Assistant Manager of Alumni Relations

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Position ID:

137904

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About Fashion Institute of Technology:

The FIT Foundation, in its capacity as the advisory and fundraising body to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), seeks an Assistant Manager of Strategic Philanthropy. FIT, a college of the State University of New York (SUNY) and the premier educational institution for fashion, design, merchandising, and related professions, provides an unmatched combination of specialized curricula and in-depth liberal arts education, and an extraordinary location in the center of New York City. The College has four schools: the School of Art and Design, the Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology, the School of Liberal Arts, and the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Among the College's almost 100,000 alumni are such industry leaders as Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Normal Kamali, David Chu, and Nanette Lepore.

Job Description:

The Assistant Manager of Alumni Relations supports and implements a comprehensive alumni relations program of meaningful events and communications designed to increase alumni engagement and philanthropic support among more than 70,000 undergraduate and graduate alumni of FIT. The Assistant Manager is responsible for supporting essential events led by the Alumni Relations team. They will oversee event logistics, and frontline constituent service support. The successful candidate will be highly detail oriented and organized, cherish relationship building and thrive in an environment where philanthropy and annual giving revenue is a major priority. They will identify opportunities to infuse pride in the FIT brand and FIT degree, create a visible and strong ambassador network for professional and personal support, and create programming and messaging that add to the creation of a culture of philanthropy, gratitude, and the importance of giving back.

Job Specific Competencies

Represent the office and the University and serve as liaison with and provide organizational support to alumni, ambassadors, VIP's and university committees charged with representing various alumni and ambassador constituencies.

Identify, recruit and engage alumni and ambassadors for volunteer leadership roles, especially successful and highly dynamic alumni, creating an increasingly effective and engaged volunteer network in which alumni advance to increasing levels of involvement and leadership.

Assist in the communications and marketing strategy, including the management of social media platforms, marketing collateral, and outreach

Support the annual giving development and programming, including quarterly appeals, an annual FIT Giving Day and other fundraising initiatives and programs focused on alumni and friends of the college.

Maintaining an active schedule of personal visits with key alumni, especially potential alumni leaders, recruiting alumni for volunteer roles on alumni committees and partnerships and encouraging philanthropic support.

Cultivate VIP's and ambassadors, such as notable alums, commencement speakers, and other special relations to be involved in FIT Foundation efforts and initiatives.

Manage logistics of events, including registration, facility work orders, nametags, and other essential details led by Alumni Relations

Orchestrate grassroots community-building initiatives that engage alumni as volunteers, mentors, corporate partners, and/or donors. Help build professional networks and affinity groups, and inspire alumni and friends to invest their time, talents and resources

Identify opportunities to infuse pride in the FIT brand and FIT degree, create a visible and strong alumni network for professional and personal support, and create programming and messaging that add to the creation of a culture of philanthropy, gratitude, and the importance of giving back.

Serving as liaison with and providing organizational support to alumni boards and university committees charged with representing various alumni constituencies.

Working collaboratively with the marketing and communications department to share donor and alumni stories, generate interest in university programs, educate alumni on engagement opportunities, and deepen alumni interactions with FIT through print and electronic communications.

Maintaining an Alumni database and ensuring accurate and complete records; contacts, biographical and career information of alumni are updated.

Research best practices for alumni benefits programs, and present creative and cost-effective ideas to expand the program and alumni participation.

Seek and staff opportunities for Alumni Relations presence at key student events throughout the year, including (but not limited to) career fairs, athletic events, and Parent and Family Weekends.

Coordinate with Advancement Services to update alumni contact records, event attendance, volunteer involvement, affinity coding, and career data ensuring accuracy and correct formatting.

Perform all other related duties as required.

Requirements:

Bachelors Degree Required; Masters degree preferred.

Minimum of 3-5 of experience working in alumni relations, development, or marketing, preferably at a university or non-profit institution.

Experience in engagement campaign development, volunteer management and fundraising.

Proven project management experience and the ability to handle multiple projects.

Experience managing multiple social media platforms.

Experience with Adobe Creative Suite preferred

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Excellent communication skills including writing, editing, and presenting.

Excellent interpersonal skills with an engaging and innovative personal style and a high level of sophistication and maturity in social and professional settings, including the ability to work diplomatically with partners and represent the Foundation and FIT.

Background and/ or interest in communications, marketing, and social media strategy development

Demonstrated ability to work with high-level prospects, donors, and campus/trustee leaders.

Strong sense of professional curiosity

Demonstrated ability to manage, mentor, and guide a growing team of professionals.

Ability to operate independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.

Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines and goals, and present solutions (vs. identify challenges).

Ability to collaborate closely with colleagues in development and across departments.

Highly developed leadership and organizational skills.

Demonstrated ability in problem identification and resolution with excellent analytical and critical thinking skills is essential.

Expert-level knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and web applications.

Proficiency in Raiser's Edge or similar CRM database system.

An understanding of and the ability to articulate the accomplishments and goals of a complex organization.

An understanding of the important role of diversity, inclusion, and equity to institutional advancement and alumni engagement.

Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships and effective channels of communication at multiple levels inside and outside the organization with a proven ability to successfully interact with a diverse group of people.

Event planning, organizational, administrative and budgetary experience is a plus.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Read Comprehend- Constant; Perform Calculations- Occasional; Communicate Orally- Constant; Reason & Analyze- Constant; Write- Constant

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Office

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sit- Frequent; Stand- Frequent; Bend- Frequent; Walk- Frequent; Climb- N/A; Pull- N/A; Push- Occasional; Lift

Additional Information:

Days/Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00-5:00pm

Schedule subject to change based on the needs of the Department.

The FIT Foundation is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer and is strongly and actively committed to diversity within the community.

Application Instructions:

Resume/cv

Cover letter

A list of three (3) professional references with telephone numbers and email addresses

Please note successful completion of a background check is required for appointment to this position once an offer has been made.

For more information about FIT, please visit FIT's website at: http://www.fitnyc.edu

Returning Applicants Login to your FITNYC Careers Account to check your completed application.

Company info

Fashion Institute of Technology
Website : http://www.fitnyc.suny.edu