Senior Alumni Officer - Department of Institutional Advancement

University of Pretoria; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Pretoria seeks a Senior Alumni Officer to enhance alumni relations through strategic engagement and event management. The role involves planning alumni initiatives and fostering relationships to boost loyalty and support from graduates. Ideal candidates hold relevant degrees and have experience in alumni relations, project management, and communication.

Benefits

Medical aid contributions

Staff development opportunities

Qualifications

• Min of 4 years' experience in alumni relations or stakeholder engagement.
• Proven ability to plan and execute strategic initiatives and events.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of a multi-year alumni engagement strategy.
• Coordinate faculty-specific and cross-institutional alumni initiatives.
• Plan and execute alumni events, both in-person and virtual.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Public Relations

Event Management

Interpersonal Skills

Strategic Marketing Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Business

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Job Description

DEPARTMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

SENIOR ALUMNI OFFICER

PEROMNES POST LEVEL 7

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

The Senior Alumni Officer contributes to the UP Alumni's strategic objective by cultivating awareness, understanding and appreciation of a lifelong relationship with the University of Pretoria with current students, and creating opportunities that will lead to loyalty of graduates across the alumni spectrum.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will be responsible to:

• Support the development and implementation of a multi-year alumni engagement strategy;
• Coordinate faculty-specific and cross-institutional alumni initiatives aligned with strategic goals;
• Plan and execute alumni events (in-person and virtual), including reunions, networking forums, and industry dialogues;
• Manage relationships with alumni chapters, volunteers, and ambassadors;
• Contribute to alumni newsletters, digital campaigns, alumni app and social media content;
• Contribute to maintain updated alumni web content and alumni publications;
• Work with faculty partners to identify and feature outstanding alumni;
• Build and maintain relationships with key alumni who can support institutional priorities (mentoring, philanthropy, advocacy);
• Support donor stewardship and recognition initiatives in partnership with the fundraising office;
• Facilitate alumni input into university initiatives, curriculum, and strategic dialogues.
• Project manage UP Alumni all and promote subscriptions;
• Engage with corporates regarding sponsorships for alumni initiatives;
• Contribute to maintaining accurate records in the alumni database and alumni app;
• Produce regular reports on engagement metrics, programme performance, and alumni feedback;
• Ensure compliance with institutional data policies and ethical engagement practices.
  
  

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Business, or a related field;
• Min of 4 years' experience in alumni relations, stakeholder engagement, advancement, or equivalent;
• Proven ability to plan and execute strategic initiatives and events;
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an eye for detail;
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and network with alumni;
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines.
  
  

Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes)

• Strategic Marketing Communication ;
• Public Relations ;
• Ability to facilitate project teams;
• Event Management ;
• Computer skills (Word, Excel and PowerPoint);
• Administration skills (time management, chairing various levels of meetings;
• Good written and oral communication skills ;
• Good interpersonal skills ;
• Excellent language and communication skills
• Ability to meet demanding targets and tight deadlines,
• Management and organisation skills
• Ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team
  
  

Added Advantages And Preferences

• A total of 4 years’ experience in Higher Education Marketing;
  
  

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant competency assessments as part of the selection process.

The remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP.

In Applying For This Post, Please Attach

• A comprehensive CV;
• Copies of qualifications;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three (3) referees whom we have permission to contact.
  
  

CLOSING DATE: 02 July 2025

No application will be considered after the closing date or if it does not comply with the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES: For the application process: Ms M Makena, Tel: [phone] for application-related enquiries, and Samantha Castle, Tel: [phone] for enquiries relating to the post content.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 September 2025, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to, candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised.