Alumni Association Constituent Relations Officer

Summary

Job Category:
Development and Alumni Relations
Job Title:
Alumni Association Constituent Relations Officer
Job Category Definition:
This specialty is a support unit working in institutional advancement to support Penn State’s goals and mission. The unit consists of various offices working synergistically in two major functional areas, the Office of University Development and the Penn State Alumni Association. In concert with the colleges, campuses, and other units of the University, the Division of Development and Alumni Relations has responsibility for advancing the University’s overall mission of teaching, research, and outreach to alumni, parents, friends, corporations and foundations. This is done by informing alumni and other constituents about Penn State and involving them in the life of the University through effective communications, quality programs and services. In doing so, we strive to gain their support and encourage them to join in shaping Penn State’s future through fundraising campaigns, enhancing honors education, enriching the student experience, fostering discovery and creativity, sustaining a tradition of quality, and building faculty strength and capacity. The division’s mandate is to generate among key constituencies the attitudinal, financial, and behavioral support needed to realize the University’s goals and objectives.
Job Title Definition:
The Constituent Relations Officer provides professional guidance and leadership to students, alumni, and friends in identifying and executing strategies that are most likely to be achieved through continuous support to the University; develops and maintains relationships and directs related activities in support of Division of Development and Alumni Relations and University goals and objectives; works collaboratively with the Office of the President, Board of Trustees, University Development and Alumni Relations, college and campus administrators, and volunteers. Duties are performed at various levels within the defined title. 
Working Conditions:
Specific physical requirements and effort are outlined in Job Responsibilities Worksheet (list of essential job duties and responsibilities specific to a particular job at the unit level) in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Other Requirements:
 

Levels

Level 1 

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
DVAR0801 H Non-Exempt

Level 1 positions typically demonstrate baseline working knowledge of routine work applications; follow standard principles and systems and use appropriate terminology associated with a particular field of specialization; participate as a team member in a collaborative environment within a diverse workforce; actively contribute to completion of team goals and assigned tasks; clearly communicate information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing; follow recommended approach to assigned work to facilitate achievement of desired results; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under direct and frequent supervision while performing routine duties using established procedures with detailed instructions.

Typical Education & Experience

0+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Typical Work Duties
  • Assist in the planning and implementation of alumni programs and initiatives such as, but are not limited to, Membership, Volunteer Services, Business and Program Development via the Alumni Association staff
  • Assist in identifying, cultivating and engaging students, alumni, friends, donors and potential donors
  • May assist in writing and editing proposals and other written materials
  • Coordinate event and program attendee database and create data reports to analyze event success
  • Work with volunteers, committees, boards and University staff as assigned
  • Provide general office support such as: scheduling, correspondence, reports, presentations, etc.
  • May supervise, train and direct the work of assigned support staff or student workers/interns

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 2 

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
DVAR0802 I Exempt

Level 2 positions typically demonstrate intermediate knowledge of the concepts, practices and procedures of a particular field of specialization; perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas/applications by continuously building on current job knowledge; maintain effective relationships with peers, vendors, and others in a diverse environment; support team decisions and follow through with team responsibilities; interpret information, ideas and instructions and communicate clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; determine causes of unusual occurrences and apply standard principles and practices to determine and implement solutions; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under general supervision, while performing assignments that are varied and that may be somewhat difficult in character, but usually involve limited responsibility.

Typical Education & Experience

2+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher
Typical Work Duties
  • Coordinate the planning and implementation of alumni programs and initiatives such as, but are not limited to, Membership, Volunteer Services, Business and Program Development, via the Alumni Association staff
  • Assist in the identification, solicitation, cultivation and stewardship of students, alumni, volunteers, prospects and donors
  • Manage and support selected constituent activities within the Alumni Association, including direct mail, communications, event planning and volunteer relations activities
  • Coordinate the design and production of publications, invitations, programs, etc., and assist in writing and editing proposals and other written materials
  • Coordinate event and program attendee reservations and create data reports to analyze event success
  • May provide consultative services in planning events and activities in regards to protocol and etiquette
  • Work with volunteers, committees, boards and University staff
  • May supervise, train and direct the work of assigned support staff or student workers/interns

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 3 

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
DVAR0803 J Exempt

Level 3 positions typically demonstrate proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications to integrate fundamental elements from other specialties into work assignments; apply knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization to complete difficult assignments; promote a culture that is conducive to effective relationships among diverse team members; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; may lead a project team involved in completion of difficult assignments, requiring proficient knowledge of field of specialization; interpret and communicate information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; incorporate new facts and ideas into group processes and apply creative thinking to develop new solutions; typically work with minimal supervision on difficult assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters.

Typical Education & Experience

4+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher
Typical Work Duties
  • Supervise the planning, implementation, and evaluation of development and alumni programs and initiatives such as, but are not limited to, Membership, Volunteer Services, Business and Program Development, via the Alumni Association staff
  • Manage and support selected constituent activities within the Alumni Association, including communications, event planning and volunteer relations activities
  • Assist in the identification, solicitation, cultivation and stewardship of students, alumni, volunteers, prospects and donors; limited travel as assigned
  • Coordinate the design and production of publications, invitations, programs, etc.
  • Create data reports to analyze program success within the Alumni Association
  • May provide consultative services in planning events and activities
  • Develop and produce internal and external materials, proposals and reports
  • Work with volunteers, committees, boards and University staff
  • Supervise, train and direct the work of assigned staff and students and solve problems as necessary

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 4 

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
DVAR0804 K Exempt

Level 4 positions typically demonstrate advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization and complete complex assignments; integrate complex elements from other specialties into work assignments; demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusionary practices which support diversity throughout the University; establish a shared vision and take responsibility for the achievement of team goals, and provide direction for appropriate implementation of plans; present ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and use persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; develop new techniques, concepts, theories, programs or solutions and apply them to complex strategic operating issues; typically work independently on complex work assignments, review progress and evaluate results and update management as appropriate; may direct and delegate work to lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

6+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher
Typical Work Duties
  • Supervise the planning, implementation, and evaluation of development and alumni programs and initiatives such as, but are not limited to, Membership, Volunteer Services, Business and Program Development, via the Alumni Association staff
  • Manage selected constituent activities within the Alumni Association, including communications, event planning and volunteer relations
  • Provide consultative and training services in alumni organization planning and leadership development
  • Develop and produce internal and external presentations, proposals and reports for the Alumni Association
  • Identify solicit, cultivate and steward students, alumni, volunteers, prospects and donors; travel as assigned
  • Coordinate the design and production of publications, invitations, programs, etc.
  • Create data reports to analyze program success
  • May administer and maintain budgets
  • Act as a liaison with colleges, campuses, alumni, and donors
  • Work with volunteers, committees, boards and University staff as assigned
  • Serve on various boards and direct committees
  • May assist in unit specific strategic planning
  • Supervise, train and direct the work of assigned staff and students and solve problems as necessary

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 5 

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
DVAR0805 L Exempt

Level 5 positions typically extend mastery of job knowledge to the principles, theories and practices of related specialties; expand knowledge of best practices and incorporate into all work assignments and procedures; evaluate and enhance current practices and efforts to ensure optimal support of diversity; oversee leadership of teams and projects that involve extensive cooperation and coordination between multiple departments across the University or with external customers; prepare written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on highly complex issues and deliver to a broad variety of audiences; identify and implement innovative solutions to important, highly complex strategic and/or operational issues which may involve unusual circumstances and incomplete or conflicting data; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; work independently on highly complex or strategic assignments; may direct and supervise lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

8+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher
Typical Work Duties
  • Manage, develop, direct and coordinate development and alumni support service programs and initiatives such as, but are not limited to, Membership, Volunteer Services, Business and Program Development, via the Alumni Association staff
  • Establish policies and procedures for the overall management of a specific program or functional area within the Alumni Association and provide leadership and direction for assigned constituent relations initiatives
  • Manage selected constituent Alumni Association activities, including e-communications, event planning and volunteer relations activities
  • Lead the identification, solicitation, cultivation and stewardship of students, alumni, volunteers, prospects and donors; travel as assigned
  • Develop and produce internal and external presentations, proposals and reports
  • Develop budgets, identify program and operating costs, and monitor expenses
  • Maintain knowledge of constituent relations best practices, trends and growth opportunities, including exploration of and familiarity with new and innovative initiatives
  • May serve as program manager for the implementation of new student, alumni, employer and donor programs or revision and updating of existing programs
  • Serve on various boards and direct committees
  • Assist in developing unit specific and division wide strategic plans
  • Work with volunteers, committees, boards and University staff as assigned
  • Supervise, train, direct the work of and provide performance input for assigned staff

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.