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Associate Director for External Affairs

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Associate Director for External Affairs.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division Alumni Activities

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Salary Range 58,294.00 - 78,869.00

Pay Grade

E12

Posting Close Date Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Submit Resume and Cover Letter.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The Associate Director for External Affairs provides strategic leadership for the Alumni Association, driving membership growth, revenue development, and alumni engagement initiatives. This role oversees the design and execution of membership campaigns, sponsorship opportunities, and affinity partnerships while fostering meaningful connections with students, alumni, and community partners. Working closely with the Executive Director, this position ensures that programs, events, and volunteer efforts strengthen alumni involvement and advance the mission of the Association.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

+ Membership – Responsible for the continued development and coordination of an integrated program to cultivate and solicit new and renewing membership in the Alumni Association, as well as marketing the Life Membership program of the Association. Establish clear and concise goals and objectives to achieve predetermined membership levels and monitor the budgets needed to accomplish these goals and objectives. Work with Executive Director regarding expenditures for solicitations and promotions, ensuring that projects fall within financial guidelines, and coordinating to allow desired results with financial limitations. Collaborate with Advancement Communications to develop membership campaigns and membership benefits program. Develop and refine programs and opportunities to educate current students about the Alumni Association and promote membership following graduation.

+ Advertising and Sponsorship – Responsible for marketing sponsorship and advertising opportunities within the Association. Coordinates and oversees the advertising program in Alumni Association publications with regard to participant relationship maintenance and development and growth of participation in the program. Maintain accurate and current files and records on all advertising and sponsorship partners.

+ Development Efforts – Responsible for assisting the Executive Director and other Association staff members and volunteers in securing charitable gifts for the approved programs and initiatives of the Association. Assist in the identification, prospecting, and researching of potential donors to the Association’s campaigns. Meet and participate with Foundation and Athletic Foundation development officers for coordination.

+ Affinity Partner Relationships – Responsible for the successful planning, execution, and management of the affinity partner and revenue development programs of the Alumni Association.

+ Engagement and Event Oversight – Responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the Association’s staff regarding engagement opportunities, programs and events.

+ Special Projects – This position will, from time-to-time, handle special projects and assignments given to it by the Executive Director.

+ Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Marketing, Communications or other related field and three years of related experience in higher education, sales, fundraising, or strategic planning/management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

+ Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively

+ Ability to develop and execute a revenue generation program to include ongoing membership campaigns and advertising and sponsorship opportunities

+ Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from various groups of constituents – alumni, business partners, sponsors, board of directors

+ Knowledge with the Microsoft Office suite of programs

+ Excellent organization and time management skills

+ Skill in customer service

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Marketing, Communications or related field. Two years’ experience in developing and implementing sponsorship packages and partnerships or demonstrated success in leading a membership-based organization.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.