Description

The Office of Advancement at Suffolk University sustains and develops all philanthropic and engagement functions for the University, including principal and major gifts, corporate and foundation relations, alumni relations, communications, and advancement operations. Suffolk engagement programs are critical to advancing the University’s mission. Our Alumni Relations programs, which have surpassed several fundraising records and alumni engagement goals in the past five years, serve to engage and inform our current and future alumni, involve them as volunteers in meaningful ways, and strengthen their pride in and attachment to Suffolk while building a culture of philanthropy. 

Reporting to the Director, International, Family and Special Programs and working with Advancement colleagues, and other University offices, the Assistant Director, International, Family and Special Programs is a full-time staff member in the Advancement Division responsible for assisting with establishing and managing alumni and family relationships with the University.  The Assistant Director will plan, implement, and assist in leading programs, events and projects, using best practice strategies for programmatic and relationship-based engagement of the alumni and parent community. The Assistant Director works to create and enhance a culture of engagement by identifying and recruiting volunteers, advocates and champions; by creating, hosting and evaluating compelling events and programs; and by establishing and improving relationships within the University community. Developing this environment of engagement and active participation will encourage and support a growing culture of philanthropy.  

Support from international alumni and parents is critical to the development of new philanthropic revenue streams to Suffolk and the advancement of the University’s mission and strategic goals. 

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist in the development of programs for our international constituency to encourage their engagement, participation and future philanthropy.

• Assist in creating and executing a long-term plan along the alumni and parent life cycle, beginning with student and family support and engagement, continuing with young alumni support and engagement, with offerings for class year and affinity group connections
   

• Plan, implement and assist in leading international alumni and family events, both on campus and abroad, such as receptions and special meetings, working with Advancement colleagues and other University offices. 

• Work with the Director to develop and lead international alumni volunteer groups that reflect historic or current interests of Suffolk’s international alumni constituency.

• Manage digital communications within the Alumni and Constituent Engagement function which would create, organize and lead groups in the Middle East, Asia, India, Europe and Latin America.

• Assist Director in conceptualizing, planning and developing international committees, boards and volunteer structures, especially an international family council, to support the development of an international principal and major gifts program.

• Develop engaging programs to support and promote philanthropy among our most affluent students and graduates of the last decade.

• Assist in coordinating international Advancement travel to maximize senior leadership’s engagement with the University’s top international prospect portfolio.

• Together with the Director, work with domestic high-net-worth families who are principal gift donors to provide special stewardship, including events, reports, and special communications.

Work with Director and Sr. Director of Advancement Communications to plan and produce a communications portfolio that addresses the alumni and philanthropic interests of our international constituency.

• Develop correspondence and multi-channel communications that are culturally sensitive, appropriate, and multi-lingual (Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin) on behalf of the University’s fundraising leadership designed to attract and engage the interest of the University’s wealthiest international constituents. 

• Assist Advancement colleagues in the development of successful proposals and cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship materials (print and digital) for international major and principal gifts.

• Work with colleagues in Marketing and Communications and Public Affairs, Admissions, Student Life, and other University offices to develop and maintain a robust website presence for our international constituents that includes multi-lingual components. 

Assist with fundraising activities to support the goals of Advancement and the University Strategic Plan.

• Assist the fundraising team with the engagement, acquisition, stewardship, retention, and upgrading of donations from internationally-based alumni, parents, and friends, to cultivate long-term international philanthropic partnerships with the University.

• Work with Director and Advancement Research colleagues to identify international alumni, parents, and friends who possess the capacity to make commitments of $1 million and above in support of the University’s mission and strategic plan for internationalization and global reach. 

• Support the Director, Associate VP, Advancement Engagement and Alumni Relations, Senior Vice President for Advancement, President, Provost and other senior leadership as appropriate on regular international fundraising strategic planning meetings, including preparing relevant reports, briefings and memos.

• Willingness to perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 2-3 years of related experience
• Proficiency in a language other than English including either Spanish, Arabic, or Mandarin
• Strong intercultural communication skills and ability to work effectively with international populations
• High energy and enthusiasm for the University’s international strategic goals.
• Excellent technical skills and command of Microsoft Office products
• Strong written and verbal communication skills,
• Strong customer service skills 
• Must be creative and proactive
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and a strong commitment to help develop and implement the University’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies and goals
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, take direction from more than one supervisor, and handles difficult situations with ease
• Must have a diligent work ethic and a capacity to thrive in a fast-paced work environment is essential

• Prior experience or willingness to learn digital communication tools and social media engagement tools including: iMovie, Thankview, Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT, Canva or other design programs and Constant Contact, WhatsApp, WeChat, LinkedIn

• Ability to travel, including internationally
• This is a hybrid position.  Must be available to work evenings or weekends as needed
  

Suffolk University does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, genetic information, or status as a veteran in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs, activities, or employment. Suffolk University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. The University is dedicated to the goal of building a diverse and inclusive faculty and staff that reflect the broad range of human experience who contribute to the robust exchange of ideas on campus, and who are committed to teaching and working in a diverse environment. We strongly encourage applications from groups historically marginalized or underrepresented because of race/color, gender, religious creed, disability, national origin, veteran status or LGBTQ status. Suffolk University is especially interested in candidates who, through their training, service and experience, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the University community.