Department: Office of Development

Contract type: Full-time

Job location: Yerevan

Application deadline: 12/18/2024

Organizational Profile:

The American University of Armenia (AUA) http://www.aua.am is a private institution of higher learning located in Yerevan, Armenia. AUA is affiliated with the University of California and is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, 985 Atlantic Avenue, #100, Alameda, CA 94501, 510.748.9001. Students are admitted from Armenia and internationally.

Position Purpose:

Reporting to the Vice President of Development, the Director of Alumni Relations plays a key role in managing AUA’s alumni relations and fundraising efforts. The Director of Alumni Relations will work independently as well as collaboratively to establish a comprehensive alumni and annual giving program at AUA. This role will design, implement, and manage outreach, events, programming, partnerships, and communications to maximize alumni engagement with the University.

Responsibilities

• Advance the mission of AUA by planning, organizing, and implementing strategies to build audience, awareness, and a sense of community among AUA alumni, both locally and internationally, to increase the personal involvement and financial support of AUA alumni;
• Develop and manage a portfolio of active alumni donors and prospects. Develop, coordinate, and implement fundraising strategies. Oversees identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of alumni donors;
• Develop a comprehensive strategic plan for the long-term commitment of AUA alumni, spearhead efforts to maintain continuous contact and engagement with alumni, and evaluate programs and projects designed to connect with alumni;
• In collaboration with the Development Office, develop solicitation strategies and materials for direct mail, telephone, email, and digital fundraising;
• Maintain current and comprehensive alumni data and prepare quarterly alumni reports assessing progress toward achieving annual revenue goals. Analyze data and information to identify trends and patterns, evaluate strategies, and make recommendations;
• Build partnerships with companies and institutions across various local and international industries  that employ AUA alumni; conduct research on matching gift programs and increase the giving levels through utilizing the matching programs offered;
• Successfully develop and implement targeted programs, events, and other opportunities that captivate and engage specific audiences;
• Oversee volunteer and support groups, activities, and events. Ensure events and activities are planned and implemented efficiently and effectively. Assist volunteer leadership to identify potential new volunteers, philanthropic supporters, and future leaders;
• Coordinate the development and production of marketing materials for specific alumni events/activities;
• Collaborate with AUA’s Communications team to appropriately represent alumni activities in public, including the website, the email newsletter, social media channels, and through other collateral;
• Represent the Office of Alumni Relations at professional and University meetings in the context of alumni relations and activities. Communicate goals and priorities of the unit or University to various alumni and affinity groups;
• Build relationships across AUA departmental and support the development of a culture of philanthropy within the AUA community;
• Local travel, evening and weekend events will be required from time to time;
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (Master’s preferred) and 3-5 years of experience in alumni relations/development and face-to-face fundraising role, preferably in higher education;
• Ability to understand the needs and interests of alumni donors in order to develop relationships between them and the University, and a keen understanding of the fundraising cycle: identifying, qualifying, soliciting and stewarding major gift donors;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated writing and editing skills in the preparation of proposals, and in the drafting of related correspondence;
• Strong relationship building skills and ability to build rapport with internal and external stakeholders;
• Commitment to appropriate use of sensitive and confidential constituent data;
• Excellent time management and follow-up skills;
• Ability to work well under deadlines and to manage multiple projects simultaneously;
• Ability to establish and achieve quantified objectives;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Ability to travel around the region and to other areas of the country;
• Demonstrated effectiveness in prospect identification, relationship building, and solicitation;
• Ability to articulate a compelling case for philanthropic support programs;
• Ability to translate complex concepts into compelling cases for support.

Additional information

Please send your CV and a Cover Letter to jobs@aua.am with a copy (CC) to development@aua.am.

 Theposition will remain open until filled.

The American University of Armenia is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

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