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Guest Experience Hospitality Specialist

South Dakota State University Alumni & Foundation

Brookings, SD

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JOB DETAILS
JOB TYPE
Full-time
SKILLS
Administrative Skills, Communication Skills, Computer Software, Customer Support/Service, Detail Oriented, Establish Priorities, Financial Management, Fundraising, Gift Management, Hotel Reservation, Interpersonal Skills, Mail Processing, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Multitasking, Nonprofit, Office Management, Operations Management, Organizational Skills, Presentation Software, Proofreading, Spreadsheets, Team Player, Technical Support, Time Management, Word Processing
LOCATION
Brookings, SD
POSTED
25 days ago
Position Summary
The Guest Experience Hospitality Specialist acts as the first impression of the SDSU Alumni & Foundation and is responsible for providing a positive experience to all guests, donors, event attendees, and meeting participants. This service-oriented role greets the public in person and by phone with a positive attitude reflective of the SDSU Alumni & Foundation’s values and commitment to excellence. This individual provides administrative and clerical support for the SDSU Alumni & Foundation to ensure effective and efficient operations. This position plays an instrumental role in the organization’s success by positively reinforcing the mission, vision, and values through engagement and communication with key stakeholders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Create Positive First Impressions
  • Greet guests in person and by telephone, provide general information, answer questions, and direct individuals to the appropriate party as necessary.
  • Maintain the overall appearance and functionality of the office, including the reception area, conference rooms, and other public spaces.
  • Provide and arrange refreshments for guests and meeting attendees.
Office Management and Hospitality Assistance
  • Ensure the front desk is attended and welcoming between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, as well as during additional evening and weekend events as required.
  • Sort and distribute mail.
  • Reserve conference rooms and distribute accurate signage.
  • Serve as the lead in maintaining all conference rooms and their supplies.
  • Maintain an understanding of meeting room technology to support the daily functionality.
  • Provide assistance to the execution of donor or VIP visits including itineraries, hotel reservations, and pre- and post- meeting materials in collaboration with internal team members, ensuring each experience is positive.
  • Provide assistance for hospitality functions including ticket distribution for staff and guests.
Other Duties
  • Other duties may be assigned to meet the organization’s needs.
Education and Previous Experience
Associate or bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required. Two or more years of professional experience in a related field (such as communications, administrative support, customer service, or guest reception) is recommended.

Additional Qualifications
Qualified individuals will possess the following:
  • A high level of interpersonal skills, both in person and by phone, to handle sensitive and confidential situations with varied internal and external constituencies.
  • Customer service skills requiring clear communication in person, on the phone, and in writing are essential.
  • A high level of integrity, including ability to treat confidential information with discretion.
  • Ability to be organized and resourceful to locate and compile information and accomplish projects with minimal supervision.
  • Consistent attention to detail in composing and proofing materials, establishing priorities, and meeting deadlines.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative team environment with professional demeanor, self-reliance, and resourcefulness.
  • Dependability and punctuality.
  • High energy, positive attitude, and high degree of initiative.
  • Proficient experience using the most recent versions of computer software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, database and presentation software (i.e. MSWord, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
Typical Physical Demands
Requires sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and some lifting. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, fax machines, calculators, the telephone, and other office and/or clerical equipment. Requires normal range of hearing and vision.

Employee Statement of Understanding
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Regular attendance is required in this job. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship. The SDSU Alumni & Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

About the South Dakota State University Alumni & Foundation
The South Dakota State University (SDSU) Alumni & Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The Alumni & Foundation strives to engage alumni, friends and business partners with SDSU through events, strategic communication and outreach, and serves as the exclusive provider of fundraising and financial management of private gifts designated for the university.
The SDSU Alumni & Foundation was formed on January 1, 2026, through the consolidation of the university’s two largest supporting organizations: the SDSU Alumni Association and the SDSU Foundation. The Alumni Association was founded in 1889; the Foundation was formed in 1945. 
The governing boards of both organizations voted unanimously on October 10, 2025, to consolidate into the SDSU Alumni and Foundation. Together, the organization is an influential force in keeping SDSU’s traditions alive and advancing South Dakota State University.
 

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South Dakota State University Alumni & Foundation