LEONIE BOXTEL

JETTA CONFERENCE 2014

Engaging with Alumni

Alumni Engagement - Why

Alumni relations strategy must align with and assist in the achievement of the organisation’s strategy.

1. What are your institutions key desired outcomes?

2. How can alumni assist in the achievement of these?

3. What needs to occur for alumni to encourage them todo so?

JETAA Alumni engagement

1. What are your institutions key desired outcomes?

(JET) Programme, is aimed at promoting grass-roots international exchange between Japanand other nations.

The purpose of JETAA is to promote through its activities a broader and deeper understandingbetween Japan and the countries participating on the JET Programme.

to strengthen and maintain the bonds of friendship developed between JET Programmeparticipants.

1. How can alumni assist in the achievement of these?

Promoting Japan to prospective new members, circulating information about Japan, providingplatforms for social and professional interaction, developing social media and other platformsthat provide access to alumni etc

2. What needs to occur for alumni to encourage them to do so?

Must have a value proposition for alumni – ie a reason why they can/should invest in thisactivity.

The ‘host’ organisation needs to indicate a desire to retain a connection and articulate themerits of alumni involvement.

Win/win is the desired outcome.

What’s involved

Ground work

Developing Strategy

Operationalising Strategy

Ground Work Part 1

1. What do you know about your alumni?

Demographics

Market research (surveys, focus groups)

Cost/Impact review of current activity

Ground Work Part 2

2. Review of Enablers. Data capture, research

capacity, staff, supporters, champions

3. Steering/Working Group establishment

bringing all stakeholders into the strategy

development process from the outset.

Establishing a Strategy

STRATEGY;

A PLAN OF ACTION

DESIGNED TO ACHIEVE A PARTICULAR GOAL

What is your goal?

Why are you considering this now?

What has changed to make ‘now’ important?

Is there an opportunity you can capitalise on ?

Establishing A strategy

What has changed to make ‘now’ important?

Is there an opportunity you can capitalise on ?

Changes to the organisation

Innovation / Technological progress

National / International competition

Desire to capitalise on programs / activities that have yet to fully reach potential

Partners

Crisis response?

Alumni Engagement Strategy

Some core elements in bringing it together

1. Vision ( the ideal state of the future)

1. Mission (the work we do and to what end)

1. Purpose & Outcomes (clarifying the vision)

Purpose and outcomes - example

The University’s 140,000 alumni are advocates worldwide, who contribute positively to the reputation of the institution, strengthen relationships, and add to the resources needed.

The University converts the considerable goodwill of its alumni to contributions that improve the student experience, research strength and outreach capabilities.

The faculty and staff al across the university understand the importance of alumni in achieving the university’s mission and take proactive responsibility for, and reap the benefits of an engaged alumni body.

Alumni are considered an integral part of the university community as faculty, students, and staff, and are reflected university-wide as key stakeholders in planning documents, engagements and communication strategies.

Current students appreciate that they are students for a short time but alumni forever.

University Alumni Engagement

JETAA Alumni Engagement

Communications (keeping alumni informed)

Participation (providing opportunities to feel connected and retain affinity)

Involvement (providing opportunities to give back and assist the mission/goal of the organisation)

Discussion

Define the current challenge or opportunity that is prompting you to look at alumni engagement.

“ It would be good if… ”

Thank you!