Alumni Relations and Events Specialist

This role will work closely with the Alumni and Donor Relations team, specifically related to alumni relations and development functions to achieve annual goals. This role will support the Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations, partner with staff, and help manage office operations; promote goals of the department.

Charged with building trust, understanding, and pride in the University of Minnesota, the Office of Alumni and Donor Relations serves as the relationship arm with donors and alumni.

Events & Activities (60%)

• Lead, prepare, plan, and execute premiere Alumni and Donor Relations special events and activities to include, but not limited to: NWSA Summer Reunion, Homecoming , Alumni Awards Celebration (Outstanding Alumni and Athletic Hall of Fame), Torch & Shield Recognition, Arizona UMC/NWSA Luncheon, variety of Alumni Socials including the Brew Bash series, Athletic Alumni Events.
• Support event planning efforts of Teambackers, such as tailgates, special events, and golf tournaments.
• Lead or assist in organizing various donor/alumni functions as directed (examples: on-campus donor or alumni group tours, donor receptions/socials, dinners, and presentations).
• Assist the campus with various celebration receptions, athletic team send-offs, commencement, and campus spirit-building activities when applicable.
• Assist with activities related to boards and committees NWSA Board of Directors, UMC Alumni Association, Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, etc.

Administrative & Customer Service (20%)

• Perform administrative logistical planning functions, assist with boards and committees related to Alumni Relations and awards selection process.
• Conduct all administrative and logistic needs related to events and gatherings, such as arranging room reservations, food ordering, facilities, work orders, media services, communications, photography, online registration, etc.
• Prepare UMF queries (email, mail, reports) for alumni/donor/events lists and communications, registration, invitation purposes - also includes Gopher Lists and UMF Donor Management System for quick access to queries and alumni information.
• Work with outside vendors for printing and mailings.
• Provide needed support to select, communicate, and implement awards as related to the boards and committees.
• This role provides the best possible experience for those who connect with our office. Greet and effectively communicate with alumni, donors, friends, internal and external partners, in a warm, knowledgeable, professional, efficient manner.

Teambacker Support & Activities (10%)

• Assist with the implementation of the Teambacker membership drive and processes related to solicitation, gift acceptance, stewardship opportunities, communication to members, and related events and activities.

Content & Social Media (5%)

• Develop content and coordinate the creation and department event-related print materials and online promotions, monitor and contribute to related social media channels.
• Work with on and off campus designers and printers to create and edit thoughtful, high quality designs and messages for publications, signs, cards and other print materials and online messaging/promotions.
• Work closely with University Relations Communications team on messaging and timing for the various communications and promotional needs of each event.
• Monitor/manage social media and website for Alumni Relations and Teambackers organization.

Supervisory (5%)

• Create position(s) for student employment, work-study and internships. Ensure the student has meaningful experience and truly aids in the needs of the Alumni Relations and Events Specialist position.
  
  

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in communication, marketing, hospitality, or related field or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years.
• Strong knowledge and competency working in Microsoft Office.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work proactively and independently as well as collaboratively while fostering a workplace based on teamwork.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of standing, walking, squatting, and lifting during periods of event set-up and tear-down.
• Ability to professionally: answer phones, write emails and other correspondence, and to occasionally travel for events.
• Excellent organizational skills, strong ethics, honest behavior, ability to follow guidelines, structure and established policies, and ability to receive constructive feedback.

Preferred Requirements:

• Demonstrate 4-5 years of proven professional event planning/project management and implementation experiences.
• Ability to lead multiple event related projects at the same time.
  
  

Pay Range: $46,000-$52,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Include Resume with application.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC)

With a strong tradition of technology-enhanced teaching and learning, the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) serves as the U's major outpost in Northwest Minnesota. UMC provides both experiential, career-oriented degree programs as well as high-quality online programs, while connecting its teaching, research, and outreach to rural economic development and service to the region and beyond.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).