Alumni Funding and Relations Key issues: Matthew Horton – Head of Alumni Relations London School of Economics Building Effective Alumni Networks

Matthew Horton – Head of Alumni Relations LSE Introduction  Changes in Alumni Relations  Why Do Alumni Relations  Effective Communications  Factors of Successes  A look at AR at the LSE Building Effective Alumni Networks

Matthew Horton – Head of Alumni Relations LSE Changes in Alumni Relations – the situation before …  Alumni Relations was a University ‘tick’ box  No real understanding or acceptance of purpose  No commitment of time/staff/money  No real commitment by senior management or academics  No real funding crisis in HE  No real understanding or need for customer service or aftercare The situation now … All of these have changed ….. in the main ….. In most places Building Effective Alumni Networks

Matthew Horton – Head of Alumni Relations LSE Building Effective Alumni Networks Why Do Alumni Relations An Alumni Relations programme aims to build affinity with former students and to use that affinity to establish a mutually beneficial relationship between the alumni and the institution so that alumni can make a measurable contribution to the institution’s mission, aims and objectives

Matthew Horton – Head of Alumni Relations LSE Building Effective Alumni Networks Why Do Alumni Relations What does the programme do for the University Provide the university with a world wide network of ambassadors Allows the University to use alumni to support the academic and administrative departments. E.g. Recruitment, Careers Create and maintain a long term relationship with alumni to maximise their inclination to provide financial support

Matthew Horton – Head of Alumni Relations LSE Building Effective Alumni Networks Why Do Alumni Relations What does the programme do for the Alumni Provide networking opportunities through events and reunions Gives alumni the opportunity to support the School financially and in other ways Allows alumni to keep in touch with each other and the institution Gives alumni continued career and academic opportunities Provides discounts, benefits and other services

Matthew Horton – Head of Alumni Relations LSE Building Effective Alumni Networks Effective Communications A strategic approach to communications Both paper and electronic communications supporting each other Regular mailings and magazine Regular newsletters and updates Relevant and topical website Access to other institutional information Internal communication as important as external Academic departments, senior management, careers, press and pr, recruitment and the fundraising team

Matthew Horton – Head of Alumni Relations LSE Building Effective Alumni Networks Factors of Success Published long term and short term strategic plans Maintaining an effective database Supporting the Schools mission, aims and objectives Simple communications mechanisms Positive internal relations effective events and reunions Evaluation and measurement of the programme and successes

Reunions attendance

Matthew Horton – Head of Alumni Relations LSE AR at the LSE  active alumni 51% overseas 49% UK  Five Staff  Strong support from Governing body/Senior Management/academics  Strong affinity and expectations from alumni  Definite purpose and planningFunds Careers Academic input Mentoring Brand/reputation protection Recruitment Building Effective Alumni Networks

Matthew Horton – Head of Alumni Relations LSE AR at the LSE What have we done ?  5 Year Plan – To re-engage as many alumni with the physicality of the School Reunions & Events Communications and Marketing Departmental links and activities Alumni Association and alumni group support and development  ‘Professionalising’ Alumni Relations – Hard facts/plans/targets linking participation to other successes e.g fundraising/careers etc Building Effective Alumni Networks

Matthew Horton – Head of Alumni Relations LSE AR at the LSE What are we doing ?  New five year plan -Embedding existing plan Going International-International groups support Alumni Association Regular intl reunions and events targeted geographical activity Supporting other School initiatives Developing metrics Building Effective Alumni Networks

Matthew Horton – Head of Alumni Relations LSE Building Effective Alumni Networks