Alumni Engagement & Special Events Coordinator

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Join our team of student-focused individuals working together in order to encourage intellectual and spiritual growth, leadership and service.

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The Alumni Engagement & Special Events Coordinator assists with the planning, coordinating, and execution of alumni engagement initiatives and signature University events that strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, students, and community partners. This position plays a key role in fostering lifelong connections with University of the Cumberlands graduates by creating meaningful engagement opportunities that support the University's mission, strategic priorities, and fundraising efforts.

The coordinator serves as a collaborative member of the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team, working closely with Admissions, Athletics, Student Affairs, Academic Departments, University Communications, and campus leadership to deliver high-quality experiences that enhance alumni pride and encourage philanthropic support.

Essential Responsibilities

Alumni Engagement

• Develop, coordinate, and implement alumni engagement programs that promote lifelong relationships with the University, including reunions, homecoming activities, regional alumni gatherings, networking events, recognition ceremonies, and affinity-based programs.
• Foster relationships with alumni through regular communication, personal outreach, and stewardship activities.
• Assist in developing programs that connect alumni with current students through mentoring, career networking, and professional development opportunities.

Student & Young Alumni Engagement

• Student Philanthropy Association:

• Lead the Student Philanthropy Association.

• Recruit, train, and communicate with student members.

• Plan student philanthropy initiatives, events, and awareness activities.

• Encourage student participation in giving, stewardship, and alumni engagement programs.

• GOLD Alumni Committee Leadership:

• Serve as the lead contact for the Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) alumni committee.

• Plan and facilitate committee meetings.

• Coordinate committee communications, follow-up items, and event involvement.

• Support events and initiatives designed to engage young alumni.

Special Events

• Assist with the coordination, planning, and execution of events including:

• Homecoming

• Graduation & Career Fair

• Senior Week

• Presidential events

• Alumni award ceremonies

• Other events, as necessary.

• Develop event timelines, budgets, logistics, vendor contracts, registration processes, and event evaluations.

• Coordinate venues, catering, audiovisual needs, décor, signage, transportation, and volunteer staffing.

• Ensure all events reflect the University's mission, values, and brand standards.

Communications & Marketing

• Partner with Marketing & Communications to develop promotional materials for alumni programs and events.
• Assist in creating digital content for email campaigns, social media, newsletters, and the alumni website.
• Maintain accurate event information and registration platforms.
• Promote alumni success stories and engagement opportunities.

Database & Reporting

• Utilize CRM and alumni database systems to maintain accurate constituent records.
• Track event attendance, participation metrics, volunteer engagement, and program outcomes.
• Prepare reports evaluating engagement effectiveness and recommend improvements.
• Assist with data collection supporting fundraising and alumni engagement goals.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and event management software.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by event schedules.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel occasionally.

Preferred

• Master's degree.
• Experience working in higher education or nonprofit organizations.
• One to three years of experience in event planning, alumni relations, communications, nonprofit management, higher education, hospitality, or a related field.
• Familiarity with CRM platforms such as Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT, Slate, Salesforce, or similar constituent management systems.
• Experience managing volunteers.
• Knowledge of fundraising and donor stewardship practices.
• Graphic design or social media management experience is a plus.

University Mission Alignment

The Alumni Engagement & Special Events Coordinator is expected to support the mission of the University of the Cumberlands by fostering meaningful relationships that inspire lifelong engagement, encourage philanthropy, and strengthen the University's community. This position exemplifies professionalism, integrity, servant leadership, and a commitment to providing exceptional experiences for alumni, donors, students, and friends of the University.

Cumberlands is different by design. Our employees exemplify our motto in the pursuit of a

"life-more-abundant."