.svg)
Christina Balotescu
March 3, 2025
The companion article to this one, “Who You Need to Run a Large-Scale Online Alumni Community” outlines the resources needed to run a program generating millions of dollars in ROI. However, organizations with smaller staffs, those just getting started with their alumni program, or those focused on qualitative metrics, can also achieve great success with a more modest budget.
In these situations, as in any small organization, team members often wear multiple hats. The focus shifts from deep specialization to a diverse skill set, and these organizations are typically more nimble in their decision-making processes.
Regardless of size, having a strategic plan is crucial for success. Stakeholders should collaborate in its development and use it as a roadmap, with clear milestones to track progress.
As in larger organizations, small teams aiming to build a thriving online alumni community must dedicate time to cultivating relationships, managing data, and driving engagement. This article outlines the key roles necessary for running an effective online alumni community, the estimated time commitment for each position, and expected salary ranges, and the return on investment you should expect.
Time Commitment (on Community alone): 2-6 hours per week
Salary Range: $50,000 - $70,000 annually (or $35-$60 per hour)
The Engagement or Alumni Relations Manager sets the strategy for the alumni engagement program and oversees the team supporting it. They are responsible for ensuring alumni remain actively involved over the long term. This role requires strong technology skills and the ability to develop a vision for leveraging available tools to achieve organizational goals.
This position is best suited for someone with at least three years of leadership experience in alumni relations, advancement, or community management. Experience with community management platforms or digital engagement tools is also highly beneficial.
Time Commitment: 5-15 hours per week
Salary Range: $40,000 - $60,000 annually (or $20-$40 per hour)
This role focuses on fostering strong relationships with alumni, ensuring they feel connected to the community. The Relationship Builder serves as the personal touchpoint within the online experience, keeping conversations flowing and engagement levels high.
This role is ideal for someone with strong interpersonal skills, event planning experience, and a passion for building connections. An alum is an excellent candidate for this position, as they bring authenticity and enthusiasm to alumni interactions. Two to three years of experience in a similar role is preferred.
Time Commitment: 4-20 hours per week
Salary Range: $40,000 - $70,000 annually (or $20-$35 per hour)
A well-maintained alumni database is the foundation of an effective engagement strategy. The Database Manager ensures that alumni records are accurate, complete, and utilized effectively to improve communication and participation.
The scope of this role varies by organization, and time requirements depend on:
This role requires strong analytical skills and experience working with CRM systems or alumni management software.
Time Commitment: 2-8 hours per week (Part-time)
Salary Range: $50,000 - $85,000 annually (or $25-$42 per hour)
A strong communication strategy is key to keeping alumni informed, engaged, and excited to participate. The Marketing & Communications Manager crafts compelling content and maintains an active online presence.
This role is well-suited for someone with experience in digital marketing, copywriting, and social media management.
Based on salary ranges and estimated hours, institutions should budget approximately $50,000 - $100,000 annually (including the cost of the platform) to run a successful online alumni community. However, this amount can vary depending on several factors:
Strategic investments in alumni engagement typically yield high returns. A study by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) indicates that institutions investing in alumni engagement experience an average return of $5.60 for every dollar spent.
In smaller organizations, a single person may need to take on multiple roles. While this can work in the short term, it’s important to set realistic expectations and prioritize key activities. Many tasks, such as marketing automation, event registration, and email outreach, can be streamlined using technology, allowing a lean team to operate efficiently.
If hiring a full team isn’t feasible, institutions can collaborate across departments or outsource specific tasks to ensure coverage. Many organizations successfully collaborate with:
With a well-structured alumni engagement team, institutions can foster meaningful connections, advance their goals, and provide lasting value to alumni.
Developing a carefully selected, part-time alumni community team should yield significant long-term returns, including reliable and abundant data, a high percentage of contactable alumni, event revenue and donations, and increased affinity—benefits every organization should be actively pursuing.
By investing strategically in engagement, even with a lean team, institutions can cultivate a thriving alumni network that continues to provide value for years to come.
If you liked this article, you may also like:
For more information on related topics, be sure to connect with us!
.webp)
