Director of Alumni Relations

Graduate School of Education, Stanford, California, United States

Alumni Relations

Post Date Aug 02, 2024

Requisition # 104129

The Stanford University Graduate School of Education (GSE) is seeking a full-time Director of Alumni Relations to build and nurture lifelong connections with our diverse and accomplished alumni network. As the leader of the Alumni Relations team, you will collaborate with GSE staff, faculty, and senior leadership to design and deliver innovative programs, compelling communications, and memorable events. You will engage with educators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, non-profit leaders, and more, all united by their shared experiences at Stanford GSE and their commitment to shaping the future of education. If you’re a strategic leader who is passionate about fostering meaningful relationships, please apply!

ABOUT US

TheStanford Graduate School of Education (GSE)is dedicated to solving education's greatest challenges. Together, we envision a world where all learners are prepared to thrive in a dynamic future. Through rigorous research, model training programs and partnerships with educators worldwide, we're pursuing equitable, accessible, and effective learning for all. The GSE is a top-ranked school of education, known for its prestigious faculty, rigorous graduate degree programs, and its impact on the quality of education across the world. The GSE is committed to developing leaders in education research, practice and policy. Our community includes over 60 faculty, 400 students, 250 staff, 14,000 alumni and countless individuals from the local and global communities that we work with and impact.

The GSE’s External Relations team promotes the people, places, and pursuits of the Graduate School of Education by illuminating the achievements and goals of the school; engaging supporters in philanthropic opportunities; and facilitating participation by alums, donors, and friends in the life of the GSE. The Director of Alumni Relations is a member of External Relations’ senior leadership team and is vital in connecting the Graduate School of Education with Stanford University and beyond.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Associate Dean for External Relations, the Director of Alumni Relations will strategize and implement a comprehensive alumni engagement plan that aligns with the GSE’s mission and goals. The Director will also partner with the Chief Alumni Relations Officers of the Stanford Alumni Association to align strategic objectives with university priorities. As the Director, you will plan and lead signature alumni events, from reunions and networking sessions to educational workshops and virtual gatherings. Together with your staff, alumni leaders, and volunteers, you will develop opportunities to showcase alumni achievements and promote the school’s global leadership in education. Using data-driven insights, you will work with your team to continuously improve our alumni engagement programs and measure their impact. As a manager, you will play an important role in motivating and developing your staff to achieve their professional aspirations and reach their full potential.

In this role, you will:

• Manage, recruit, coach and develop alumni relations staff providing them with supervision, guidance and mentoring in goal setting, performance management, skill building and professional growth.

• Participate in the development of strategic department plans, policies, and procedures for alumni programs and events.

• Recruit, train, and oversee volunteers and volunteer-led projects.

• Evaluate programs and services for alumni satisfaction.

• Participate in and/or oversee budgeting, forecasting, and cost negotiations for alumni events and programs.

• Work with other departments to identify and implement new markets and develop program strategies.

• Negotiate high level contracts with vendors and oversee the quality of delivered products and services.

• Collaborate with campus partners.

• Represent organization to internal and external groups, regarding busines and program activities.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Serve as chief liaison between the GSE Alumni Board, providing staff leadership to leadership volunteers.

• Partner with various GSE departments, including career services, communications, and strategic planning, to promote comprehensive alumni engagement.

• Collaborate with GSE faculty to showcase their research and its impact on education and learning to alumni communities.

• Help guide and foster GSE External Relations team members’ relationship with GSE alumni communities.

• Collaborate with counterparts at Stanford’s six other schools and Stanford Alumni Association to ensure alignment of strategic objectives.

To be successful in this position, you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience and management experience, preferably in an educational institution or nonprofit, or a combination of relevant experience and education.

• Excellent management skills, including coaching and developing staff.

• Strong interpersonal, team and leadership skills; tact and flexibility in working with diverse population groups.

• Proven decision-making skills and the ability to understand and solve complex questions.

• Strong ability to understand customer needs.

• Demonstrated organizational and project management skills and the ability to plan and oversee special events.

• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skill

Preferred qualifications:

• Excellent judgment, interpersonal and communication skills.

• Strategic skills to craft and help implement alumni relations plans.

• Creative problem-solving with strong critical thinking and analytical skills.

• Proven ability to engage, lead, and motivate others to achieve results – facilitating and enabling others to act will be as important as actions taken directly.

• Proven skills in managing several competing priorities and complex issues creatively and effectively. This may include long-range strategic planning, volunteer recruitment and engagement, major event oversight and day-to-day operations.

• Ability to meet deadlines and function effectively in an environment demanding a high energy level, discretion, flexibility, and superior work.

• Experience working in an academic environment and engaging senior academic leaders at volunteer meetings and events.

Certifications and Licenses Required:

• Valid California non-commercial Class Driver’s License

Physical Requirements:

• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks

• Frequently stand/walk, sit.

• Occasionally grasp forcefully, use a telephone, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds.

• Rarely writing by hand, sort/file paperwork or parts.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a California Non-commercial Class license.

Working Conditions:

• Occasionally work on evenings and weekends.

• May work outdoors.

• Some local, domestic or international travel required.

• Valid passport for international travel.

The expected pay range for this position is $115,000 to $142,000 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website ( https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards ) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

WHY STANFORD IS FOR YOU:

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Ourcultureandunique perksempower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.

• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.

• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.

• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.

• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting acontact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time

• Job Code: 3485

• Employee Status: Regular

• Grade: J

• Requisition ID: 104129

• Work Arrangement : Hybrid Eligible