Role Summary:
The role is responsible for developing and executing the School's alumni engagement strategy by designing and implementing initiatives that foster lifelong, meaningful relationships between Lagos Business School (LBS) and its alumni. The role drives alumni participation in the School's academic, professional, and social initiatives through effective engagement programmes, communications, networking opportunities, and volunteerism. It also strengthens alumni advocacy, philanthropy, and strategic partnerships while leveraging alumni networks to support student development, institutional growth, fundraising, and thought leadership. The role ensures that alumni remain connected, actively engaged, and invested in the continued success of LBS, thereby enhancing the School's reputation, community impact, stakeholder satisfaction, and long-term sustainability.
Qualification and Experience
The Alumni Relations Manager should possess strong strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management capabilities, with the ability to build and sustain lifelong relationships between the School and its alumni. The role requires excellent leadership, programme management, communication, fundraising, and financial management skills, as well as proficiency in CRM systems, digital communication platforms, and data analytics. Candidates should possess a postgraduate degree in Business, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field. An MBA or a second degree in Education Management or Strategic Communications will be an added advantage. Membership of a relevant professional body such as the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), or an equivalent professional body is desirable. Candidates should also have a minimum of eight (8) to ten (10) years' progressive experience in alumni relations, stakeholder engagement, marketing, institutional advancement, or a related function within a higher education institution or a reputable corporate organisation.
The candidate will be responsible for the following:
Develop and implement a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy aligned with the School's strategic objectives.
Plan, coordinate, and evaluate alumni engagement activities, including reunions, Alumni Day, presidential dinners, and local and international chapter meetings.
Design and implement innovative alumni engagement programmes, including mentoring initiatives, speaker series, networking events, and industry roundtables.
Establish and manage alumni affinity groups, regional chapters, and special interest networks to increase alumni participation and engagement.
Build and maintain strategic partnerships with corporate organisations, industry leaders, and alumni-owned businesses to secure sponsorships and philanthropic support.
Lead alumni membership, fundraising, and donor engagement initiatives in collaboration with relevant internal stakeholders.
Identify and engage alumni for leadership, mentoring, advisory, volunteer, and philanthropic opportunities.
Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management for the Alumni Relations team while fostering a culture of excellence and service.
Recruit, train, and coordinate alumni volunteers, class representatives, and chapter executives.
Oversee the production and distribution of alumni publications and ensure effective communication through digital and traditional platforms.
Manage the alumni database, ensuring the accuracy, confidentiality, and integrity of alumni records and engagement data.
Analyse alumni engagement data and prepare reports to support strategic planning and continuous improvement.
Support the preparation and management of the department's budget while ensuring prudent utilisation of resources.
Ensure compliance with institutional policies, governance standards, and applicable data privacy regulations.
Serve as the primary liaison between the alumni community and the School's leadership, representing alumni interests in institutional initiatives.
The candidate should also possess the following competencies:
Strategic planning and programme management
Relationship management and stakeholder engagement
Leadership and people management
Communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Fundraising and donor relations
Budgeting and financial management
CRM systems and data analytics
Digital communication and social media management
Marketing, branding, and public relations
Event planning and execution
Emotional intelligence
Integrity and professionalism
Collaboration and networking
Problem-solving and decision-making