Assistant Director, Student Engagement

Description

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Assistant Director of Student Engagement (AD) works within the Student Engagement team of the UVA Alumni Association’s Engagement Programs department to facilitate a lifelong relationship for students with the University and connectedness among the student/alumni community. It also seeks to enhance the student experience in partnership with the University.

The position, along with the Senior Director and Senior Associate Director of Student Engagement, is charged with designing and implementing creative programs, events and communications targeted at undergraduate students. Specifically, the AD will plan and implement a wide array of student engagement communications, events, and targeted outreach to niche student groups. Additionally, the position will be responsible for advising the Student Alumni Council, comprised of volunteer student leaders. The AD also will develop and track metrics associated with student engagement, including communications impact, event attendance, and overall activity.

Job Duties

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in development and implementation of Association’s student engagement programs. Develop programs and communications to generate interest and increased participation by students in Alumni Association’s offerings.
• Manage logistics and execution of signature student engagement events (25-30 events per academic year), such as bingo nights, First Year Food Fest, study breaks, student/alumni networking dinners, and more.
• Develop and manage event budgets and coordinate/execute vendor contracts for events ranging from 20 – 1500 attendees.
• Implement event attendance tracking protocol and event assessment.
• Work with Marketing team to develop comprehensive and compelling marketing strategies to promote student engagement offerings, including content development of emails, social media, and web page. Deploy technologies and tools to increase awareness and improve effectiveness. Partner with Marketing to develop/order promotional materials to build students’ awareness and affinity for the Association.
• Advise the Student Alumni Council (SAC). Serve as primary advisor to SAC—managing budget, training and calendar, and empowering Council members to be brand ambassadors. Utilize SAC to assist with planning and staffing of student engagement events.
• Cultivate and maintain lasting relationships between a broad cross-section of students and the Alumni Association. Plan and execute dedicated outreach to niches of the student population, including student leaders, transfer students, etc.
• Facilitate the development of co-sponsored programs to enhance the brand of the Alumni Association by developing/maintaining strong partnerships with partners in the UVA offices of Student Affairs, Housing/Residence Life, Orientation & Transition Programs, and the University Career Center. Additionally, build and maintain relationships with Alumni Association corporate partners and local vendors.
• Support planning and execution of various alumni-centric events and programs. Assist in coverage of events such as Young Alumni Reunions, Reunions Weekends, and other Association activities.
Serve as an overall concierge for students and alumni to enable them to engage with the Association and the University.
• Represent the Alumni Association at various Association and public events.

Skills Required

EDUCATION:
• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience required. A degree from the University of Virginia and/or an active knowledge of the University and its mission and traditions is preferred, but not required.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Two to three years of event planning experience
• Experience working with diverse organizations and populations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
o Advising/leading college-aged students
o Creation and implementation of communications strategies
o Experience in a higher education environment
o Experience developing, monitoring and managing budgets
o Knowledge of the University of Virginia, its history, and its programs and priorities

SUPERVISION:
This position has no direct reports but oversees the work of seasonal student interns, as necessary.

COMPETENCIES:
• Proven track record of leadership, creativity, professionalism, and self-motivation
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with students, team members, University, and community partners
• Demonstrated experience with program development and event coordination
• Excellent organizational abilities and strong attention to detail
• Resourceful, strategic, and collaborative – able to connect and leverage resources; demonstrated problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects both independently and collaboratively
• Ability to think strategically and creatively to build and grow programs.
• Well-developed written and oral communication skills, with ability to present information/facilitate dialogue to many stakeholders
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and community building,
• Strong alignment and commitment to the Association’s core values of integrity, inclusion, connection, innovation, and service
• Commitment to program assessment and data-driven decision-making

Work Schedule

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Fast-paced, hybrid office environment with a minimum of 2 days in the office each week and the remaining days working from home or in office depending on scheduled events and activities required for the role.
• This position can require lengthy periods of standing, carrying and heavy lifting, especially when required to work with Reunions or other Alumni Association events.
• This position requires some non-traditional evening and weekend work and at least two full weekends during the year based on scheduled student and alumni engagement events.
• The UVA Alumni Association is an equal opportunity employer and candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Additional Info

CONTACTS:
• UVA Alumni Association team members
• UVA Offices of Student Affairs, Housing/Residence Life, Orientation & Transition Programs, and University Career Center
• UVA student organization leaders
• Athletics department
• Vendors
• Corporate partners
• UVA Alumni