Director of Alumni Engagement and Special Events
Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
Director of Alumni Engagement and Special Events
Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Alumni Engagement, the Director of Alumni Engagement and Special Events is responsible for planning and implementing programs and initiatives that strategically engage alumni and foster lifelong connections with Meharry Medical College. The Director is charged with securing commitments from alumni to provide professional expertise and volunteer service to fellow alumni, current students, and other Meharry initiatives. The Director collaborates with colleagues across the College to create and maintain pathways for alumni participation that advance Meharry’s strategic priorities, and partners with Advancement colleagues to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward current and prospective alumni donors, especially in their reunion years. This includes supporting efforts to engage alumni in Campaign 150, the College’s $350 million capital campaign scheduled to close in 2026, the 150th anniversary of Meharry. Essential Functions (Duties and Responsibilities)
In collaboration with the AVP, Alumni Engagement develop and implement a comprehensive program designed to grow engagement of Meharry alumni and the broader community through activities (including events), communications, volunteer involvement, personal interaction, online programming, and travel programs with measurable success. Serve as a natural partner to advancement officers on key alumni solicitations, help foster relationships, deepen relationships with the College, and communicate the impact of giving on the College’s students and alumni. Establish and build relationships with a wide range of alumni locally, regionally, and nationally; maintain regular communication via personalized emails, phone calls, texts, meetings, and broad-based channels. Co-create and facilitate a strategic alumni communications plan focused on engagement and cultivation in coordination with the Alumni Association and communications and marketing colleagues. Collaborate with the Meharry National Alumni Association, advancement colleagues, and other College departments to develop and test new engagement strategies that encourage regular campus visits, frequent communication, active involvement, and philanthropic support. Leverage Raiser’s Edge to update alumni records and prepare for strategic engagement of individual alumni. Build and maintain knowledge of Meharry, its funding priorities, and giving opportunities to articulate a compelling case for support. Perform other related duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in alumni relations and external affairs; experience in a higher education advancement office preferred. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, alumni and the public. Demonstrated ability to strategize, implement, and build constituency programs and activities, and motivate volunteers. Flexibility, initiative, ability to work independently and thrive in a team environment. High professional and ethical standards for handling confidential information. Solid computer skills with experience using Microsoft Office, the internet, social media; experience with Raiser’s Edge preferred. Frequent travel and some evening/weekend work required. Must hold a valid driver’s license. Education and Experience
A bachelor’s degree is required. A master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience is an advantage. Environmental Conditions and Physical Demands
Usual office environment. Manual dexterity; visual and auditory acuity; ability to sit, stand or walk for extended periods.
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Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Alumni Engagement, the Director of Alumni Engagement and Special Events is responsible for planning and implementing programs and initiatives that strategically engage alumni and foster lifelong connections with Meharry Medical College. The Director is charged with securing commitments from alumni to provide professional expertise and volunteer service to fellow alumni, current students, and other Meharry initiatives. The Director collaborates with colleagues across the College to create and maintain pathways for alumni participation that advance Meharry’s strategic priorities, and partners with Advancement colleagues to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward current and prospective alumni donors, especially in their reunion years. This includes supporting efforts to engage alumni in Campaign 150, the College’s $350 million capital campaign scheduled to close in 2026, the 150th anniversary of Meharry. Essential Functions (Duties and Responsibilities)
In collaboration with the AVP, Alumni Engagement develop and implement a comprehensive program designed to grow engagement of Meharry alumni and the broader community through activities (including events), communications, volunteer involvement, personal interaction, online programming, and travel programs with measurable success. Serve as a natural partner to advancement officers on key alumni solicitations, help foster relationships, deepen relationships with the College, and communicate the impact of giving on the College’s students and alumni. Establish and build relationships with a wide range of alumni locally, regionally, and nationally; maintain regular communication via personalized emails, phone calls, texts, meetings, and broad-based channels. Co-create and facilitate a strategic alumni communications plan focused on engagement and cultivation in coordination with the Alumni Association and communications and marketing colleagues. Collaborate with the Meharry National Alumni Association, advancement colleagues, and other College departments to develop and test new engagement strategies that encourage regular campus visits, frequent communication, active involvement, and philanthropic support. Leverage Raiser’s Edge to update alumni records and prepare for strategic engagement of individual alumni. Build and maintain knowledge of Meharry, its funding priorities, and giving opportunities to articulate a compelling case for support. Perform other related duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in alumni relations and external affairs; experience in a higher education advancement office preferred. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, alumni and the public. Demonstrated ability to strategize, implement, and build constituency programs and activities, and motivate volunteers. Flexibility, initiative, ability to work independently and thrive in a team environment. High professional and ethical standards for handling confidential information. Solid computer skills with experience using Microsoft Office, the internet, social media; experience with Raiser’s Edge preferred. Frequent travel and some evening/weekend work required. Must hold a valid driver’s license. Education and Experience
A bachelor’s degree is required. A master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience is an advantage. Environmental Conditions and Physical Demands
Usual office environment. Manual dexterity; visual and auditory acuity; ability to sit, stand or walk for extended periods.
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