Assistant Director – Alumni Relations

Columbia University

Location: New York, NY, USA

Added on: 26 Mar 2023, Job offer expires on: 30 Sep 2023

Basic Function:

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Relations at the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP), the Assistant Director of Alumni Relations is responsible for the strategic planning and implementation of the alumni relations programming for the School, with the goal of developing opportunities for increased alumni engagement and giving across all GSAPP Programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Develop and enrich a vibrant alumni/school ecology in all its dimensions. (20%)
Design, plan and implement various alumni events, including but not limited to the annual GSAPP Alumni Weekend and annual RED Alumni event. Develop and manage affinity programming for specific alumni groups (i.e., young alumni, alumni from specific degree programs, reunion classes, etc.). (20%)
Serves as primary liaison to the GSAPP Alumni Board, and the Preservation Alumni Board. Manage the executive committee and council members; prepare for, attend and document all meetings; and develop strategies for broader alumni engagement. (20%)
Develop and implement a communications plan for engaging the alumni community and raising awareness for the range of alumni relations and programming and benefits, in collaboration with GSAPP Communications. Maintain and update all aspects of the alumni relations website, monthly alumni newsletter, and alumni social media. Serve as gateway for all alumni outreach. (10%)
Provide strategic direction for all annual fund and stewardship programs; represent GSAPP at the University alumni relations working group. (10%)
Coordinate activities with GSAPP major gifts officers, GSAPP Public Programming, and other staff throughout University Development and Alumni Relations. (10%)
Additional duties as assigned. (10%)

Responsibilities for Budget/Assets:

Under the direction of the Senior Associate Dean of Administration and Faculty Affairs is responsible for recommending level of spending, works with the Finance Office in resolving financial problems, maintains financial reporting and control systems, monitors alumni events/fund expenses and oversees compliance with University and GSAPP policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and/or its equivalent experience required. A minimum of 3-5 years’ related experience.

Additional Position-Specific Qualifications:

Demonstrated ability to plan and implement multiple activities and related special events and work autonomously under pressure of completing deadlines as necessary.
Demonstrated ability to successfully manager volunteer organizations.
Demonstrated success working in alumni relations, volunteer management and/or development and understanding of the alumni engagement process and stewardship practices.
A commitment to higher education and ability to articulate a compelling case of support for various projects at GSAPP.
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Excellent oral and written communications skills.
Outstanding strategic thinking and analytical skills.
Outstanding interpersonal skills, sound judgment and tact, and experience handling confidential information.
Strong initiative, creativity, organizational ability, and attention to detail.
High energy level, enthusiasm, flexibility, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Ability to use current desktop office technologies, and ability to adapt to and use future technologies.
Work experience in a University environment or similar complex structured organization preferred.
An interest in the arts and/or the built environment desirable.