Full-Time Exempt Professional  

Job Description
The Rural Engagement Specialist partners with the CPO and is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that strengthen and enhance ASP alumni and community involvement, and support the organization’s mission, visibility, and long-term success of the Come Home Tennessee Initiative. The Rural Engagement Specialist plays a vital role in fostering meaningful relationships between the Trust and its alumni, as well as cultivating connections within the Ayers Entrepreneur Center community. 

Essential Responsibilities

ASP Alumni Outreach & Engagement:

• Develop and execute alumni engagement strategies in compliance with allotted budget and planned annual Come Home Tennessee initiatives.  
• Act as the primary point of contact for alumni inquiries, updates, and involvement opportunities.
• Manage communication and information for alumni by providing ongoing SMS, outreach calls, and email communication.
• Partners with the communications team to provide support and content for promotional and marketing materials related to alumni outreach and engagement. 
• Maintain accurate Come Home Tennessee data entry for all required metrics and fields in the alumni database and provide trend analysis as indicated.
• Provide creative, and impressionable event planning for annual planned events that target current and future alumni that broadens the alumni network. 
• Provide support (i.e. presentations, documents, printable resources, CHT Salesforce data, orientation support) as directed to the ASP team to align CHT representation into the ASP model.
• Coordinate and facilitate the Ayers Alumni Advisory Board including management of bylaws, memberships, and setting of annual goals 

Ayers Entrepreneur Center:

• Provide creative and impressionable event planning for annual planned events that targets both alumni and community audiences and enhances community engagement and awareness. 
• Coordinate volunteer opportunities and service projects within the respective AEC region to encourage community contributions and involvement.
• Act as the primary point of contact for Ayers Entrepreneur Center inquiries, updates, and involvement opportunities. Ensures smooth AEC daily operations for tenants and guests.

Competencies:

• Exemplary team mindset while maintaining a high level of pride, openness, and honesty in all aspects of work.
• High accountability for actions and decisions.
• Superior relationship-building skills and ability to establish rapport with wide range of personalities and backgrounds
• Proactive attitude with ability to anticipate and diffuse problems.
• Effective stress management skills under pressure with ability to maintain professionalism and carry out work duties.
• Appropriate prioritization of urgent matters while managing multiple time-sensitive tasks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; graduate degree preferred.
• Proven experience in  and passion for supporting alumni relations and facilitating community engagement 
• Demonstrated experience in entrepreneurship, startup incubation or related initiatives preferred
• Proficiency in using technology, including social media platforms, CRM systems, and event management tools.
• Ayers Foundation Trust Alumni preferred

The Ayers Foundation Trust offers a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact by nurturing relationships, fostering a sense of community, and contributing to the growth of both alumni engagement and entrepreneurial initiatives within the Foundation’s mission.