Director, Alumni Affairs

Kwantlen Polytechnique University; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A public post-secondary institution in the UK is seeking a Director, Alumni Affairs to lead and develop their alumni engagement strategy. This role involves overseeing alumni relations, collaborating with university faculties, and working to solidify bonds with alumni through various programs. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and communication skills, a relevant degree, and extensive experience in alumni relations. The position offers opportunities for professional development and leadership within the alumni association.

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years in alumni relations and engagement.
• Minimum of five years of management experience in a post-secondary setting.
• Proven ability in leading volunteer boards and teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop Alumni Affairs at the university.
• Engage and secure commitments from alumni to enhance their connection to the institution.
• Oversee the planning and implementation of programs for alumni engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Overview

We are currently seeking a Director, Alumni Affairst to join our Alumni Affairs team.

The Director of Alumni Affairs is a dual‑role position that will manage and develop Alumni Affairs at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) as well as provide dedicated support to the KPU Alumni Association (KPUAA) and its members.

The Director, Alumni Affairs has strategic oversight of Alumni Affairs at KPU and plays a key role in developing a passionate, connected community of KPU Alumni. The Director uses their extensive knowledge of KPU alumni within key alumni markets to develop a plan to increase Alumni engagement by solidifying the relationships between KPU and its Alumni. Further, the Director is responsible for the planning and implementation of programs and projects that strategically engage alumni. The Office of Alumni Affairs operationalizes the strategic plan of the KPU Alumni Association, and the Director leads this effort.

Serving as an ambassador, the Director, Alumni Affairs is charged with engaging alumni and securing commitments from them to engage with their alma mater in a variety of ways. The Director collaborates with colleagues in the University’s Faculties and appropriate administrative divisions (including, but not limited to Co‑op and Career Services, the Future Students’ Office, and the Office of Advancement) to create and maintain pathways for alumni participation that advance the goals of the University. This includes actively engaging with future alumni before they graduate.

The Director, Alumni Affairs will also provide leadership to the KPU Alumni Association in promoting its goals and aspirations. As support to the Board of Directors, this position provides leadership in the area of governance, fundraising and resource development, strategic planning and implementation, financial oversight, and program and project support. The Director ensures the recruitment, succession planning, training, and development of alumni volunteers, including those serving on the Board of Directors.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, Master’s preferred.
• A minimum of seven years of experience in alumni relations with demonstrated accomplishment in engaging alumni and future alumni, fostering productive relationships with volunteers and developing volunteer leadership.
• A minimum of five years of management/leadership experience in a post‑secondary setting.
• Project management experience would be considered an asset.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proven leadership abilities, including experience working with a volunteer board of directors
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, together with the ability to work collaboratively and courteously with colleagues throughout the University, alumni, volunteers, other constituents, and the public.
• Excellent verbal and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills; an appreciation for diversity and adaptability to different groups and cultures.
• The demonstrated ability to strategize, implement and build constituency programs and activities, along with a talent for motivating volunteers.
• Demonstrably strong writing, planning and organizational skills and a collaborative problem‑solving approach.
• Flexibility and initiative, as well as the ability to work independently, combined with the skills for thriving in a team environment to achieve institutional goals.
• Experience in initiating, planning, implementing, and evaluating Alumni engagement programs.
• Demonstrated ability to set priorities and be creative in an environment where resources are generally outstripped by demand.
• Ability to organize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail and the ability to prioritize to meet deadlines.
• Experience with Budget development and management.
• High degree of professional and ethical standards for handling confidential information, including a shared donor database.
• High level of competency in computer, software, and technology skills to maximize organizational goals.
• Experience with Blackbaud NXT or a similar constituent database.
• Strong working knowledge of B.C.’s Societies Act and any other relevant legislation.
• Knowledge and connection to corporate and not‑for‑profit sectors in the Lower Mainland.
• Understanding of the post‑secondary sector and its associated government regulations.
• Inter‑campus and community travel is required, possession of a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is preferred.

Competencies

• Leadership: KPU employees inspire, coach, mentor, and support students, employees and KPU as a whole in achieving objectives.
• Accountability: KPU employees demonstrate fiscal accountability and take ownership for their actions, decisions and results.
• Continuous Improvement: KPU employees take a creative approach to opportunities, exploring unique ways to create optimal value for the KPU community
• Collaboration: KPU employees work in functional and cross‑functional teams, coming together to solve complex issues and accomplish objectives that will benefit the KPU community.

Salary Information

The compensation range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary (as listed above) for a position. Approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and approximately halfway of the salary range for a job. Annual salary increases are available through participation in the Administrative Performance Management program.