Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Supporter Engagement Candidate Information Pack
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Contents Letter from the Director, Office of Development & Alumni Relations
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University of Southampton
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‘Simply Better’
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The City of Southampton
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Development and Alumni Relations at Southampton
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Staff Diagram
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Job Description
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Person Specification
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Terms and Conditions of Employment
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How to Apply
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Candidate Information Pack Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Supporter Engagement, University of Southampton
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Letter from the Director, Office of Development & Alumni Relations Dear Candidate,
The Associate Director is a key member of the Senior
As an experienced professional, you likely receive
Management Team in the Office of Development &
recruitment opportunities regularly. At the University of Southampton, we believe we have something unique to offer you: an exciting strategic vision that will transform our research, education and estate; a dynamic and engaged President and Vice Chancellor; a global and enthusiastic alumni and supporter community and a friendly, high-performing Development & Alumni Relations team. The University of Southampton has been my professional home for the last nine years. I was drawn here because the University really is one of the best in the world. I have stayed because the people are wonderful, supportive and you have every opportunity to build an amazing career here and to make a real
Alumni Relations, with responsibility for the design and delivery of the University’s global engagement strategy for alumni and key supporters. Demonstrating Southampton’s return on engagement in real terms will be an exciting area of opportunity. By maximising our expertise in customer insight and philanthropic success, the Associate Director of Alumni Relations & Supporter Engagement will develop a truly integrated engagement programme which will deliver strategic value to the business. This is a career defining opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role in fulfilling the University of Southampton’s alumni relations mission to educate and engage a global community of ambassadors, advocates
difference.
and supporters. We look forward to hearing from you.
Having welcomed Sir Christopher Snowden as our
Joanne Donahoe
tenth President and Vice Chancellor, I’m even more
Director
excited about Southampton’s future. Sir Christopher
Office of Development & Alumni Relations
brings a strong commitment to excellence and has outlined an ambitious 10-year transformation strategy which will enhance our estate and strengthen our education and research. The recent launch of our £25 million Cancer Immunology Campaign has resulted in unprecedented support and equally strong engagement from our staff, students, alumni and community. We now have plans to significantly scale up activity in support of our aspirations around the 10-year strategy.
Candidate Information Pack Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Supporter Engagement, University of Southampton
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University of Southampton
The University of Southampton is a world-leading, research-intensive university, with a strong educational offering, renowned for innovation and enterprise. With a history stretching back to 1867, it is internationally regarded for its pioneering research, first-class facilities and teaching, and currently hosts more than 23,500 students, 6,500 of which are from outside the UK representing more than 130 countries. The University of Southampton is in the top 1% of universities worldwide and continues to rise in the two main global rankings. Ranked in the top 20 by the three main UK university league tables, it is also one of the highest climbers in the last two years. The University is a founding member of the UK’s Russell Group and is placed in the top 10 of the UK’s 24 leading, research-intensive universities that form the Russell Group (Times Higher Education, Table of Tables 2016).
The University offers a broad range of courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level covering areas such as engineering, medicine, life sciences, physical sciences, law, humanities, social sciences, archaeology, mathematics and art. Students have access to worldleading research facilities and centres such as the jet and rocket engine laboratories, wind tunnel complex, cleanroom complexes, the National Oceanography Centre, the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, and the Optoelectronics Research Centre as well as first-rate arts and culture facilities, historical archives and a beautiful campus setting. The University’s coat of arms signifies its strong connections with the local community, and its commitment to peace and advancement through learning.
Candidate Information Pack Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Supporter Engagement, University of Southampton
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‘Simply Better’
The University welcomed a new President and Vice Chancellor Sir Christopher Snowden in 2015. Sir Christopher has outlined a new strategy called ‘Simply Better’. Sir Christopher’s vision to make Southampton ‘Simply Better’ will cement the University’s reputation as a premier University nationally and internationally. The Vision:
The Strategy:
The University community is committed to the highest quality in everything it does. It has a global reputation for its passion and ability to work collaboratively in delivering world-class education, research and innovation that makes a real impact on society’s biggest challenges. Its exceptional students share in these journeys of discovery and become confident thinkers who can realise their full potential.
The University’s goal is to strengthen its reputation, increasing its national and international rankings to secure a position in the top 10 in the UK and top 100 internationally. A reputation for delivering excellence and an exemplary student experience will lead to greater demand from the best student applicants, sustained support from research funders and strong support from alumni.
Core Principles:
Values:
Central to the success of its strategy and underpinning all of its activities are four principles:
All of its activities will be underpinned by the values determined by its community:
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Collegiality: one team working, planning and delivering together, toward a shared vision.
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Quality: always striving to achieve the highest quality in everything it does.
“Excellence: we inspire to be the best in all we do, inspiring the confidence and ambition that enable our staff and students to reach their full potential.
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Creativity: we are imaginative and resourceful, thriving in an environment that values independent thought and encourages originality and innovation amongst its staff and students.
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Collegiality: we achieve more together; we are an inclusive, collegial community that builds tolerance, respect and mutual support amongst staff and students.
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Integrity: we are committed to the highest standards. Our personal and institutional conduct is consistent and honest, engendering trust between and within our University communities.”
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Internationalisation: delivering across global markets and building strong partnerships with other leading organisations.
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Sustainability: ensuring its actions lead to financial, social and environmental sustainability.
Candidate Information Pack Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Supporter Engagement, University of Southampton
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The City of Southampton
Southampton is a vibrant city with a unique waterfront location and a diverse population. The city has a rich maritime heritage and a focus on water sports, sailing and ocean racing. It is well connected too with two mainline train stations, an international airport, one the UK’s busiest passenger cruise terminals and easy access to cross channel ferries.
Southampton is known for its parks and has one the UK’s highest amount of green spaces in any city. A flourishing urban scene, an attractive waterfront with a growing marina complex and first-rate shopping in the heart of the city make Southampton a popular destination and an enjoyable place to live.
Not far from Southampton, there are areas full of natural beauty and stunning coastlines. The exceptional New Forest National Park, the Isle of Wight, the coastal resorts of Bournemouth and Poole, and the rich heritage of Winchester and Salisbury, are all nearby.
Candidate Information Pack Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Supporter Engagement, University of Southampton
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Development and Alumni Relations at Southampton Like many UK universities, the University of Southampton was founded on a gift. Henry Robinson Hartley, the University’s first benefactor, made a gift over a century and a half ago, starting a tradition of philanthropic support that continues today. Through the years, philanthropy and alumni activities, all volunteer led in those early days, enabled Southampton to become a leading institution of international standing. In the 1980’s the Office of Development & Alumni Relations was established and in the last decade we have seen significant expansion in the team and success with our fundraising and engagement activity. The Office for Development and Alumni Relations (ODAR) is responsible for securing a range of philanthropic gifts from alumni and non-alumni sources; for encouraging lifelong relationships and building links between the University and its alumni and supporters; for ensuring that the worldwide alumni community are well-informed about the development of the University and equipped to be effective ambassadors and advocates; and for communicating persuasively with all audiences to satisfy these objectives. Joanne Donahoe, the Director of the Office for Development and Alumni Relations (ODAR), is an advancement professional of 20 years and has been at Southampton for nine years. Joanne is committed to growing and developing the amazing potential of her team and helping to drive forward the University’s ten-year transformation strategy through income generation and meaningful engagement with alumni and supporters. Joanne’s team has enabled an impressive tripling in income in the last three years.
The new President and Vice Chancellor, Sir Christopher Snowden, supports the importance of strong philanthropic and engagement programmes along with a collegial and collaborative working style. This support and commitment is reflected in the recent creation of the Advancement Directorate which brings Development & Alumni Relations and Marketing & Communications together in the new structure. The University is very keen to maximise the success it has seen with external engagement and philanthropy and to create a wholly integrated and high-performing external engagement arm. The University is particularly keen to embrace our alumni as a fully participative community. Maximising the relationship with Marketing & Communications will transform Southampton’s ability to engage and fundraise. This major campaign will fund the first dedicated cancer immunology centre in the UK, opening a stateof-the-art Centre for Cancer Immunology in 2018. This is the biggest fundraising campaign the University has ever undertaken and less than a year within publicly launching, the campaign is 75% towards its goal, paving the way for a comprehensive University campaign. The University is now embarking on an exciting stepchange in its advancement programme and seeks an outstanding individual for the role of Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Supporter Engagement. The Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Supporter Engagement will be part of ODAR’s senior management team, responsible for driving activity and developing new approaches to ensure that the overarching objectives of broadly engaging Southampton’s 200,000 alumni and building philanthropic income are achieved. They will be responsible for shaping and implementing a strategy that ensures Southampton continues to lead and innovate. Working collaboratively and confidently with the senior leadership of the University, the Associate Director will bring a creative, strategic, collaborative and innovative approach to the alumni relations and supporter engagement team. At a time when advancement is being recognised for its potential and importance, Southampton is making a serious commitment to the area in the creation of this senior position. This is a unique chance to join a leading global university and a career defining opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of the team and the University, and demonstrate in real terms the return on engagement of the alumni and supporter community.
Candidate Information Pack Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Supporter Engagement, University of Southampton
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Staff Diagram
Office of Development and Alumni Relations (ODAR)
Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Associate Director of Fundraising
Associater Director of Alumni Relations and Supporter Engagement
Associate Director of Data and Analytics
Fundraising Team
Events Manager
Data and Analytics Team
Volunteer Officer
Communications Officer
Alumni Relations Project Manager (temp)
Events Assistant
A complete staff diagram is available on request
Candidate Information Pack Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Supporter Engagement, University of Southampton
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Job Description Responsible to:
Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Responsible for:
Events Manager (plus 1 direct report)
Volunteer Officer Communications Officer
Alumni Relations Project Manager (temp)
Job Purpose
Internal and external relationships
In accordance with the mission and values of the department and in support of the strategic aims of the University:
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Director and staff within Development & Alumni Relations
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President & Vice Chancellor, Senior Management, Departments and Professional Services at all levels
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Alumni Branches/Affinity Groups – individuals and groups/branches in the UK and internationally
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Donors and prospects
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Current and prospective students
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Employers and supporters of the University
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Internal suppliers
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External suppliers
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Working with the Director, and ODAR Senior Management Team, devise and lead a centralised, comprehensive and strategic development and alumni relations and supporter engagement programme for the University that builds and strengthens mutually beneficial, lifelong relationships with donors, alumni, students, staff, supporters and others.
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Lead and deliver all University-wide alumni and supporter marketing and communications activities, reflecting customer insight and wider market trends.
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To deputise for the Director when appropriate.
Candidate Information Pack Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Supporter Engagement, University of Southampton
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Job Description Main duties and responsibilities Strategic development
Management
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Responsible for implementing the long term strategic development of Alumni Relations and supporter engagement across the University of Southampton with clear measurable deliverables linked to engagement and philanthropy.
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Lead the alumni relations and supporter engagement team, one of three teams within the department, ensuring all relevant annual targets and goals are developed and delivered within financial and human resource constraints.
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Lead the development of an annual operating plan for the Alumni Relations and supporter engagement team, including budget and resources, focused on key deliverables which support wider University priorities (employability, internationalisation, alumni engagement).
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Use a motivational, open-minded, positive and decisive leadership style to manage team dynamics and performance ensuring quality standards are consistently achieved.
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Proactively work to foster positive relationships with senior managers across the University to achieve key deliverables.
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Implement successful change management initiatives and formulate strategic plans that reflect and support the priority needs of the University.
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Recognise and deal with obstacles and difficulties so that teams can deliver and feel valued and supported.
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Demonstrate leadership and raise performance standards throughout own work areas.
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Contribute to planning and budgetary statements for the departments, and be responsible for a key aspect of the ODAR budget.
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Provide expert guidance and policy development for alumni relations and supporter engagement (eg: alumni engagement, participation, communications, etc) and processes (eg: financial). Advise and influence at senior levels across the University through direct regular contact, in particular with Faculties and Professional Services colleagues to advise and influence on matters relating to alumni relations and supporter engagement, including building best practice for data capture and intelligence on our alumni and supporter community. Promote the positive outcomes of successful alumni and constituent engagement, and encourage the embedding of good alumni and constituent engagement practice in the academic environment.
Student and volunteer interaction •
Shape the expansion and development of University volunteering initiatives in the UK and internationally that engage students with the alumni community.
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Manage and monitor staff to develop and deliver a programme of activities and volunteering initiatives that builds and strengthens mutually beneficial, lifelong relationships with alumni and students (prospective and current), faculty, supporters and others.
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Act as key point of contact and University relationship manager, with key deliverables identified, for notable and influential alumni.
Act as key point of contact for cross departmental projects linked to alumni activity.
Candidate Information Pack Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Supporter Engagement, University of Southampton
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Job Description Marketing & Communications (working closely with the University Communication Team) •
Lead the development of a marketing and communication plan that will increase alumni participation and engagement, overseen by the Director and other key senior staff.
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Develop and deliver valuable and effective communications with alumni and supporters through a variety of media including printed and electronic publications, website, online networking, etc.
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Project manage the creation and delivery of alumni and supporter publications, online and print, as commissioned by the Director, ensuring the required outcome and standard of quality within the specified constraints of time and costs. In collaboration with colleagues across ODAR, identify opportunities and lead on the coordination of alumni and supporter communications to ensure consistency with our strategic messaging. Using marketing insights and an understanding of how to segment data, provide targeted, effective communications that increase engagement in measurable ways.
Events •
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Manage the specialist Events team, providing leadership for strategic development of an events plan in the UK and internationally, that engages the alumni and supporter community, meets specific objectives and quality standards, and aligns with wider University priorities. Manage and monitor staff to develop and deliver the events programme ensuring the events produce the required outcome and standard of quality within the specified constraints of time and costs.
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Act as key point of contact and host for principals at events, including the President & Vice Chancellor and other senior management.
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Act as a key point of contact and a resource for Faculty-based alumni events activity.
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Attend events as appropriate, representing and promoting the University to participants.
Data Management, analysis and reporting •
In collaboration with the Data and Analytics team lead on the development and implementation of a robust set of key performance indicators to monitor performance, return on engagement and increase the University’s intelligence of its alumni and supporter community.
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Apply specialist knowledge to analyse and identify trends within the alumni and supporter community to inform the effective and efficient development of new and existing services and benefits and strategic marketing efforts.
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Provide lead advice on the best practice of ensuring all alumni interactions with ODAR are captured and recorded accurately in the ODAR database, The Raiser’s Edge. Lead periodical reviews with the Data and Analytics team to achieve greatest efficiency.
Sector Knowledge and Peer interaction •
Ensure continued specialist and current deep knowledge of development and alumni relations across the UK and internationally to enable the provision of expert guidance in professional standards, best practice, regulations, etc.
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Maintain links with other Universities to exchange best practice, discuss and assess new methods and ideas and develop the advancement profession.
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Represent the University and ODAR both internally and externally.
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Maintain professional links with peer institutions and CASE, participating in events and other networking opportunities as appropriate.
Additional duties •
Perform additional duties as requested or needed by the Director.
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There is a need for the post holder to be flexible to work outside normal hours, eg: weekends and evenings, where necessary to support that range of activity and at peak times.
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A willingness to travel in the UK and internationally is required as it will be necessary on occasion.
Candidate Information Pack Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Supporter Engagement, University of Southampton
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Person Specification Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Planning and organising
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Proven strategic management skills in a specialist field. (E)
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Experience of leading a team of marketers, communications experts and/or customer service orientated professionals, demonstrating skills to inspire, support, and develop individuals. (E)
Able to lead, plan and shape the direction of a department, responsible for inputting into and implementing University wide strategies in alumni relations (of up to several years in planning through to completion), taking the lead to ensure ODAR is successful in this implementation. (E)
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Substantial experience working in a fundraising or marketing focused team, particularly with data analysis and the utilisation of data to drive strategic decisions and marketing. (E)
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Able to organise major new initiatives with little or no precedent. (E)
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Exceptional project management experience. (E)
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Able to champion and oversee the department’s contribution to the University’s strategy and to lead on the department’s strategies and plans. (E)
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Proven experience of managing significant change. (E)
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Proven leadership experience in a range of demanding and influential roles. (D)
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Experience of having worked in an HE institution. (D)
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A motivational, open-minded, decisive leadership style. (E)
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Regular presenter at, or contributor to, CASE. (D)
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Experience of brand management. (D)
Proven ability to motivate, monitor and develop individual team members. (E)
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Able to manage team dynamics and performance. (E)
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Able to proactively develop team dynamics and performance, ensuring quality standards are consistently achieved. (E)
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Able to provide expert guidance and advice to resolve complex problems. (E)
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Able to exhibit breadth of vision gained from an in-depth knowledge of developments across own field. (D)
Able to foster positive relationships both within and outside the department. (E)
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Able to proactively work with senior managers across the University to achieve key deliverables. (E)
Able to maintain an overview of wider strategies and developments that impact upon own area. (D)
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Able to implement successful change management initiatives and formulate strategic plans that reflect and support the priority needs of the University. (D)
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Able to recognise and deal with obstacles and difficulties so that teams can deliver. (D)
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Able to demonstrate leadership and to raise performance standards throughout own work areas. (D)
Management and teamwork
Knowledge and awareness •
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Able to demonstrate a professional awareness of the theory and practice of membership schemes, strategic marketing, alumni relations, loyalty clubs or subscription services, and an ability to appreciate University priorities and use them to manage outcomes. (E)
Candidate Information Pack Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Supporter Engagement, University of Southampton
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Person Specification Problem solving and initiative
Other skills and behaviours
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Exceptional analytical skills. (E)
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Experience in carrying out market research and competitor analysis. (E)
Able to think creatively to find solutions to key issues of University importance. (E)
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Able to measure success and performance and employ techniques to improve delivery across the team. (E)
Financial administration and budget management experience, ensuring operational and cost efficiency. (E)
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Experience of the use of University systems including: (D)
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Able to identify broad trends within alumni relations in response to deep rooted and complex issues of importance to the University. (E)
1. Alumni database (Raiser’s Edge) 2. Website content management system (Teamsite)
Able to make judgements on significant new problems where precedent may not apply. (D)
3. Student record system (Banner/Disoverer)
Able to develop innovative solutions and practical implementations for strategic change. (D)
4. Finance system (Agresso) 5. Mailing software (E-communicator)
Communicating and influencing •
Able to develop and lead key communications strategies. (E)
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Outstanding written communication and good oral communication skills, demonstrating honesty and integrity in all interactions. (E)
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Able to understand data and recognise significant trends, and to articulate the importance of those trends to less data-driven people. (E)
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Able to establish and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of people, acting with high credibility at a senior level. (E)
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An articulate and confident manner, demonstrating sensitivity and diplomacy in order to work with colleagues and donors who are sensitive and/or highly enthused about philanthropic gifts and wider engagement with the University. (E)
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Able to establish and build major relationships with key stakeholders. (D)
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Able to use influence to develop positions or strategies. (D)
6. Text messaging service. Special requirements •
Willing to work flexibly and travel nationally and internationally as and when required.
Candidate Information Pack Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Supporter Engagement, University of Southampton
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Terms and Conditions of Employment The University offer excellent benefits including an occupational pension scheme, generous holidays, and the opportunity to develop your career in a professional, friendly and pleasant working environment. The link to the benefits at the University are open to all to look, not just employees, and can be seen/included at: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/hr/services/benefits-explained/index.page
How to Apply Please apply by submitting a copy of your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter highlighting your suitability for the position by email to: claire.reynolds@execucare.com For an informal conversation prior to applying to this role, please contact Execucare, the University’s executive search consultants: Joanna Logan Director Execucare +44 (0)20 3589 0467
Nicola Reames Director Execucare +44 (020-3621 1540
Candidate Information Pack Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Supporter Engagement, University of Southampton
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Candidate information pack created by the Execucare design team Candidate Information Pack Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Supporter Engagement, University of Southampton
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