Connections Coordinator

The Connections Coordinator supports Gustavson external community activities including Alumni, Development, Connections, Events, and plays a key role in fostering meaningful relationships between the Gustavson School of Business and its alumni community. Working collaboratively across the school and in coordination with UVic’s central Alumni Relations and Development teams, the position designs and delivers programs that create value for alumni and deepen their connection to Gustavson. These initiatives include mentorship opportunities, alumni communications, events, and activities that celebrate alumni achievement and highlight the impact of a Gustavson education on business and society.

Objectives:
Reporting to the Associate Dean, External & Outreach, the Connections Coordinator supports Gustavson external community activities and leads alumni engagement initiatives that strengthen lifelong connections, support career development through a thriving alumni network, and cultivates a culture of engagement and philanthropy that advances Gustavson’s strategic goals.

By building relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners, the Connections Coordinator supports a vibrant network of engaged graduates who contribute to the Gustavson experience through volunteerism, mentorship, influence, and philanthropy. The role advances Gustavson’s mission by championing initiatives that foster pride, connection, and lifelong engagement within our alumni community by:

• Strengthening alumni engagement and recognition through strategic communications, storytelling, and events that celebrate alumni contributions and foster lifelong connection.
• Enhancing career development and lifelong learning by implementing and supporting mentorship programs and exploring opportunities for alumni involvement in educational initiatives.
• Integrating alumni expertise into academic and student experience by facilitating meaningful involvement in school activities and student development initiatives.
• Expanding and activating the alumni network by increasing contactable alumni, improving data systems, integrating philanthropic opportunities and creating volunteer structures such as alumni chapters.

This role works collaboratively across many External Team activities and events, which may occasionally require evening and weekend work in varied environments. Some tasks may involve light physical activity, such as event setup or materials transport.

This position requires a level of education, training, and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree plus a minimum of five years of relevant experience in community engagement, alumni, development, or similar. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Commitment to diversity and inclusion in working and learning environments.
• Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills with strong time management.
• Proven leadership and motivational abilities, including guiding professionals and volunteers.
• Project management expertise, with a track record of achieving goals on time.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including briefing notes and reports for senior executives.
• Ability to analyze issues, develop solutions, and implement effective strategies.
• Relationship-building and collaboration skills with diverse individuals and teams.
• High degree of self-motivation, initiative, collegiality, and discretion, with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information.

The following are considered assets and may be given preference:

• Experience in volunteer management, alumni relations, and student services/recruitment.
• Knowledge of fundraising and volunteer engagement best practices, including peer-to-peer solicitations.
• Experience working with social media platforms as tools for community engagement.
• Experience in large post-secondary institutions or non-profit organizations, especially within UVic.
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, and Co-Pilot; familiarity with Advance and Raiser’s Edge is an asset.
• Understanding of labour market trends and organizational governance structures.
• Experience in writing promotional materials or case statements.
• Ability to align plans and budgets with broader organizational strategies.