Associate Director of Constituent Programs

PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION:

The Associate Director of Constituent Programs leads the planning, execution, and evaluation of engagement programs designed to foster connections between students, alumni, parents, employees and friends and Western New England University. This position is responsible for the successful management of volunteer groups including the Student Alumni Association, the Parents Council, and various alumni groups. It also manages events, including Golden Bear Weekend, reunion celebrations, the Annual Alumni Awards, the Alumni Golf Tournament, regional engagement events, alumni volunteer programs, and alumni board initiatives. Working collaboratively with Advancement colleagues and campus partners, the Associate Director develops and implements strategies that strengthen relationships, increase constituent engagement and participation, and support the University's mission and goals.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Reporting to the Director of Strategic Engagement, the Associate Director of Constituent Programs serves as the primary manager of the University's engagement programs and experiences, creating meaningful opportunities for students, alumni, parents and friends to connect with one another and with Western New England University. Through the strategic planning and execution of signature events, volunteer initiatives, volunteer leadership activities, regional programming, and reunion efforts, the Associate Director fosters lifelong relationships that strengthen affinity and participation. This role collaborates closely with Advancement colleagues, campus partners, and volunteers to identify engagement opportunities, cultivate involvement, and deliver programs that reflect the diverse interests and experiences of the University's volunteer communities. By leveraging relationship-building, volunteer management, technology, and engagement best practices, the Associate Director helps advance institutional priorities and supports a culture of connection, engagement, and philanthropy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Program Development

- Spearhead the growth of the Parents Council through communications and events.

- Launch a Student Alumni Association in order to foster closer connections between current students and alumni.

- Execute with the support of the Director in delivering a robust calendar of events, including engagement, cultivation, stewardship and recognition events, to drive engagement among alumni, students, and other constituents, and to support the strategic priorities of the Advancement Division and the University.

- Work collaboratively with Advancement and University Marketing to create engaging, thoughtful communications - both print and digital - to support events and initiatives.

- Serve as the primary manager for the annual Alumni Awards and Law Alumni Awards processes, including event marketing and logistics, sponsor recruitment, managing honoree selection and their experiences, registration, etc.

- Serve as primary manager for signature events such as Golden Bear Weekend, the Alumni Golf Tournament, Golden Graduates reunion, and more.

- Spearhead sponsorship solicitation, participant recruitment, and event logistics for Alumni Association signature programs including Golden Bear Weekend and Alumni Golf Tournament.

- Plan, direct, and execute programs and initiatives (e.g., career networking/development opportunities for current students and alumni, Golden Bear Weekend, regional/national alumni events, reunion programs) that help the University meet key alumni engagement goals.

- Manage the development of regional, affinity, and school/college programs and events to drive engagement of alumni in key geographical areas and targeted constituencies such as professional programs, academic- or industry-based affinities, athletics, non-athletic student activities, and more.

- Spearhead efforts to expand digital alumni engagement opportunities, including current and future technologies to support a variety of online engagement including online communities, online networking/mentoring, virtual events, etc.

- Manage volunteer programs including recruitment and management for a variety of alumni volunteer programs, including micro-volunteering, event volunteering, and committee-level volunteering.

- Work closely with and coordinate all activities of the Alumni Association Board and its committees, including ensuring a robust agenda for meetings that continually addresses strategies to increase alumni engagement.

- Facilitate the involvement of current students in alumni engagement activities prior to graduation (including mentoring, internship, and job opportunities). Broadly communicate the advantages of involvement.

- Ensure accurate and complete alumni database records by capturing contact, biographical, and career information of alumni.

Relationship Management

- Collaborate with and support a variety of campus partners as assigned.

- Serve as the staff liaison to Alumni Board Committees as assigned by the Director.

MARGINAL DUTIES:

- Work effectively and in a cooperative manner with all University employees and constituencies.

- Participate in University functions and committee/teamwork, as appropriate.

- Represent the University as appropriate.

- Perform other functions as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:

- Bachelors Degree required

- 1-3 years of professional experience required; prior experience in higher education, alumni relations or fundraising preferred

- Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in event management

- Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills

- Valid drivers license

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITIES:

- Ability to work cooperatively with various constituencies, including diverse populations of alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, and community leaders

- Ability to plan and execute programs, managing projects in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment

- Knowledge of and experience in alumni engagement, volunteer management, and special events

- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing

- Demonstrated proficiency with computers, especially Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; familiarity with constituent software (CRM Advance)

ERGONOMIC REQUIREMENTS:

- Sitting, standing, bending, walking, climbing stairs and reaching as expected in normal office setting

- Occasional lifting, not to exceed 25 pounds

- Operation of computer keyboard and use of CRT

HOURS:

- Minimum of 40 hours per week

- Flexible schedule according to the needs of the department

- Ability to work nights and weekends, as needed

- Ability to travel, as needed

Western New England University is committed to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging by acknowledging and embracing diversity of thought, opinion, and approach with colleagues regardless of background, culture, and organizational level. WNE encourages diversity in our job applicants to ensure the best culture and work outcomes.