Senior Manager - Alumni Relations

Job Summary

The job holder provides leadership in implementing the alumni relations strategy and ensuring the department delivers its priorities effectively. The role strengthens the relationships, partnerships, systems and resources needed to build an active, connected and impactful alumni community.

Job Details

Alumni Chapters and Networks

• Develop and implement a comprehensive chapters and networks strategy aligned with the Alumni Relations strategy and University priorities
• Establish, strengthen and support school, local and regional chapters and professional or special-interest networks.
• Ensure chapters and networks have clear leadership structures, annual workplans, governance arrangements and reporting mechanisms.
• Guide chapter and network leaders in developing relevant engagement, professional development, networking and impact activities.
• Monitor chapter performance, participation and sustainability and provide timely support for continuous improvement.

Programme Development and NorthStar Mentoring

• Identify alumni needs and develop programmes that advance lifelong learning, career development, networking, wellness, belonging and alumni impact.
• Lead the design, implementation, growth and evaluation of the NorthStar Mentoring Programme.
• Recruit and support mentors and mentees and ensure effective matching, orientation, engagement, safeguarding and programme follow-up.
• Develop programme concepts, implementation plans, budgets, partnerships, targets and evaluation frameworks.
• Use alumni feedback, participation data and emerging trends to continuously improve the programme portfolio.

Relationships and Student Engagement

• Lead the transition of graduating students into the alumni community and oversee student-to-alumni engagement initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with students throughout their time at the University through targeted communication, outreach and engagement activities.
• Collaborate with schools and the Dean of Students Office to integrate alumni into orientation, mentorship, guest lectures, convocation, graduation and other student activities.
• Foster a culture of giving among students through philanthropy awareness, class legacy initiatives and opportunities to support the University and wider community
• Create opportunities for alumni to contribute to the academic, professional and personal development of students.

Alumni Communications and Reporting

• Lead the development and strengthening of the Alumni Association brand, positioning and visibility while ensuring alignment with the University brand guidelines.
• Lead the development and implementation of the alumni communication strategy across digital platforms, email, publications, social media, events and other alumni touchpoints, ensuring timely, consistent and engaging communication.
• Lead the collection, consolidation and analysis of alumni engagement data from all programmes, chapters and networks.
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly and annual departmental reports, dashboards, presentations and other management updates.
• Ensure alumni stories, achievements, opportunities and programme outcomes are identified, documented and appropriately amplified.

SUAYA Recognition and Community Impact

• Lead the planning and delivery of the Strathmore University Alumni of the Year Awards (SUAYA), including nominations, screening, recognition and post-award engagement.
• Provide secretariat and operational support to the SUAYA Committee throughout the nomination, evaluation and judging process.
• Manage and support the SUAYA Circle of Excellence, creating pathways for winners, finalists and nominees to remain engaged and contribute to the University and society beyond the awards.
• Benchmark and continuously develop SUAYA into a highly regarded and widely recognized alumni awards programme and mobilize the partnerships, sponsorships and other resources required for its sustainability and growth.

Alumni Shop

• Oversee the operation and development of the Alumni Shop in line with university brand and financial requirements.
• Guide product development, pricing, marketing, sales, supplier management, inventory and customer experience. Monitor revenue, margins, stock controls and performance and implement initiatives that strengthen alumni affinity and shop sustainability.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in management, business administration, project or
  programme management, marketing, communications, public relations or a
  related field.
• Relevant professional qualification or membership in management, project
  management, marketing, communications or a related field is desirable.
•  At least six years of relevant experience in alumni relations, stakeholder
  engagement, programme management, communications, institutional
  advancement or a related field including at least three years in a management
  or supervisory role.

About Company

Strathmore University

https://strathmore.edu/

Strathmore University is a modern university with a vision to become a leading, people-centred, entrepreneurial university positively impacting society by doing excellent work.