Lehigh University: Alumni

 

     

 

Official job posting on the Human Resources website

Summary of Job Description

Lehigh University, a private research university located in historic Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, invites nominations and applications for the position of Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations.

The Assistant Vice President will lead Lehigh University's alumni relations program for more than 60,000 Lehigh graduates including alumni programming, the annual fund, operations, and staffing. This position reports directly to the Vice President, Advancement at Lehigh University.

Lehigh University

Lehigh University was founded in 1865 by industrial pioneer and philanthropist Asa Packer. Throughout its 142-year history, the University has combined classical and technical education to prepare students to succeed in a changing world. Today, Lehigh ranks as one of the country's top-tier research universities, with leading programs in business and economics, engineering, and education, complemented by strengths in the social sciences and humanities.

Colleges, Students, and Faculty: Approximately 4,700 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students are enrolled in the University's four colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Economics, the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, and the College of Education. Forty percent of undergraduates are enrolled in Arts and Sciences, twenty-six percent in Business and Economics, thirty percent in Engineering and Applied Science, and four percent in special cross-disciplinary programs. The graduate level-only College of Education enrolls about 600 students annually. With the University's instructional faculty numbering close to 600 (seventy-two percent of whom are full-time with ninety-nine percent holding doctoral degrees), undergraduate students enjoy a student-to-faculty ratio of 9-to-1. As a testament to the quality of the educational experience at Lehigh, the University enjoys one of the highest rates of alumni giving among major American universities. The University's endowment exceeds $1 billion.

Location: A little more than an hour's drive from Philadelphia or New York City, Lehigh is located within the thriving economic and cultural corridor of the eastern United States. Lehigh's picturesque 1600-acre wooded campus is located on "Old South Mountain" in historic Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. As a prominent institution in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania's third most populated metropolitan region, the University is an important employer and community partner to the region's economic, social, and cultural development.

The Lehigh University Alumni Association

Key Expectations:

• To honor, preserve and celebrate Lehigh traditions.
• To communicate clearly and consistently with our alumni about all things Lehigh.
• To serve and respond to the needs of our alumni.
• To innovate new programs and services to benefit our alumni.
• To continue to provide an inclusive and supportive environment to our alumni of various backgrounds, interests, and experiences.

Through the Alumni Admissions Outreach program, alumni bring Lehigh to prospective students. Once future alumni arrive on campus their Lehigh relationship is cultivated through Student Programs, which engage them in the history and traditions of Lehigh while developing them as leaders. As graduating seniors, they are exposed to Traditional Reunion and transitioned to Young Alumni status. The concept of "Lehigh for Life" is ever present. Lehigh integrates students into Lehigh traditions, encouraging lifelong connections through Affinity Programs. Alumni are exposed to the broader Lehigh family through Regional and International Programs and are assisted through Alumni Career Solutions and Benefits & Services. Alumni are informed through Marketing & Communications efforts through innovative uses of Technology. Many LUAA programs have won awards from organizations such as the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

The Lehigh Fund, Lehigh's annual giving program, raises more than $12 million each year to support the scholarships, student life, academic and athletic programs of the university.

The Position

The Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations oversees a talented staff of 27 professionals and support staff. The Assistant Vice President will be a leader in supporting the University's Alumni Association by:

• Working with a dedicated Lehigh University Alumni Board as well as regional, national and affinity clubs;
• Developing strategic, integrated Alumni Association programs that combine public and media relations, marketing, and issues management elements;
• Supporting University efforts to foster long-term, positive relationships with all alumni;
• Overseeing the direction of the Lehigh Fund and other annual giving programs;
• Overseeing student alumni programming;
• Overseeing marketing initiatives to the entire alumni body; and
• Managing staff and budget in support of a robust alumni program.

Challenges and Opportunities

The Assistant Vice President, Alumni Relations will lead efforts to build on the programs in place to enhance Lehigh University's engagement with all alumni and to build the Lehigh Fund. The Assistant Vice President will integrate the activities of the Lehigh University Alumni Association and the annual fund to foster continued growth in both areas.

The Successful Candidate

Given the breadth of the role and responsibilities of the Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations, this challenging position requires visionary leadership, exceptional judgment, strong management skills, and a deep understanding of and commitment to create alumni programming and participation.

Qualifications: Candidates will have experience in a broad array of alumni support. Candidates will be strategic thinkers, with a track record of advancing the mission of their institution through effective services and programs that keep alumni connected, engaged and involved. Management experience, including demonstrated effectiveness in establishing priorities and allocating resources efficiently is required. Experience with annual giving programs is desirable. A deep knowledge and understanding of the academic mission and the higher education environment are strongly preferred. Qualified alumni are encouraged to apply.

Personal attributes: The new Assistant Vice President of Alumni Association will be a leader of unquestionable integrity with many of the following qualities:

• Deep understanding of and appreciation for support and service to alumni;
• The leadership and the initiative to advance alumni relations;
• Intellectual breadth, depth, and curiosity needed to understand the richness of the University's academic endeavors and work effectively with alumni leadership as well as academic and administrative leaders to position the University strategically;
• Energy and enthusiasm for the University and its alumni body;
• Excellent communication skills, natural poise, and demonstrated ease in representing the institution to diverse alumni constituencies;
• A commitment to the value of diversity in all aspects of university life; and
• An approach to issues management that anticipates institutional needs and ensures effective communications efforts.

Applications / Nominations

Nominations and/or applications, accompanied by a letter of interest, curriculum vitae/resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references, should be submitted by April 30 to inaludir@lehigh.edu or by mail to:

LUAA AVP Search
c/o R. Flemming
Lehigh University
27 Memorial Drive West
Bethlehem, PA 18015-3086