The Coordinator of Alumni and Parent Engagement leads the planning and execution of a comprehensive engagement program designed to strengthen lifelong relationships between Mars Hill University and its alumni, parents, and friends. This position serves as a visible and relationship-centered representative of the University, helping to increase alumni and parent participation, volunteer involvement, event attendance, and philanthropic engagement. Working closely with Advancement colleagues, campus partners, the Alumni Council, and volunteers, the Coordinator develops meaningful opportunities for alumni and parents to remain connected to the life of the University through events, communications, volunteer service, affinity groups, mentoring, and annual giving participation. Essential Responsibilities Alumni and Parent Engagement • Develop, coordinate, and evaluate a comprehensive alumni and parent engagement strategy that supports the University’s advancement goals. • Plan and manage on-campus and regional alumni and parent events, including Homecoming, reunions, affinity gatherings, campus update sessions, Alumni of the Year activities, Heritage Student recognition, and other engagement opportunities. • Identify and develop meaningful ways for alumni and parents to connect with students, faculty, staff, and one another through mentorship, internships, panel discussions, networking opportunities, volunteer service, and campus programs. • Create and support affinity-based engagement opportunities around class years, geography, athletics, academic programs, careers, shared interests, and student experiences. • Strengthen attendance, participation, and follow-up strategies for regional and campus events. Alumni Council and Volunteer Leadership • Serve as the primary liaison to the Alumni Council. • Provide leadership, communication, and administrative support for Alumni Council meetings, initiatives, recruitment, nominations, elections, and strategic planning. • Increase Alumni Council engagement, participation, and fundraising activity in alignment with Advancement priorities. • Recruit, train, and support alumni and parent volunteers, ambassadors, and regional hosts. • Develop a network of alumni ambassadors who help increase event attendance, alumni participation, donor engagement, and regional connection. Philanthropic and Annual Giving Engagement • Partner with Annual Giving and Advancement colleagues to connect alumni and parent engagement with philanthropic participation. • Support alumni participation growth through engagement strategies, volunteer outreach, events, and communications. • Collaborate on annual giving initiatives, including alumni and parent participation campaigns, reunion giving, affinity-based giving, and volunteer-driven outreach. • Support a $50,000 Alumni Council fundraising goal through coordinated engagement, communication, and volunteer leadership. • Help identify alumni and parents with increased capacity or interest for deeper engagement, volunteer service, and philanthropic conversations. Communications and Collaboration • Work with Marketing and Communications to support intentional, multi-channel communication with alumni and parents, including email, social media, print, web, and event communications. • Maintain regular, thoughtful communication with alumni, parents, volunteers, and campus partners. • Collaborate with campus departments to create opportunities for alumni and parents to be involved in the academic, athletic, cultural, and student life of the University. • Represent the Office of Advancement at University events and serve as a welcoming point of connection for alumni, parents, donors, and friends. Planning, Administration, and Assessment • Develop and manage an annual work plan for alumni and parent engagement initiatives. • Assist with departmental budget planning and management related to alumni and parent engagement programs. • Track participation, volunteer involvement, event attendance, and engagement outcomes. • Evaluate events and programs to measure effectiveness and inform future planning. • Maintain accurate records of alumni, parent, and volunteer engagement in the University’s advancement database. • Support a culture of excellent stewardship, timely follow-up, and relationship-based engagement. Qualifications and Skills • Bachelor’s degree required. • Minimum of two years of experience in alumni relations, advancement, fundraising, volunteer management, event planning, higher education, nonprofit engagement, or related work preferred. • Strong relationship-building skills and a high degree of emotional intelligence. • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. • Public speaking experience or comfort representing the University in group settings. • Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. • Event planning experience strongly preferred. • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with alumni, parents, donors, volunteers, students, faculty, staff, and community partners. • Familiarity with social media, digital communication, and multi-channel engagement strategies. • Evidence of strategic thinking, creativity, good judgment, and attention to detail. • Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends and travel as needed for University events and regional engagement. Desired Attributes • Warm, gracious, and professional presence. • Commitment to the mission and values of Mars Hill University. • Collaborative spirit and willingness to work across departments. • Ability to inspire volunteer involvement and philanthropic participation. • Detail-oriented, dependable, and accurate in planning and follow-through. • Comfortable balancing hospitality, relationship-building, strategy, and measurable outcomes.
