Director of Alumni Relations - MSUAASF Range D

All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).

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Job Description

Serve as an on-campus spokesperson for over 25,000 living alumni across the state, country and around the world and is the primary contact for the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Plans and hosts social, recreational, and networking events on campus and throughout the state and country to connect alumni, faculty, students, and friends of SMSU. Plans and manages the execution of the Gold College program to engage SMSU alumni and friends through relevant educational opportunities. Analyzes and assesses opportunities and weaknesses of alumni engagement and outreach programs and is able to implement changes to structure, processes, and people to improve performance. Develops new programs as needed to facilitate lifelong dialogue between the University and its Alumni to increase alumni engagement. Develops and monitors a regular annual budget for the Alumni Relations office that maximizes the impact of resources available and utilizes meaningful metrics to show the results of activity to internal and external stakeholders and is based on a larger multi-year plan to invest in these activities for the University. Supports the work of the SMSU Foundation to engage alumni and friends to actively contribute back to the University and manage personal relationships with a portfolio of 10 to 25 major gift donors and prospects. Creates and presents major gift fundraising proposals to prospects and donors.  Develops and maintains cooperative and collaborative relationships with University units, such as Admissions, Career Services, Athletics, Student Affairs and academic colleges and departments. Oversee the production and distribution of the FOCUS Magazine, regular email newsletters, website and social media content directed to alumni and friends of the University.  Serve as the chair of the Homecoming committee to plan and support the execution of various events and activities during homecoming week each year. Must be able to manage multiple large and complex projects simultaneously. Many of the projects are considered high risk due to the importance of maintaining a strong supportive relationship with alumni and friends of the university.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree plus 5 years of successful and progressive experience in a comparable role or a combination of related experience in alumni relations, marketing, mission advancement, communications, event management, or fundraising.

• Work experience must show the ability to serve as an expert on policies, procedures, and best practices for alumni engagement and outreach.

• Must have experience preparing, communicating, and tracking progress of a project or organizational budget or other mission critical operational outcomes and metrics.

• Written and oral communication skills and the ability to use common productivity software programs such as Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Raiser’s Edge alumni and donor database software or other alumni database management software.

• Experience managing a portfolio of donor prospects and creating/presenting donations proposals of $5,000 or more.

• Direct experience at Southwest Minnesota State University as a graduate or former student.

Priority will be given to those who apply by 7/13/26.

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

Monday- Friday; 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Telework (Yes/No)

No

About

Southwest Minnesota State University is one of seven universities in the Minnesota State system. SMSU gives highest priority to excellence in teaching and preparing students to be lifelong learners through quality undergraduate teaching/advising and close student/faculty relationships. Its mission, dating back to 1967, provides access to university-level programs in liberal arts & professional studies. The University has a special commitment to the educational needs of the people in its service region reflected through its curricula, cultural programs, diversity of staff and students, cooperative relationships with the public and private sectors, and regional institutions. The 216-acre campus encompasses 24 modern, interconnected, and accessible buildings. Marshall (pop. 13,000) is the hub of a rich agricultural area and offers a variety of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities. The position is an opportunity to be part of a vibrant, dynamic and growing institution that is searching for exceptionally talented people.

Southwest Minnesota State University complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. You can find our Annual Security and Fire Safety Report online at Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (smsu.edu). This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Southwest Minnesota State University. If you prefer a hard copy, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 507-537-7252.

We are committed to responding to the educational needs of our changing communities and to providing opportunities for enhancing knowledge, skills, and values in a supportive learning environment. We recognize and assert the value of inclusion as an ethical imperative and as a necessity for academic rigor, student success, and lifelong learning. Our goal is to strive for inclusive excellence in our commitment to preparing all students and employees for success.

Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota

Southwest Minnesota State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and/or gender in education programs and activities. SMSU maintains compliance with the federal Title IX law, Minnesota statute § 135.A.15 (Campus Sexual Misconduct Policy), and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustee’s, 1B.3 Sexual Misconduct policy and 1B.3.1 Response to Sexual Violence and Title IX Sexual Harassment procedure. For a comprehensive review of the aforementioned federal, state, system, and university policies, please go to https://www.smsu.edu/administration/titleix/index.html.

Southwest Minnesota State University is a member of the Minnesota State system and is an equal opportunity educator and employer. SMSU is committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. SMSU does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. Women, diverse populations and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States. Requests for reasonable accommodation of a disability during the application and/or interview process should be made to the Affirmative Action Office, 507-537-6208. For TTY communications, contact Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529. This vacancy notice is available in alternative format upon request.

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we take your well-being and work-life balance seriously. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that features low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles, employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a roll-over option. To further support your holistic health, employees also have access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, legal, and financial counseling. Detailed plan details, rates, and coverage choices can be reviewed directly via the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) website.

To support your life outside of work, our package includes 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick time, and six weeks of Paid Parental Leave. We also help you secure your financial future with a robust Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts, and various investment options. Furthermore, we invest in your growth by providing dedicated professional development and tuition waivers for both you and your dependents. Please note that specific benefit eligibility and coverage levels may vary depending on the type of position, employee classification, and collective bargaining agreements.

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