What do people who work with high school alumni do?

I'm interested in possibly working in alumni relations for a high school. What does that job entail? Do they organize events, manage communications, or something else? Would love to hear about the typical duties.

Individuals who work in alumni relations for a high school have a rather varied and interesting job. These individuals typically have a number of responsibilities that relate to fostering a strong sense of community among the school’s alumni and creating opportunities for these former students to connect with their alma mater.

One of the biggest aspects of an alumni relations role is event planning. This usually involves organizing various types of reunions, social functions, alumni networking events, fundraisers, and award ceremonies. These events can range from large annual gatherings to smaller regional meetups, often with the aim of keeping alumni engaged with the school and each other.

Another important part of the job is communication. This often entails creating newsletters, emails, websites, or social media content to keep alumni up to date on school news, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved. It also involves forming personal connections with many of the alumni, which requires strong interpersonal skills.

Fundraising is also a common responsibility for those in alumni relations. They play a significant role in encouraging alumni to donate to the school, often working closely with the school's fundraising or development office to plan and implement fundraising campaigns.

Finally, data management is another key duty for those in alumni relations. This usually includes maintaining an up-to-date database of alumni contact information, tracking levels of engagement, and analyzing data to improve outreach efforts and boost alumni participation.

So, as you can see, the role of an alumni relations professional is multi-faceted, covering event planning, communication, fundraising, and data management. It's a balancing act of fostering relationships and strategic work, making it a fun and rewarding career choice.