We're Hiring!

VP Area: Alumni Relations

Department: Alumni Association

Telework Availability: Occasional Telework Available

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Employee Classification: FT

Hours per week: 40

Months per year: 12

Job Purpose:

Gonzaga Alumni Relations strives to be the influential home of lifetime engagement and a strategic partner in the continued growth of the University and its alumni. The Assistant Director, Alumni Programs will engage alumni and friends through meaningful programming which enhances the relationship between Gonzaga and the Zag Network of alumni and friends and allows connection with individuals sharing similar interests and values, wherever they are in their stage of life. The Assistant director will work in collaboration with all areas of Alumni Relations to: 1.) Grow participation in the new Affinity and Community Program 2.) Enhance features within Gonzaga's mentoring and networking platform 3.) Broaden the reach and build the brand of the new Zag Business Directory to promote Alumni/Friend owned and operating companies and facilitate Zag-to-Zag business connections.

Essential Functions:

• 80% - Program Management -
  • This position manages the following alumni programs:
    • Alumni Communities Serve as passionate lead ambassador supporting, educating and inviting alumni & friends participation in the newly offered Affinity Group program.
    • Work collaboratively with Alumni Relations colleagues to coordinate and implement the necessary strategies to engage respective demographics in the alumni affinity and community programming and involvement.
    • Coordinate a wide variety of initiatives to engage and build awareness for affinity programs inclusive of educational, cultural, virtual, and social events.
    • Coordinate Regional Chapter activities and initiatives as needed, managing volunteers and assisting with chapter activities.
    • Support Volunteer Development programming and annual plan to deepen engagement and educate volunteers on university priorities.
    • Support meaningful opportunities to increase participation, volunteerism and interaction among diverse alumni communities, including alumni of color and LGBTQ+ alumni and alumni allies.
    • Gonzaga Mentoring Platform.
    • Manage the Alumni Relations profile in ZagsConnect, posting regular content on the discussion board including upcoming career development and networking events, success stories and valuable articles.
    • In partnership with Director, Alumni and Employer Engagement and Director, Regional Chapters, connect students with chapter leaders and Gonzaga mentors to establish a regional "Groups" program where job opportunities and referrals can be shared.
    • Maximize engagement within the ZagsConnect platform through a quarterly or biannual newsletter, developing content and using the newsletter feature in PeopleGrove to publish.
    • Develop mentor and employer stewardship plans, which includes "Thank You for Joining" emails, regular training offerings to enhance their mentoring and sharing what students and alumni need most.
  • Track Alumni Employer Engagement:
    • job/positions posted, the status of the positions, and their satisfaction with the process.
    • Create follow-up strategies with alumni employers to determine the results of their engagement, their satisfaction and potential areas for additional engagement across the University.
    • Assist in tracking platform activity on weekly and monthly basis and activating response reminders.
    • Creates quarterly and annually metrics reporting platform success and opportunities for growth.
    • Assist campus partners in building and populating ZagsConnect affinity "Groups" per confirmed engagement plans.
    • Records Alumni Employer Engagement in the ZRM Zag Business Directory.
    • Oversee and grow participation in the newly developed virtual Zag Business Directory.
    • Develop annual awareness campaigns and implement communication strategies to achieve annual goals.
    • Develop relationships with the Zag Business Directory community of users, manage communications effectively and promptly with this constituency in support of their business needs, answering questions and assisting with onboarding of their business profiles.
    • Manage forms and platform and trouble-shoot glitches with website operations team.
    • Share regular metrics reports and user feedback with Alumni Relations team, advising on areas of directory refinement and opportunities.
    • Ensure all data is captured in ZRM.
    • LinkedIn Alumni Relations Brand Development and Engagement.
    • Work with Executive Director to further develop Alumni Relations "brand" on LinkedIn.
    • Manage Alumni Relations LinkedIn engagement, create weekly content strategy; post, monitor and respond to commentary when needed. Ensure the Zag Network program and recent offerings are leveraged within the Alumni Relations channels of LinkedIn. - (Essential)

• 10% - Event Management and Staffing -
  • Assist with event coordination and execution as needed in high volume events seasons.
  • Staff or manage in-person events on campus or externally/regionally. Intermittent Travel. - (Essential)

• Additional Duties as Assigned by the Department

Educational Requirement:

Bachelor's Degree

Years of Related Experience Requirement:

3 years

In lieu of the educational qualifications, candidates may qualify with equivalent professional experience at a ratio of one year of experience for each year of required education. 

Certifications and/or Licensures:

Skills & Abilities:

• Three (3) years of professional experience in alumni relations, advancement, higher education, nonprofit organizations, community engagement, event management, program management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating programs, projects, events, or initiatives with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse constituents.
• Experience working with volunteers, customers, clients, or community partners.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work independently.
• Experience using databases, CRM systems, or online engagement platforms and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or comparable software.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and travel as required to support alumni programs and events.
• Ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with alumni, volunteers, campus partners, and community stakeholders.
• Strong customer service orientation with exceptional follow-through and responsiveness.
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
• Creative problem-solving and initiative with the ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in communications, data management, and event execution.
• Ability to interpret data and use metrics to inform program improvements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in alumni relations, university advancement, fundraising, higher education, or nonprofit organizations.
• Experience managing volunteer programs, affinity groups, regional chapters, or membership-based organizations.
• Experience planning and executing in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.
• Experience creating and implementing communication and engagement strategies, including email campaigns, newsletters, and social media content.
• Experience with CRM and engagement platforms such as Salesforce, Blackbaud, PeopleGrove, Anthology, or similar systems.
• Experience using LinkedIn or other professional networking platforms to build engagement and promote organizational initiatives.
• Experience analyzing participation data, developing metrics, and preparing reports to evaluate program effectiveness.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment and experience engaging individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities.
• Familiarity with project management principles and continuous process improvement.
• Experience collaborating across departments and building strategic partnerships to achieve organizational goals.

Physical & On-Campus Requirements:

In-Office Presence - Ability to work on-site in typical office setting and participate in in-person meetings with colleagues: 5 days/week

Standing/Sitting - Ability to remain in a stationary position for a prolonged period: Often (50%-75% of time)

Walking - Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks: Often (50%-75% of time)

Lifting/Carrying - Ability to move or transport objects up to a specified weight (e.g., 50 pounds): Rarely (1%-49% of time)

Attention to Detail - Ability to focus on detailed tasks for extended periods: Daily (>75% of time)

Problem-Solving - Ability to identify and resolve issues effectively: Daily (>75% of time)

The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to offer for this position: $27.76 Hr

Pay Range:

Minimum Salary (Non-Exempt): $27.74

Midpoint Salary (Non-Exempt): $34.66

Maximum Salary (Non-Exempt): $41.59

Is this position eligible for relocation reimbursement?: False

Is this position eligible for a signing bonus?: No

At this time, the University has suspended all new H1B visa sponsorships.