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Penn State Job Catalog

Alumni Relations Specialist – Advanced Professional (PSU1603)

Additional Levels
Job Strings

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Alumni Relations



Job Summary

The Alumni Relations Specialist plays a critical role in enhancing the engagement and connection of the University’s alumni; develops and implements strategies to strengthen alumni relationships, increases participation in alumni events, and promotes networking opportunities; identifies, recruits, and manages alumni volunteers to serve on boards and committees.

Representative Duties

  • Develop and execute alumni engagement strategies, including events, communications, and outreach initiatives to foster a sense of community
  • Organize and coordinate alumni events, including reunions, networking sessions, and professional development workshops
  • Create and manage content for newsletters, social media, and other communication platforms to keep alumni informed and engaged; may include writing for print and on-line publications
  • Assist in the identification, solicitation, and cultivation of students, alumni, volunteers, prospects, and donors
  • Recruit alumni for participation in programs, alumni boards, and alumni committees
  • Maintain and update alumni records in the database, ensuring accurate information for outreach and engagement efforts
  • Participate in the strategic and long-range planning for new initiatives and programs designed to enhance alumni relations activities
  • Work closely with internal teams to align alumni relations efforts with broader organizational goals
  • Collect and analyze feedback from alumni to assess engagement strategies and identify opportunities for improvement
  • Facilitate mentorship and networking opportunities between alumni and current students or recent graduates
  • Provide professional guidance and leadership to volunteers, boards, committees, and other staff in order to develop and execute strategies and programs
  • May plan and coordinate the nomination and selection process for various alumni association and/or scholarship awards
  • May hire, supervise, train, and direct the work of assigned staff

Level Matrix

Level:
Advanced Professional
Base Description:
– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.
Level Summary:
– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee
Fiscal Responsibilities:
– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding
Problem Solving:
– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems
Independence of Action:
– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor
Communication and Collaboration:
– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution
Salary Structure
  • Comp Grade – 9
  • Minimum – $56,200.00
  • MidPoint – $68,800.00
  • Maximum – $81,500.00
FLSA Exemption Status
Exempt
Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Experience
3+ years of relevant experience
Equivalency
An equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Additional Job Requirements