Manager: Alumni Relations (Post Level 7)

Department Description/Departement Beskrywing

Stellenbosch Business School

Manager: Alumni Relations (Post Level 7)

(Stellenbosch Campus / Bellville Park Campus as required)

Ref. EBW04/340/0826

The Alumni Relations function within Stellenbosch Business School (SBS) at Stellenbosch University (SU) is responsible for developing and sustaining meaningful, lifelong relationships between the School and its alumni across all programmes and geographies. The function strengthens the School's brand, reputation and stakeholder network, while supporting institutional advancement through alumni engagement, professional networking, lifelong learning opportunities, strategic partnerships and cultivating a global mindset.

Duties/Pligte

• The Manager: Alumni Relations will provide leadership and operational oversight of the SBS Alumni Relations function and will:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive alumni relations strategy aligned with the priorities of Stellenbosch Business School and Stellenbosch University.

• Lead alumni engagement initiatives, including events, networking platforms, lifelong learning opportunities and communication programmes.

• Drive stakeholder engagement across alumni, students, Faculty and corporate partners.

• Strengthen the SBS Alumni Association, including governance support and stakeholder coordination.

• Establish and manage alumni ambassador programmes locally and internationally.

• Oversee alumni communications across digital platforms, newsletters, social media and alumni portals.

• Ensure the effective use of alumni data, CRM systems, analytics and reporting to support strategic decision-making.

• Manage operational planning, budgeting, resource allocation and continuous process improvement within the Alumni Relations office.

• Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering collaboration, service excellence and professional growth.

Job Requirements/Pos Vereistes

• A relevant NQF-level 8 postgraduate qualification in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications or a related field.

• At least five years' relevant experience in alumni relations, stakeholder engagement, marketing, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and implementation at organisational level.

• Proven experience in stakeholder management and relationship building, preferably within higher education or a professional services environment.

• Experience in managing teams, budgets and projects. Strategic thinking and planning capability.

• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders.

• Project and programme management expertise.

• Data analysis and reporting capability.

• Digital communication and social media management skills.

• Strong organisational and administrative competence.

• High level of initiative, professionalism and accountability.

• The ability to operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels.

• Strong interpersonal sensitivity and cultural awareness.

Recommendation/Aanbeveling

• Understanding of higher education environments and alumni engagement practices.

• Knowledge of CRM systems and data management principles.

• Insight into branding, marketing and reputation management.