Alumni Relations Specialist

Jenner & Block; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Jenner & Block LLP seeks a Manager of Alumni Relations to lead engagement initiatives across the firm’s alumni program. The role focuses on building community, coordinating events, and guiding alumni transitions from practicing lawyers to alumni status across all US offices.

The ideal candidate will bring strong client-service experience, excellent communication, and a proactive, detail-oriented approach to a collaborative, law-firm environment.

Qualifications

• High EQ with ability to deliver high-quality work while maintaining a customer service focus
• College degree preferred or equivalent work experience, 3-5 years’ experience in a law firm or professional services environment
• Alumni Relations, Marketing, or client-service experience preferred
• Proficient in basic computer applications including Windows XP, Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience using Zoom, SharePoint, Asana, and Vuture a plus
• Strong written and oral communication skills, effective listening, and the ability to follow direction and apply constructive feedback
• Must be detailed oriented and a critical thinker

Responsibilities

• Manage, update, and interact with the firm’s Alumni Portal and LinkedIn Alumni group in coordination with Marketing and Communications
• Plan and execute alumni events in collaboration with firm stakeholders
• Manage transition of departing lawyers to alumni status
• Oversee vendor relationships for alumni swag and gifts for events
• Oversee annual alumni holiday gift process
• Cultivate relationships with alumni to deepen engagement
• Identify alumni for speaking opportunities and features in firm publications
• Publish Alumni Newsletter with Marketing teams
• Maintain and update alumni information
• Strategize to evolve the Alumni Program

Job description

Jenner & Block LLP is a law firm with a fearless reputation and global reach, high-level problem solvers in litigation, government controversies, investigations, regulatory challenges, and complex corporate transactions. With offices in Century City, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, the firm represents a wide range of clients, counseling Fortune 100 companies, large privately held corporations, major nonprofits, top universities, private equity investors, and Native American tribes. Consistently recognized as a firm that stands up for its values with its commitment to justice and community service, Jenner has been named the No. 1 pro bono firm 13 times in the United States by The American Lawyer.

POSITION SUMMARY

Jenner & Block’s Alumni Relations & Career Strategy Team is seeking an effective and engaging communicator and detail-oriented executor to join our collaborative and close-knit team. The Manager, Alumni Relations will be an essential part of our effort to continue building, managing, and evolving the Jenner Alumni Program. The Specialist will be an integral part of the Alumni Relations & Career Strategy Team and will be responsible for leading alumni engagement initiatives across the firm. The ideal applicant will share our commitment to making the Jenner & Block Alumni Program a best-in-class program. This individual will report to the Associate Director, Alumni Relations & Career Strategy. This role is an exempt position, based in any of Jenner & Block’s US Offices, serving all offices.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Manage, update, and regularly interact with the firm’s Alumni Portal and the Jenner & Block LinkedIn Alumni group, in coordination with Marketing and Communications
• Plan, coordinate, and execute alumni events as part of the Alumni Relations & Career Strategy team in collaboration with various firm stakeholders, such as Marketing, Communications, Inclusion & Engagement, Office Administrators, and the broader Professional Development Team
• Manage the Alumni Relations team’s process for the transition of departing lawyers to alumni status
• Manage vendor relationship for alumni swag and gifts and work with Events, Lawyer Primary Teams, and Inclusion & Engagement in selecting, ordering, and disseminating alumni swag and gifts for events and occasions.
• Manage the annual alumni holiday gift process
• Cultivate relationships with alumni to help deepen engagement and build community.
• Help identify alumni for speaking opportunities, panel discussions, and features in firm publications
• Work with the Alumni Relations and Marketing teams to create and publish the Alumni Newsletter.
• Work with the Alumni Relations team on compiling, tracking, and updating individual alumni information
• Strategize with Alumni Relations & Career Strategy team to enhance and evolve the Alumni Program

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• The right candidate should have a high EQ and be able to demonstrate the ability to deliver high-quality work while maintaining a customer service focus. A professional with experience in client-service and an understanding of a law firm or professional services environment is a plus.
• College degree preferred or equivalent work experience, 3-5 years’ experience in a law firm or professional services environment
• Alumni Relations, Marketing, or client-service experience preferred
• Proficient in basic computer applications including Windows XP, Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience using Zoom, SharePoint, Asana, and Vuture a plus
• Highly motivated, proactive self-starter who approaches projects and challenges with a positive attitude
• Ability to work well both independently and with direction
• Strong organizational and project management skills, sound business judgment, and the ability to multi-task
• Able to work with a team of highly skilled professionals in situations that require diplomacy and confidentiality
• Able to maintain a good rapport with various personnel at all levels
• Must have strong written and oral communication skills, effective listening skills, and the ability to follow direction and apply constructive feedback
• Must be detailed oriented and a critical thinker

Disclaimer

Additional Duties

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the primary duties and responsibilities for the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all tasks or responsibilities that may be assigned. The role may include additional duties, specialized projects, and other tasks as required. The firm reserves the right to modify or adjust the responsibilities to meet business needs.

Physical Requirements

Candidates must be able to meet the physical demands of the position, including the ability to commute to the office as required on designated in-office days based on the position. The firm is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Eligibility Requirement

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Jenner will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

EEO Statement

Jenner & Block LLP is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment and employment decisions are not made on the basis of an individual’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability or medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions, arrest record, matriculation, personal appearance, political affiliation, marital, parental, veteran, military, or order of protection status, or any other protected status or that of their relatives, friends, or associates.