Lessons learned from building an alumni volunteering programme: Five key reflections on 2,000 volunteers and 10,000 students per year
Abstract
In 2019, Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Met) undertook an expansion and upweighting of development and alumni relations (DAR) as a function, establishing a five-year strategic goal in the latter area, of recruiting 2,000 alumni volunteers, impacting 10,000 students each year. These goals were reached in year four of the strategy. This paper summarises key reflections and learnings of the past four years of business activity, distilled in five points. This paper begins with setting the scene for strategic change and growth, then proceeding to the five core points of reflection and concluding with some thoughts on the next strategic cycle. Evergreen business truths such as the importance of collaboration are reflected on, specifically in the context of a large post-92 UK university, as well as distinctive illustrations of new opportunities sought and seized during this business period. The core intention of these reflections is to articulate practical insights and examples for alumni relations professionals seeking a step change in alumni volunteering activity. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.
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Author's Biography
Laura Laver has over 10 years’ experience in communications and alumni relations and started working at Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Met) in 2019. Laura continues to be involved in the development of a comprehensive alumni volunteer programme impacting over 10,000 students a year at Manchester Met. She leads and manages the Faculty of Business and Law’s alumni engagement strategy and plan (covering UK and International alumni). The strategy supports the student experience, employability and recruitment. It also involves communications, event management, providing best practice mentoring advice and supporting accreditations, where the Manchester Met Business School holds triple accredited status for its education and research, putting it in the top 1 per cent of business schools in the world. Prior to 2019, Laura was working at Sheffield Hallam University where she was responsible for alumni relations activities overseas and in the Business School.
Helena Astbury has worked in development and alumni relations for 10 years, with experience in smaller and larger institutions, and a specialist Arts Institute. Helena has built teams and programmes from scratch in alumni relations and is now enjoying being part of, and learning from, a growing established team at Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Met). Helena manages alumni engagement for three faculties and is a thematic lead for doctoral alumni engagement. Helena has special interests in alumni engagement in relation to research and innovation in higher education and how alumni volunteering can positively impact curriculum. Helena is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (CMgr FCMI).
