Details
Posted: 27-Jul-22
Location: Claremont, California
Categories:
Executive
Employment Type:
Full-time
Organization Type:
Higher Education Institution
Location:
Claremont, CA
Job Posting Title:
Executive Director, Alumni & Family Engagement and Annual Giving
Job Details and Requirement:
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Executive Director of Alumni & Family Engagement and Annual Giving is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for the alumni and family engagement efforts for the College. The Executive Director leads a comprehensive engagement program, including events, budget management, a robust volunteer program to support initiatives, and predictive modeling and analytical support to maximize engagement and identify trends. The position leads the annual giving and alumni and family engagement team(s), manages a staff of three or more , manages multiple budgets, and a portfolio of prospects targeted for engagement. The Executive Director serves as part of the Vice President’s Leadership Team, and staffs the Family Leadership Council, and the Alumni Association Board. The Executive also provides support to the Vice President in working with the Board of Trustees in the identification, recruitment, and retention of new board members.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Actively engage Pitzer alumni and families with internal and external constituents on a national and global scale. Manage, enhance, and continually assess communications and engagement between and among Pitzer College students, faculty, emeriti faculty, staff, and its alumni and families. As assigned, promote opportunities for engagement within the Claremont College consortium.
- In support of the College’s strategic plan and priorities, research, develop, and execute a comprehensive strategic plan, annual work plans, and schedule of year-round engagement activities for alumni and families on a national and global scale. Using critical thinking skills, identify and work with multiple collaborators and stakeholders to vet decisions, secure buy-in, and adjust plans if needed.
- Perform comprehensive and ongoing analyses related to all aspects of alumni and family engagement. Include broad, diverse, and relevant sources of information, with a consideration for stakeholders. Using the data collected, best practices, and innovation, evaluate current and potential programs, make recommendations, and execute program improvements. Establish a dynamic research and evaluation process to allow for robust, nimble, and creative planning and decision-making.
- Assist with the development of departmental dashboards and reports to support data-driven decisions.
- Develop, implement, and assess strategies to enhance and expand contact and other information on alumni and families. Partner with other advancement staff and campus offices to identify data gaps, duplication, and optimization opportunities.
- Lead, support, and empower the Pitzer College Alumni Board, the Family Leadership Council, Alumni and Family Ambassadors, and other key volunteer leadership groups. Work to ensure their meetings and work on behalf of Pitzer College are productive, impactful, and in alignment with college priorities and its strategic plan.
- Develop and foster relationships between alumni, families, current students, and student organizations, to expand the base of current and future alumni leaders, volunteers, and donors. Remain knowledgeable about ongoing Pitzer College events, activities, initiatives, news, awards, and programming to promote connections with alumni and families.
- In coordination with the appropriate offices and front-line fundraising staff, identify and research candidates for key volunteer leadership appointments for the Pitzer College Alumni Board and Family Leadership Council. Assist with identifying other volunteer leadership appointments as assigned (e.g. reunion, etc.).
- As part of a robust alumni and family awards program, lead in identifying and presenting individuals for consideration.
- Remain current on economic conditions and philanthropic trends as they affect higher education.
- Research, assess, and implement technologies, communication tools, and social networking resources to support and enhance engagement efforts. Stay current on related trends.
- Develop and mentor direct reports to meet advancement division priorities. Set and manage meaningful performance objectives to foster ongoing growth. Document performance and promote professional development opportunities.
- Meet personal prospect management goals as established by advancement leadership. Train and manage direct reports to do the same.
- Manage a portfolio of alumni and family prospects, taking responsibility for their identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and/or stewardship in collaboration with the Philanthropy Team.
- Work to achieve 100 percent annual giving participation among the Alumni Board and Family Leadership Council, with special attention to an enhanced leadership contribution of the presidents of both groups and the chairs of other volunteer committees.
- In coordination with the annual giving team, integrate alumni and family engagement as a key strategic partner in Pitzer's fundraising. Use programs to support increasing dollars and donors to the College, with emphasis on alumni, family, and student participation rates.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Supervisory Responsibility: Manage the recruitment, training, performance, and professional development of EAG Team, student employees, and other staff as assigned. In addition, must have strong ability to manage volunteers.
Work Hours: The regular hours for this position are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. These hours will vary due to needs of the College or department. Will be required to work evenings and weekends as needed for on- and off-campus events/activities and travel.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The individual must possess knowledge, skills and ability to be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the position or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.
- Proven skills to lead the operational and strategic efforts of a comprehensive engagement program, preferably in a higher education environment.
- Proven success in establishing and strengthening relations with and between internal and external constituents, preferably in the higher education or non-profit sector.
- Ability to conduct comprehensive and ongoing research and analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of programs, tools/technology, and the allocation of resources.
- Demonstrated ability to engage volunteers on a national and global scale. Ability to identify and develop volunteer leadership.
- Expert knowledge and ability to keep current of trends and best practices in alumni and family engagement.
- Strong knowledge of marketing and communication techniques and technology to build and maintain engagement on a national and global scale. Ability to research, evaluate, and implement enhancements.
- Strong budget management and planning skills for a department with dynamic and robust programs and initiatives.
- Strong ability to supervise and empower others, develop their capabilities, recognize, and manage performance, and support ongoing development.
- Ability to productively manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines in a fast-paced, results oriented environment.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English, with attention to detail, grammar, spelling and consideration for the target audience using various formats (e.g. emails, letters, social media, public speaking, etc.).
- Ability to be engaging and charismatic with individuals from multiple constituencies and diverse backgrounds. Exhibit a willingness to try new things and demonstrate maturity and composure in all situations.
- Ability to manage competing demands with a focus on priorities and judicious use of resources. Handle delays or unexpected events and frequent change with composure.
- Maintain high energy and convey commitment and passion for Pitzer College and its alumni and families.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed. Travel nationally and internationally as needed. Provide own transportation to local off-campus events or appointments.
Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required; a master’s degree is preferred.
Experience: Must have at least five years of experience with increasing responsibility in advancement/development, alumni relations, external affairs, or a comparable field, and include two to three years of experience directly supervising others. Experience must show a proven track record of success.
Licenses/Certifications: A valid driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to the College’s auto insurer.
Preferences: Experience managing alumni and family relations and engagement programs is highly preferred. Preference will be given to those with work experience in higher education or other non-profit environment. An understanding of a liberal arts education is desirable.
Other Requirements: None.
Working Environment: Work is performed in an office setting with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. May occasionally work outdoors for events and activities.
Physical Requirements: This is generally a sedentary position. Must be able to:
- Sit for prolonged periods of time;
- Operate a computer for prolonged periods of time;
- Communicate with others by email, in person and over the telephone;
- Read printed materials and a computer screen;
- Have the mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment; f) Assist with the set-up and teardown of event tables, signage and other materials.
- Requires reaching overhead, grasping, pulling, pushing, stooping, bending, and twisting; b. Lift 20 pounds from the ground to waist level unassisted; and
- Have the stamina to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed;
- Transport self to local events and travel by automobile and airplane.
Review of applications will commence immediately.
Instructions: Only qualified applicants please.
Application Materials: Upload the following materials to complete your application:
-
Cover Letter: Indicate your reason for interest in this position, describe how your qualifications make you an ideal candidate, and explain which of Pitzer’s core values best relates to your own.
-
Resume: List relevant qualifications and dates of experience.
-
Professional References: References will be contacted for select applicants and advance notice will be provided. Provide the names of at least three (3) individuals who can speak to your professional qualifications. Include their business titles, contact information and an indication of how you are acquainted with them (e.g., former supervisor, coworker, etc.).