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Nicola Davies, Executive Officer at King’s College Old Collegians’ Association shares with us insights about her career in alumni engagement, what is working well for the KCOCA, challenges and guidance she has for those new to the profession.
Tell us a little bit about King’s College Old Collegians’ Association.
The KCOCA was established in 1900 and has been going strong for 122 years. It was initially called the Old Boy’s Association, but this was changed to the name we have now after girls joined the College in 1980. The purpose of the Association was, and still is today, to promote and support good fellowship and connection amongst its members and to support the best interests of King’s College.
We have a vibrant Old Collegian community with over 13,000 members and currently operate as a registered charity. One area of Old Collegian support that is important to the Association, but perhaps not widely known about, is that we fund a number of Bursaries each year enabling the children of Old Collegians to attend King’s who might not otherwise be able to afford an education at the College.
How did you get involved in Alumni engagement?
My background is in Sales and Marketing, Brand Promotion and Business Development. I have always held roles that have been front facing and had a strong relationship building element to them. Whilst I was taking time out from work to raise a young family, I became involved in volunteering for the PTA at our local primary school. I could see that I could bring a set of skills to the table that would benefit the school community and ultimately my children and their experience at the school. It also kept my hand in the game and developed skills in areas for me that were new – so it was win-win.
I would encourage anyone to give charitable work serious consideration for these reasons alone as well as the feel good factor you get from giving. I became the Chair of the PTA and during my tenure, we assisted the school through our friend raising to create a strong and involved school community, each bringing their own unique talents to share, and through the PTA fundraising we channelled enough funds to the school to significantly upgrade their facilities: Astroturf, shade sails, new basketball hoops, sports equipment and a new playground.
When the time came to re-enter the workforce, being involved in Alumni Engagement felt like the right next step for me. My previous employment roles, and subsequent community engagement experience on the PTA lent itself strongly to the role I hold now working as the Executive Officer for the KCOCA. In addition, my own high school education meant I had a personal understanding of what it was like to be part of a strong and long standing alumni, which motivates me to do the best I can to support and ensure good outcomes for the King’s College Old Collegian community.
What is the secret to having great engagement with the alumni community?
Regular interaction and communication – you must be frequently speaking with your community so that you can keep your finger on the pulse and ensure you are meeting their expectations. I would also say having the ability to understanding and honour tradition and your roots whilst also being innovative and relevant for your newer members.
An example of this is that KCOCA has always benefitted our members with connections, mentorship, and networking. The way people communicate and connect with each other has obviously changed and developed over the course of 100 years, especially with advancements in technology and social media. In 2020, we launched a Business Networking Hub on our website that assists our members to find and connect with each other on a global scale and we also introduced a new event opportunity to our members with our Business Networking Breakfast and Speaker Series. We also continue to engage with, and keep our community informed, through both traditional and more modern means of communication with social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
What is the biggest issue or challenge that alumni officers face?
Database management. Without a doubt, this is a challenge for many alumni. I would say it is also the area that is probably most underestimated in its importance and often gets the least funding and sunlight. Keeping your database up to date and relevant is the key to being able to effectively engage and connect your alumni community.
I would also say in a post covid world – event engagement. People are far more selective of the events that they attend these days and there has to be a good offering of benefit to the attendees – so being creative in this space and staying in touch with what sparks people’s interests is important too.
What are you most proud of in your work with the KCOCA?
My role is to help to facilitate the goals of the Executive Committee and to honour the purpose of the Association so that it continues forward in good health for future generations of Old Collegians. It is a team effort. However, I would say that I am most happy after a community engagement event when I can see the work that I have contributed has been successful in connecting our members in a positive way and meaningful way. I would also like to think that the work being done now by myself, and the Exec Committee, will be beneficial in the future of the Association and the College. One area where I think we have certainly achieved this, is to fund and support The Archives at King’s College – protecting and ensuring there is a well-managed Archives that captures the history of the College for future generations to enjoy.
Do you have a favourite or insightful alumni relations story?
Too many to focus on just one. My role is varied and has me wearing different hats on different days which keeps me on my toes and which I enjoy. However, for me the best part of this role is the people I meet and the opportunity to connect with and speak to so many interesting and varied characters, either in a professional or personal capacity. I consider this to be a great privilege.
What is one thing you wish you had known at the beginning of your career? Or what is some advice you have for those who are new to the profession?
If I was able to speak to myself as a young professional I would encourage listening and paying attention to those with more worldly experience than myself, and to value everyone as individuals, each with different wisdom to contribute.
If you are new to the world of Relationship Management or in my case Alumni Management then a smile, empathy, and your listening ears will be your greatest assets.
How has Educate Plus community supported you during your career?
Educate Plus has connected me with others working in my field who I have been able to learn from and share ideas and experience with. Invaluable!
