Manager-Communications and Alumni Engagement

The Manager-Communications and Alumni Engagement is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to market, educate, engage and connect with current and potential partners, sponsors, participants, constituents and stakeholders, fostering an understanding of the work that the organization does and the impact that Leadership Memphis has on our community.  While the reach of Leadership Memphis goes beyond just those who have participated in its programs, alumni engagement efforts play a crucial role in maintaining and strengthening the relationship between Leadership Memphis and its program graduates and encouraging their ongoing service to our community and support of the work of LM.

Communications Responsibilities

• In partnership with external marketing firm, develop, propose and implement strategic communications plans to support Leadership Memphis’ overall objectives and impact and increase brand awareness.
• Manage and create content for various communication channels such as LM/VM websites, social media, newsletters, press releases, and other publications.
• Responsible for driving on-going website review and update activity as related to overall content, sponsors, donors and alumni in close partnership with the external marketing firm, the President/CEO and responsible directors.
• Develop and maintain plans to ensure timely creation and execution of marketing and communication strategies in support of events, programs and activities and in partnership with relevant directors
• Collaborate with different departments to gather information and craft clear, compelling messages for various events and audiences
• Manage media relations and maximize media opportunities. Actively pitch story ideas about the organization to local, regional and national media outlets as appropriate.
• Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of communication strategies and make necessary adjustments.
• Provide oversight and collaboration with third party vendors as needed.
• Assist in budget development for organizational marketing and communications efforts and provide projections and recommendations.
• Assist with planning and logistics of programs and events

Alumni Engagement

• Create and execute on the strategy and actionable plan for alumni engagement with Leadership Memphis and in the ongoing LM vision of community leadership and service, including but not limited to benchmarking similar organizations for best practices, alumni and alumni donor planned direct contact, ad hoc campaigns, on-going and regular communication, etc.
• Responsible for assuring the accuracy of alumni databases (website functionality, alumni legacy and Blackbaud) including plans and periodic outreach to assure the accuracy of those databases.
• Responsible for maintenance of historical participant lists/data (ie program alumni data)
• In partnership with the responsible Director and in the context of alumni engagement, assist with planning and execution of LM Signature events (Multicultural Breakfast, Alumni Holiday Party, LM Leadership Awards luncheon, VM Awards) and related activities (ie nomination of awardees).
• Collaborate with other LM areas (ie Programs, VM) to integrate alumni engagement initiatives into broader institutional goals and campaigns.
• Create and distribute regular targeted alumni communications, such as newsletters and email updates, to keep alumni informed about news, events, and opportunities related to the organization.
• Track and evaluate the success of alumni engagement efforts through metrics such as event attendance, participation rates, individual alumni community engagement and alumni feedback.
• Monitor the alumni engagement budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources to support engagement activities and initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with the Director-Projects/Development Support on the development and execution of the annual alumni fundraising campaign
• In partnership with the Sr Director-Operations, interface with and drive activities with the Alumni Engagement Steering Council of the BOD, including the research, benchmarking, planning, preparation, implementation and follow up as determined annually.

Blackbaud/Raiser’s Edge Platform

• Responsible for maintaining the Blackbaud system including data entry of program participants, tuition due, data integrity and reporting as required. Clear understanding of platform capabilities – ie reporting, automated communication tools

Competencies required for success

• Strong leadership, project management, organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop and implement strategic plans and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft engaging and compelling content for various communication channels, including newsletters, emails, and social media platforms.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships with colleagues across various departments
• Demonstrated creativity and innovation in developing new initiatives and programs to engage stakeholders.
• A passion for building and nurturing relationships with demonstrated networking skills

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as communications, marketing, or public relations.
• At least 5 years of experience in communications/PR, alumni relations, fundraising, or related fields, with a track record of success in developing and executing strategic initiatives.
• Knowledge of nonprofit environments, including an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in engaging alumni within these contexts.
• Excellent interpersonal, networking and relationship-building skills, with the ability to connect and communicate effectively with a diverse range of individuals, including alumni, Board members, sponsors, etc
• Strong event planning and project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple events and initiatives simultaneously within given timelines and budgets.
• Proficient in utilizing CRM systems, databases, and other relevant software to manage and analyze alumni data and engagement metrics.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles and strategies as well as marketing and communication strategies.
• Flexibility to work weekends and after hours as needed

Preferred

• A master’s degree is preferred.
• Prior experience in a media or media contact role is highly preferred
• Blackbaud/Raisers’ Edge or similar CRM/DRM platform experience
• Prior working experience in a similar role in a nonprofit organization