At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and deliver engaging alumni events and programmes while supporting global initiatives.
- Company: Join the Rhodes Trust, a global educational charity based in Oxford.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, private health insurance, and discounts across Oxford.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by connecting with a diverse global community of scholars.
- Qualifications: Experience in event planning and strong administrative skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Rhodes House in central Oxford, Hybrid Working (minimum of 2 days per week in Rhodes House) 18-month contract, full-time. We have a great opportunity for an Alumni Relations and Programmes Officer to join the Rhodes Trust, Oxford. This role will be a crucial part of the Global Programmes and Alumni Engagement team, working closely with the Global Programmes and Alumni Engagement Lead to deliver a suite of Alumni engagement activities, communications and events, fora and programming. We are looking for the successful candidate to start with us as soon as possible.
Role responsibilities
- Support the planning, design and delivery of the Global Programming portfolio, supporting to deliver keystone initiatives such as reunions, convenings, UK and global Alumni events, and supporting constituencies with less activity, ensuring a proactive calendar of Alumni and public activities.
- Support on the Rhodes Global Forums, suggesting speaker and programme ideas as well as preparing and sending invitations, marketing the event and running briefing calls.
- Support with general administration as requested, particularly regarding the Global Alumni Advisory Board (GAAB) and Lifelong Fellowship and Impact Committee (LFIC) including coordinating meetings, drafting meeting agendas and minutes, printing or sending of presentations, collating of information for reporting, following up on action items and other communication materials as appropriate.
- Support the delivery of the Global Welcome Home Weekend, a residential retreat, across 3-4 different countries in order to integrate recently graduated scholars with the alumni community, and travel as required. Lead on at least one of these programmes each year.
- Monitor the Alumni and conferences mailboxes and ensure a timely reply to all queries and requests directed to them.
- Provide appropriate responses to a varied range of enquiries from community, and non-community, members by email, phone, post and in person. Tactfully and diplomatically recognise and quickly resolve any potential issues raised.
- Under the guidance of the Global Programmes and Alumni Engagement Lead, lead on key Alumni engagement initiatives as required, for example the annual Meeting Minds Alumni Dinner or the Scholars’ Library series.
- Role modelling the Trust’s organisational values of commitment, inclusion, belonging, growth and innovation.
- Carrying out any other duties relevant to the role, as requested.
A deep commitment to the values, ethos and mission of the Rhodes Trust.
Essential skills, experience and qualifications
- Experience in event planning and delivery, both in-person and online and/or hybrid.
- Tech-savvy with proven experience with Microsoft packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) and online event platforms (Zoom, Eventbrite) as well as being willing to learn new platforms.
- Experience with customer relationship management platforms (such as Salesforce) is desirable, but the ability to manage data and reports is essential.
- Excellent administrative skills with an ability to prioritise work and meet tight deadlines.
- Ability to build strong working relationships with immediate colleagues, as well as with external stakeholders.
Desirable skills and experience:
- Previous Alumni Relations experience, or experience working with communities.
- Previous programming experience.
- Experience with Salesforce.
- Use of email marketing systems (e.g. Mailchimp, Campaign Monitor).
About the Rhodes Trust
The Rhodes Trust is an educational charity which offers Rhodes Scholarships to exceptional students from around the world to come and study at the University of Oxford. Our mission is to build a better world through global fellowship programmes that develop and connect compassionate, innovative, and public-spirited people committed to solving humanity’s challenges. In recent years, we have also partnered with several other remarkable organisations to create the Mandela Rhodes Foundation, the Atlantic Institute, Schmidt Science Fellows, RISE and Oxford Next Horizons.
Benefits of working here
- We are a global organisation and we use our deep connections across the world to bring together people of different backgrounds and viewpoints. We encourage our staff to challenge each other’s thinking and generate new ideas.
- 30 days annual leave (pro rata) plus 8 bank holidays.
- Generous family leave schemes.
- Private health insurance.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Additional benefits, such as free access to the University's gardens, parks, libraries and museums, and University staff discounts in shops across Oxford.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Electric car scheme.
The Rhodes Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We warmly welcome applications from talented people of diverse backgrounds and appoint without regard to age, disability, gender, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, parental status, marital or civil partner status, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, religion or belief.
Alumni Relations and Programmes Officer employer: Rhodes Trust
The Rhodes Trust is an exceptional employer located in the heart of Oxford, offering a vibrant work culture that values commitment, inclusion, and innovation. With generous benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, private health insurance, and opportunities for professional growth through global engagement initiatives, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive and dynamic environment. The Trust's dedication to fostering diverse perspectives ensures a rich collaborative atmosphere, making it an ideal place for those passionate about building a better world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Alumni Relations and Programmes Officer
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Rhodes Trust.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Rhodes Trust.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Rhodes Trust.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Rhodes Trust. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Alumni Relations and Programmes Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Rhodes Trust. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Alumni Relations and Programmes Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rhodes Trust
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Rhodes Trust. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
