Alumni Relations Manager

The Department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech seeks outstanding candidates for the position of Alumni Relations Manager.

Reporting to the Director of Administrative Operations in the Department of Computer Science (CS) and under the direction of the Director of Alumni Relations for the College of Engineering (COE), the Alumni Relations Manager plans, executes, and evaluates a variety of engagement programs and initiatives that strategically align the advancement and recruitment goals of the CS Department with those of the COE and the university.

The CS Alumni Relations Manager will create an annual work plan that details alumni relations and communications activities, and their alignment with the strategic priorities of the department, college, and university, including philanthropic and stewardship goals. At the conclusion of each year, the CS Alumni Relations Manager will be reviewed jointly by the CS Department and the COE to assess progress toward meeting work plan goals and to evaluate the success of subsequent outcomes.

The ideal candidate for the CS Alumni Relations Manager position…

-Possesses a strong background in project management and/or event management and has experience delivering purpose-driven, outcomes-based programming to multiple audiences;
-Is a highly collaborative individual who enjoys working in teams and with a variety of stakeholders, but who can also work independently and effectively within established brand guidelines, university policies and procedures, and accessibility standards;
-Demonstrates skill in communicating --both orally and in writing-- across a variety of audiences, platforms, and occasions;
-Has excellent interpersonal skills and interacts professionally and comfortably with colleagues, campus partners, and external audiences;
-Possesses outstanding organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage deadlines for multiple projects and activities;
-Is a creative, adaptable problem-solver with a keen eye for detail;
-Has experience with writing, design, and database software; and
-Is able to effectively navigate multiple and competing priorities in a dynamic environment.

As a member of the COE’s alumni relations team and the CS Department Head’s leadership team, the CS Alumni Relations Manager will work within the advancement model to develop, coordinate, promote, maintain, and evaluate alumni and donor events and programs. Specific responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

-Conceptualizing, planning, promoting, executing, and evaluating multiple (and often simultaneous) engagement programs and events for alumni, students, and other relevant stakeholders;
-Participating in philanthropic efforts of the department and providing transparent stewardship for departmental donors/gifts;
-Serving as writer and producer of email communications, social media posts, and e-newsletters targeted for alumni and other relevant audiences;
-Participating in activities to build community and enhance retention for current students;
-Communicating professionally with multiple internal and external audiences;
-Working with confidential databases and data management software.

-Bachelor’s degree in related field
-Experience managing projects in a professional setting
-Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to thrive in a team setting
-Demonstrated written communication skills appropriate for multiple audiences and communication outlets
-Experience using Microsoft Office Suite and data management systems
-Flexibility to work intermittent evenings and weekends
-Ability to travel to/from Blacksburg and the Washington, DC metro area on a monthly basis, as well as the ability to travel across the nation periodically as needed

-Master’s degree in related field
-Experience in a higher education, independent school, or non-profit environment
-Knowledge of the Virginia Tech community
-Graphic design skills / familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, and/or other web/email design software

Appointment Type

Restricted

$50,000 - $60,000 per year

August 29, 2022

Required Application Materials:

- Resume/CV

- Writing Sample Prompt: Drafting an Email and Social Media Posts

Email:
Draft an email introducing yourself as the new Alumni Relations Manager for the Department of Computer Science to CS Alumni.

Social Media:
A. Draft a Tweet announcing an upcoming (fictional) CS Alumni activity to be posted on the Department’s Twitter account. Please include relevant hashtags.

B. Identify the platform of your choice (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram) and draft a post about the same (fictional) CS Alumni activity you promoted for the Twitter draft.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.