Alumni Champion Roles — Framework
Purpose
Define the four Champion roles in a way that is concrete, flexible, and easy for alumni to see themselves in.
When to use
- Role education pages
- Action packs and nudges
- Volunteer training
- Community leader alignment
Core premise
Roles correspond to the unique ways someone already shows up for others. The invitation is recognition and partnership, not assignment.
Champions can:
- start with one role
- add a role later
- shift roles by season of life
What they do: create spaces of belonging.
- host gatherings (formal or informal)
- welcome newcomers and make introductions in-person
- help people feel included and “at home”
Signals: “I love bringing people together.”
Portal support ideas:
- event hosting toolkit
- invite templates
- attendee follow-up prompts
- local community pages
Role 2: Digital Ambassador
What they do: amplify stories and celebrate people online.
- share alumni wins
- repost Belmont stories
- comment encouragement and connect people publicly
Signals: “I’m already sharing and cheering people on.”
Portal support ideas:
- shareable story cards / links
- “what to post this week” prompts
- alumni highlight feed
- easy pathways to submit a story
Role 3: Connection Advisor
What they do: open doors and share wisdom.
- mentor or coach
- make introductions
- forward job openings
- offer advice to students and alumni in transition
Signals: “I’m a connector and I like helping people take next steps.”
Portal support ideas:
- intro request workflow
- mentoring opportunities list
- lightweight “ask / offer” features
- templates for introductions
Role 4: Giving Advocate
What they do: inspire generosity and connect alumni to purpose.
- share impact stories before numbers
- normalize generosity at every level (time, talent, treasure)
- thank donors and celebrate outcomes
- invite, never pressure
Signals: “I care about what Belmont makes possible for students.”
Portal support ideas:
- Hope Transforms pillar education
- impact stories and talking points
- stewardship prompts (thanks, celebration)
- “why I give” story prompts
Portal-wide guardrails
- Keep roles concrete (behaviors > traits).
- Celebrate small wins.
- Provide a clear “next step” inside each role.
- Avoid exclusivity or pressure.