developing programs and communications to engage, connect and inform.
The Senior Associate Director of Affinity Engagement is a key member of the Alumni Engagement Programs team and plays an important role in successfully executing the strategic priorities for alumni engagement, one of Denison's highest priorities and a critical component of Denison's current strategic plan. This position will manage the Assistant Director of Affinity Engagement.
Essential Job Functions
Strategy, Implementation and Assessment
* Inform and implement strategic direction focused on engagement, communications and responsiveness to the needs of Denison's alumni affinity communities.
* Utilize affinity programming metrics and consistent data points to inform short and long-term planning.
* Assess the continued effectiveness of alumni affinity programs and refine as needed to maximize success.
* Identify opportunities to cultivate and develop new alumni affinity programs and advise alumni interested in forming a new affinity group.
* Partner with colleagues to foster alumni engagement synergies across Advancement and with campus partners (i.e. Annual Giving, Athletics, Student Life, etc.)
* Support the planning and execution of affinity events.
Volunteer Management
* Manage and support the Varsity D Association volunteers in their efforts to engage former student-athlete alumni.
* Identify, cultivate, nurture, and maintain key relationships with alumni affinity group volunteers.
* Partner with Sr. Associate Director of Volunteer Engagement to support and coach volunteer leaders in building strong committees and ensure a volunteer pipeline for sustained success.
* Advise and consult with volunteer leaders on various topics including annual programming, volunteer recruitment and retention, best practices, University policies, and event planning and communications strategies.
* Convene regular gatherings of affinity group leaders and volunteers to provide training opportunities, share annual priorities, key initiatives and events, best practices, and opportunities for programming collaborations.
Communication
* Partner with AFE's Senior Associate Director, Marketing & Communications and Advancement Communications to ensure consistent, relevant, and timely communications for affinity programming.
* Partners with affinity volunteers to create relevant marketing and communication materials and timelines.
Additional Responsibilities
* Develop and manage the budget for affinity programs.
* Research and implement industry best practices for continued relevance and success.
* Support signature AFE events, including Big Red Weekend, Family Weekend, Commencement, Reunion, Alumni Advisory Board meetings, and others as determined.
Perform other duties as assigned
Occasional travel
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum of 5 years in Alumni Engagement or similar field; direct experience working with and managing volunteers.
Must have a current, valid driver's license and must be insurable under Denison's liability insurance policy.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's Degree
Minimum 7-10 years in Alumni Engagement or similar field; direct experience working with and managing volunteers; experience in supervising and coaching staff.