Director, Alumni Relations, Institutional Advancement Division - Vice-Chancellery

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the post of Director, Alumni Relations - Institutional Advancement Division (IAD), Vice-Chancellery.

MAIN PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE JOB:

The Director reports to the Executive Director, Institutional Advancement and is responsible for devising and implementing The University of the West Indies’ strategy for fostering excellent alumni relations in order to build and strengthen relationships between the University and its alumni community of over 200,000 graduates in order to maximize alumni interest and engagement with the University. In so doing, the Director will oversee the provision of a robust alumni experience, champion quality and reinforce the importance of alumni engagement.

The incumbent will be required to strategically shape and grow the Alumni Relations programme to engage graduates of all ages in the life of the University through the creation of sustainable annual programmes in line with the current Strategic Plan of the University. The incumbent will assist with alumni philanthropic endeavours.

Key Job Elements:

Operational Planning

• Create and implement an Alumni Relations Plan in support of the University’s Strategic Plan and Mission Statement;

• Guide Campus Alumni Officers to execute regional cultivation networking events as well as student engagement programming plans to connect current students to the global alumni network of professionals and educate them about their lifelong role as UWI alumni;

• Work with executive and campus leadership and the respective Marketing & Communications Offices to schedule, plan and coordinate an annual calendar of alumni events for all campuses;

• Provide leadership and direction to the University concerning the collection, distribution and integrity of alumni data, as well as the definition of key metrics for alumni engagement, and employs data-based decision making; 

• Coordinate a variety of events and programming relating to Alumni Relations; and

• Supervise staff.

UWI Alumni Association

• Oversee the UWI Alumni Association and its volunteer Chapter leadership as well as the Campus Alumni Officers as they facilitate the engagement of their Chapters with their respective campuses;

• Liaise directly with the International Chapters;

• Work closely with the Alumni Association Presidents in creating and executing strategy and fund-raising endeavours;

• Direct the Central Executive Committee of the Alumni Association towards focusing its energy and efforts toward supporting the goals of the University;

• Ensure that the Database Manager provides internal customers with alumni data via Alumni Online, using CiviCRM according to privacy laws and without sharing data; and

• Work along with Campus Alumni Officers and collaborate with campus faculties and departments to build a culture of alumni engagement.

Policy Development

• Provide input from the alumni perspective regarding University-wide policies and processes;

• Scan the higher education environment internationally and regionally to keep abreast with developments in Alumni Relations; and

• Maintain and update the UWI Alumni Relations E-Manual.

Publications and Communications

• Prepare reports for the Alumni for presentation at University Meetings;

• Write and coordinate the publication and distribution of the monthly E-Update, the UWI Nexus and the annual alumni magazine: the UWI Connect;

• Plan Pelican Talks and Top Tier Talks; and

• Participate in interviews on Radio, TV and other media platforms as necessary.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences or Humanities or a related discipline

• At least seven (7) years’ experience working in alumni relations or a non-profit environment;

• Leadership experience in a Higher Education environment and or a regional setting with diverse stakeholders;

• Working knowledge of current academic issues; experience in a culturally diverse environment and a strong commitment to providing excellent service to multiple stakeholders; and

• Working knowledge of the principles and methods of philanthropy.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to detail
• Client Focus
• Continuous Learning
• Creativity and Innovation
• Impact and Influence
• Interactive Communication
• Relationship Building
• Work Ethics and Values
• Project Management
• Strategic Thinking
• Team Leadership
• Using Information Technology
• Valuing Diversity

Full details of the remuneration package may be obtained from the Office of Administration by contacting us at email: hrapplications@uwimona.edu.jm). Detailed applications giving i) full particulars of qualifications and experience, biodata; and ii) the names, titles, mailing and e-mail addresses, fax and telephone numbers of three (3) referees should be sent as soon as possible to the: UNIVERSITY REGISTRAR, OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION, THE VICE CHANCELLERY, THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES, THE UWI REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS, HERMITAGE ROAD, KINGSTON 7, JAMAICA, W.I., E-mail: hrapplications@uwimona.edu.jm

The closing date for receipt of applications is December 31, 2024.

The University of the West Indies thanks all applicants, however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Kingston Jamaica: A vibrant city for living and working Kingston, Jamaica is the perfect place to experience an authentic Caribbean lifestyle thanks to its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and diverse cuisine. Since its founding 75 years ago, The UWI has focused on creating an excellent and ethical university, offering an unrivalled range of academic programmes, producing research of global significance, and developing strong leadership skills across all of its campuses. The Regional Headquarters has a picturesque view of the blue mountain, located at Mona, the oldest campus of the university, which encompasses 653 acres of land nestled in a lush valley that was once home to two large sugar estates. Several statues and murals depict its vibrant artistic community and the university's landscape is dotted with historical ruins such as the aqueduct and water wheel, reflecting its plantation origins.