Position Overview

FEF is looking for an innovative, energetic professional who is excited about the mission and interested in joining a dynamic and innovative team. This work is both relationship-driven and externally focused and is a great fit for a professional who enjoys meeting new people. The ideal candidate will be creative, self- motivated and enthusiastic individual who, in partnership with the staff, will develop this role into an essential cog towards strengthening value for our unique FEF family while ensuring the long-term vitality of FEF’s essential mission. This position includes regional and national travel.  This position is remote and offers workweek flexibility particularly when travel is necessary.  Up to 35% overnight travel is required.

Continued success and growth of the Foundry Educational Foundation will rely heavily on its program endeavors including keeping the FEF family connected. The Alumni Engagement Specialist is a new position within FEF and will be responsible for the development and execution efforts to grow strategic stakeholder outreach, engagement, and communications in critical regions throughout the US.  Such stakeholders include FEF alumni (individuals who graduated from an FEF supported program), companies, individuals, and foundations.  The position will create new, maintain existing, and strengthen all relationships of FEF within the metalcasting community in the US. 

This is a new position for the Foundry Educational Foundation and critical to this position will be the ability to meet quarterly key performance metrics.  Position reports to the Executive Director.

Key Accountabilities

Personal outreach and engagement with alumni and individuals

Through in-person events and activities, foster relationships with committed FEF individuals (focusing on alumni) and with alumni not involved with FEF:

• Identify and recruit alumni for participation in FEF programming, FEF volunteer opportunities, school activities, and supporting FEF through personal outreach.  Provide follow-up with individuals through phone calls and emails.
• Develop quarterly engagement planning for individual personal outreach in conjunction with the Director of Alumni and Academic Relations and the Alumni Ambassador Committee.
• Educate and inform current and new alumni about FEFs value to the industry. Build alumni to alumni and alumni to student relationships.

In person events and activities include:

1. Manage alumni functions
1. Plan and coordinate partner intra-company activities
2. Attend pre-planned FEF school events (open foundry nights, tailgates, etc.)          
2. Promote FEF to alumni (and industry members) to increase participation, engagement and support
1. Attend regional professional chapter meetings and conferences
2. Assist in the development and management of new events and activities
3. Pursuing and participating in speaking engagements, Regional and Chapter meetings, Society Annual Meetings, specific events, student groups at FEF schools and other special invitations.

Stewardship of current industry partner companies and cultivation of new partners

Through direct contact of individuals and alumni, manage and develop relationships with industry companies:

• Perform site visits and engage company alumni through defined events and activities.
• Develop quarterly engagement planning for personal outreach and solicitation to companies in conjunction with the Director of Resource Development and the Fund Enhancement Committee.
• Visit regional foundations to discuss available grants focusing on special projects.

Fundraising

• Develop follow-up plans for individual giving, including digital and direct mail campaigns for alumni, such as Giving Tuesday.
• Provide support for specific annual giving strategies and special projects focusing on specific regions, or campaigns/challenges.
• Provide input and direction for FEF solicitation publications, materials, and other messaging.

All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree and equivalent 2+ years relevant experience, or 4+ years’ experience in sales/business development
• Highly organized with demonstrated ability to simultaneously balance deadlines and projects
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a small team environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Robly (eblast platform like Constant Contact), and various social media platforms
• Must be comfortable using MS Teams or Zoom
• Track record of excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment in prioritizing problems and opportunities
• This position requires perseverance, professionalism, and a willingness to make extensive numbers of phone calls and company visits.
• Must have a valid driver's license and clean driving record
• Must be able to read and write in English
• Some experience in donor engagement and outreach, preferred
• Knowledge of Raisers Edge (or similar relationship management software), preferred
• Experience with donor activities and event planning a plus
• Knowledge of manufacturing industry is a plus

 Physical Demands

Required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger or feel objects, reach, balance, stoop. Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

The work is classified as Medium Physical Demand Level (PDL) by the US Dept. of Labor’s Dictionary of Occupational Titles. Frequencies: Occasional (1-33%); Frequent (34—66%); Continuous (67-100%)

LIFTING DEMANDS:

• Lift up to 25 lbs. on an occasional basis floor to waist.
• Carry up to 25 lbs. on an occasional basis up to 25 feet.

POSTURAL DEMANDS:

• Sitting – frequent
• Standing – frequent
• Walking – frequent
• Bending/stooping – occasional

MISCELLANEOUS DEMANDS:

• Gripping, manipulation, fingering – frequent
• Variable small hand and tool use – occasional

CANDIDATE APPLICATION INFORMATION

For full consideration, please email all information below, combined into one document, to jobs@fefinc.org. Applications close June 23, 2023.

1. A letter describing your qualifications for the position, including your specific interest in the work of FEF.
2. A detailed and updated resume, including home address and mobile phone number.

Candidate finalists will be interviewed by a small panel.  Background and verification checks will subsequently be performed, with candidate permission, and are required to be hired for this position. All inquiries and interactions with potential candidates are kept in confidence.