The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (Arava Institute) is one of the leading environmental academic programs and research institutions in the Middle East, preparing young leaders from around the world to cooperatively solve the region’s trans-boundary environmental challenges. The Arava Institute’s academic programs are accredited by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Located on Kibbutz Ketura in the Arava Valley near Eilat, the Institute offers the only program for students of all nationalities, including Israelis, Palestinians, and Jordanians, to study and live together in a unique desert environment.
The Friends of the Arava Institute (FAI) is a US registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Its mission is to support the critical work of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies through public awareness, student recruitment, alumni relations, and fundraising campaigns.
The Friends of the Arava Institute has entered a critical growth phase in its recruitment program and seeks to further professionalize and dramatically broaden its outreach efforts to universities and organizations.
General Description:
The University and Alumni Relations Manager’s primary responsibility is to implement and execute a national outreach strategy designed to double the number of applicants to the Arava Institute’s academic program over the next two years.
The University and Alumni Relations Manager will develop and maintain effective relationships with key colleges, universities, alumni of the program and organizational partners; design and execute strategies for engaging new colleges, universities, and organizational partners through the implementation of FAI’s recruitment plan. He/She will promote the Arava Institute to relevant deans, study abroad advisors and directors, faculty, students, campus groups, and other interested individuals through campus visits, study abroad fairs, conference attendance, as well as other events. The University and Alumni Relations Manager will also oversee as part of the recruitment plan, alumni engagement and mobilization and work with their network on communications strategies designed specifically to activate and motivate this group to be a primary referral source.
The recruitment outreach model focuses on relationship building through: formal and informal university outreach, organizational and institutional outreach, alumni mobilization and web-based campaigns. We are seeking candidates with a strong commitment to study abroad, study abroad external relations experience, flexibility and enthusiasm, and have strong communications skills.
Reports to: Associate Director, Marketing & Communications
This is an exempt position requiring evening and weekend commitments during peak periods. As part of this role national travel is required and is estimated at 30% time.
Core Responsibilities:
University & Organizational Relations
Under the guidance of the Associate Director, develop and implement the strategic and tactical plans for outreach to institutions of higher education and US based organizations.
Execute national and regional campus tours and visits to recruit potential students.
Promote the Arava Institute at national and regional professional association meetings and conferences.
Alumni Relations & Mobilization
Coordinate the growing Alumni Recruitment Network in the United States to ensure active and meaningful participation in the outreach process.
Oversee, implement and improve the Alumni On-Campus Ambassador Program.
Connect with the North American Arava Alumni Network on a regular basis to ensure an up-to-date information flow and to create new opportunities for alumni participation.
Email Marketing, Communications, & Social Media
Working closely with the Associate Director, design recruitment materials, publications and other collateral.
Maintain the sections of the website related to university relations and create compelling content to recruit students.
Plan and implement an electronic marketing program, including newsletters, webinars, and advertisements. Manage flow of and follow up on information and responses to electronic outreach campaign. This includes creating newsletters for students, faculty, staff, and organization partners.
Design and implement a social media strategy, including the management of Facebook campaigns, ads, twitter conversations and blogging.
Develop a protocol for the dissemination of program information to organization stakeholders; university faculty, staff, and students; and other stakeholders related to student recruitment.
Develop effective campus presentations to promote the Arava Institute to students, faculty, staff and additional organizations.
Program Administration: Reporting, Financial, & Other
Document all recruitment contacts and outreach activities in FAI’s central database and produce comprehensive metric driven reports.
Responsible for complying with applicable contract requirements and following all Friends of the Arava Institute policies and procedures.
Oversee compilation of weekly and monthly reports on activities, including number and type of events organized/attended; number and type of students, parents, school officials, etc. contacted.
Provide financial tracking and reporting of expenses incurred for events and travel.
Track and analyze study abroad enrollment, policies, trends, and contacts at assigned institutions and within the field of study abroad.
Qualifications
Commitment to the vision and mission of the organization.
At least 4 years of professional experience, preferably in recruiting or similar environment; prefer a minimum of 2 years experience in the field of international education.
Proven experience and success in marketing study abroad programs.
Proven understanding of the current issues in higher education and the variety of administrative structures in and perspectives on study abroad at US institutions.
Experience in communications/marketing, including social networks and Internet marketing required.
Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to interact with all levels of staff and external contacts; sensitive to cultural differences when working with people from other cultures; and ability to exercise discretion on confidential matters.
Willingness to assume a high level of responsibility and take initiative.
Is a problem-solver with excellent organizational and administrative skills with attention to detail and an ability to organize
Ability to process large volumes of work and manage tight deadlines and parallel timelines.
Enthusiasm and willingness to travel frequently, approximately 30% of the year.
Valid Driver’s License is required.
Technologically savvy and ability to learn new programs independently and quickly (Microsoft Office, MailChimp, WordPress, DonorPerfect, and Adobe Suite preferred)
Experience in the Middle East or Israel preferred
How to apply
Please send cover letter and resume to the attention of Branwen Cale, National Executive Director at jobs@friendsofarava.org