Manager of Alumni Relations

Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide. We represent companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them. The firm has approximately 1,100 attorneys in 18 offices: 13 in the U.S., three in China, and two in Europe. Our broad spectrum of practices and entrepreneurial spirit allow our staff exceptional opportunities for professional achievement and career growth.

The Manager of Alumni Relations will lead the day-to-day work on the alumni program under the supervision of the Senior Manager of Attorney Recruiting Marketing with the goal of significantly enhancing the Firm’s alumni network and leveraging the Firm’s alumni relationships. The Manager will work closely with the Senior Manager, Attorney Recruiting Marketing, and staff from the recruiting, career development, HR, DEI, operations, and other teams throughout the Firm to ensure that the alumni program is integrated in all aspects of firm life and the talent pipeline and lifecycle.  

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Managing the global alumni Salesforce database for accurate and complete records of contact, biographical, and career information, and ensure that the alumni database is appropriately integrated with the Firm’s HR database, LinkedIn, and other sources of alumni data.
• Managing the day-to-day operations of the alumni program and its team contributors.
• Develop and manage a BD relationship building program focused on the pairing of alumni with firm lawyers to develop ongoing business with former colleagues at their new organizations. Work with alumni who are existing Wilson Sonsini clients, as well as identifying new client relationships through our alumni network.
• Overseeing the processes for approving new registrations for the alumni database, posting and managing content, and data management and product upgrade processes.
• Working with the Friends of the Firm Program and Career Development team in developing placement opportunities for existing attorneys and alumni through our alumni network and using the network as a source for internal job postings.  
• Developing metrics for measuring the success of the new alumni program. Tracking and reporting on the effectiveness of alumni efforts quarterly and working with the Senior Manager to identify new initiatives to support the program going forward.
• Collaborating with other administrative professionals to exchange information and ensure that the initiatives and operations of the alumni program co-exist seamlessly with other business development and HR programming, including diversity and women initiatives.
• Managing an external communications plan, including but not limited to developing content for alumni newsletters, thought leadership pieces, speaking engagements, etc.
• Managing the alumni website though PeoplePath and improving the content and database.
• Working with the Events and other teams to plan and execute alumni events, including small group dinners, casual networking events, and larger alumni events, as well as integrating alumni into other firm virtual and in-person events.
• Identifying opportunities for alumni to participate in client panels, associate trainings, and other activities and events.
• Establishing a common format for alumni events and creating an alumni events toolkit for partners and marketing team members who support local alumni initiatives. 
• Working with the Senior Manager on the annual global alumni program budget, including preparation of a budget, variance analysis, and reporting.

Qualifications, Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience required in some aspect of talent, recruiting, HR, or alumni work.
• Experience practicing law in a law firm setting helpful but not required.
• Proven relevant experience managing an alumni program or similar network program in a professional service environment; experience in a law firm is highly desirable.
• Knowledge and/or experience in business development and marketing communications is desirable.
• Proven project management experience.
• Experience with all aspects of planning and implementing events is desirable.
• Extensive experience managing data resources. Salesforce experience is highly desirable. Experience working with PeoplePath is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of social media platforms.
• Experience with preparing statistical analyses and monitoring budgets is preferred.
• Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with both internal and external clients at all levels.
• Excellent communication and analytical skills, e.g. writing, editing, oral and presentation skills, and with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Self-motivated with good organizational and time management skills.
• Exceptional judgment, flexibility and professionalism, and the ability to lead effectively while being a team player.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and ability to provide excellent service.

The primary location for this job posting is in Palo Alto, but other locations may be listed. The actual base pay offered will depend upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, level of education, professional certifications and licenses, and work location. The anticipated pay range for this position is as follows:

San Francisco and Silicon Valley: $131,750 – $178,250 per year

Austin, Boston, Boulder, District of Columbia, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, Seattle, and Wilmington: $119,000 – $161,000 per year

Salt Lake City and all other locations: $105,400 – $142,600 per year

The compensation for this position may include a discretionary year-end merit bonus based on performance. We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits information can be found here. Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).