Position Description

Position Title:
Alumni Council Member

Responsible to:
Director of Alumni Relations:

Length of Term:
Three-year term, two terms maximum (may exceed this if appointed to an officer's position).

Qualifications:

• Must be an alumnus (anyone who has attended a minimum of two semesters at Messiah College, Messiah Junior College, Messiah Academy, Upland College, Upland Academy.)
• Exemplifies Messiah's mission (a person of intellect, character & faith)
• Enthusiasm for Messiah College and desires to advance its mission
• Leader - (has demonstrated positive leadership traits in home, church, work, and/or community settings)
• Servant - (has a heart for others, can place interests of others ahead of self-interests)
• Reconciliation - (can approach and work to resolve issues and disagreements in a civil manner)
• Involved Alumnus - (has tangibly demonstrated support via attendance at alumni events, staying connected, referring students, hiring interns or graduates, financial gifts and/or prayer.)
• Ability to be a liaison (has a specific desire to serve as a connection between College and alumni)
• Communication & Social Skills are desirable
• Organization & Planning Skills are desirable
• Dedication and commitment to volunteer service

Types of Alumni Council Members:

• Members-at-Large:
  At-large members meet the above general qualifications and are also selected based upon criteria that help to bring balanced representation (age, gender, major, ethnic, institution attended) and/or a particular expertise or perspective to the Alumni Council.
• Regional Representatives:
Regional representatives meet the above general qualifications and are selected as liaisons and alumni volunteers to specific geographic regions identified by the Office of Alumni Relations for regional activities.

Areas of Responsibility:

1. Involvement
   Participate in and maintain awareness of alumni relations programs and services as follows:
   • Make a concerted effort to attend at least 1-2 alumni events annually
   • Read alumni print communications
   • (If on-line) Subscribe to the Alumni eBulletin and visit the alumni relations web site
   • Take initiative to contact any member of the alumni relations staff at any time for clarification of issues, answers to questions, or for any other dialogue
2. Advisory
   Serve in an advisory capacity to the Office of Alumni Relations by:
   • Attending two Alumni Council meetings annually (Fall meeting - second full weekend in September; Winter meeting - second full weekend in March).
   • Assist in developing and evaluating the Office of Alumni Relations strategic plan
   • Provide feedback on alumni events, communications, and other activities
   • Solicit feedback from alumni on alumni relations programs and services
   • Provide input and counsel throughout the year to the alumni relations staff via personal interaction, phone calls, and or e-mail.
3. Volunteer
   Serve in a volunteer capacity for at least one event or activity annually via the following opportunities:
   • Assist the alumni relations staff in planning and coordinating an alumni event
   • Providing volunteer assistance on the day of an alumni event
   • (Regional Representatives) Assist the alumni relations staff in the planning and coordination of at least one event annually in your particular geographic region
   • Participate on a College committee, task force, or other activity when an alumni perspective is desired
4. Contributor
   Assist in supporting the mission of Messiah College by doing any of the following:
   • Be an ambassador for the College in your churches, communities and schools
   • Recommend Messiah College to prospective college students that you know
   • Serve as a mentor to Messiah College underclassmen
   • Hire Messiah College interns and graduates
   • Send a gift annually for the annual fund
   • Pray for the College, its students, faculty, and staff
   • Encourage other alumni to do the above
5. Liaison
   Provide a connection between the College and the broader alumni association
   • Interact with College faculty, staff and students during Alumni Council meetings and upon other occasions
   • Represent the College and the Office of Alumni Relations to alumni
   • Represent alumni to the College and the Office of Alumni Relations
   • Report alumni news to the Office of Alumni Relations
   • Recommend alumni candidates for alumni awards and alumni profile consideration
   • Recommend alumni candidates for the Alumni Council
   • Recommend alumni for service to other areas of the College (Academic departments, Admissions, Career Services, Development, etc.)