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Director of Alumnae Professional Networks and Career Programs

Employer
Smith College
Location
Massachusetts, United States
Salary
Salary Not Specified
Date posted
Dec 18, 2020
Alumnae Relations Job Description

Director of Alumnae Professional Networks and Career Programs

Job Description

Smith College educates students of promise for lives of distinction and purpose. A college of and for the world, Smith links the power of the liberal arts to excellence in research and scholarship, thereby developing engaged global citizens and leaders to address society’s challenges. Imagine working in a community dedicated to learning, teaching, scholarship, discovery, creativity and critical thought. It’s the diversity and inclusion of our community, founded on the free and open exchange of ideas, that runs through everything we do. Join Smith and become part of a unique team bringing our mission to life.

Smith College is looking for a highly collaborative, entrepreneurial leader to create and provide professional network and career program support to our alumnae. The Smith College alum body is 53,000 strong. As one of the most prominent liberal arts colleges that was historically founded for women, Smith has a strong history of nurturing and elevating the voices of those under-represented in the marketplace. Smith has cultivated an unparalleled alum community - every member is a leader in some capacity in their neighborhood, community and workplace.

PRIMARY FUNCTION :

In this newly created role, you will oversee the strategy and programs that advance the Smith professional network and the career development of Smith alums. This team will create and sustain an engagement plan that provides programs and resources to support alums in developing their career trajectories while enhancing their lifelong relationships with Smith. Implement and expand opportunities for Smith students and alums to engage with regional and global professional networks, and with the college. Create meaningful career and professional development opportunities by leveraging existing talent through current Smith offices and programs. Identify key affinities in the Smith graduate community and align programming and opportunities to those cohorts' needs. Identify and support organically created and evolving networks. Leverage technology and social media platforms to connect alums and students, and to deliver programming.

Please attach both a current resume and cover letter, best combined into a single PDF or Word document.

Responsibilities/Duties:

Strategy and Program Leadership

  • Create, administer and execute successful and innovative alum career programming on such topics as self-assessment and career exploration, networking, job search strategies, mentoring opportunities, life-long learning, and career transitions. Identify and/or design high-value programs and resources that foster and enhance the professional success of approximately 53,000 alums.

  • Design, develop and implement expanded opportunities for Smith students and alums to engage with regional and global professional networks and with the college. Identify and engage alums at the corporate level in order to build relevant programs and networks. Identify key affinity groups emerging in the Smith community today; provide support and align programming and opportunities to their needs. Identify organically created and evolving networks (Smith student and alum initiated) to provide support, programming and continued connections to the college.

  • Create opportunities for alums to contribute to Smith’s students and programs and to other alums in ways that are fulfilling to them, and that build their own personal and professional networks and resources through shared connections and experiences.

  • Develop metrics, measure outcomes and track alum and student interest and participation in programs in order to continuously evolve programming and resources to maintain a highly engaged and connected community.



Program Administration

  • Oversee the successful administration of programs directly, through supervision of direct reports, and in collaboration with Alumnae Relations and Development teammates and other relevant campus partners.

  • Collaborate and partner closely with the Lazarus Center for Career Development and Non-degree Programs (Executive Education) to maximize programs and services available to alums, and to leverage the assets that they bring to Smith.

  • Utilize technology for career based online resources for individuals and groups of alums (i.e. online webinars, etc.). Using social media platforms, including LinkedIn, provide content for messaging of offered services. Develop an online presence for alums, students, and the Smith community that fosters professional exploration and provides space for all to network and participate in mentorship as a mentor or mentee. Identify opportunities to highlight alums in Smith-related print and electronic communications, special events, websites, etc.

  • Oversee staff and volunteers as assigned.

  • Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.



Departmental Leadership

  • As a member of the Alumnae Relations team leadership and the Alumnae Relations and Development division’s Directors team, provide thought leadership regarding alumnae engagement.

  • Work closely with colleagues across the Alumnae Relations and Development team to seek out partnerships and collaborations that maximize alum satisfaction and college ROI.

  • Support divisional working culture goals and other strategic initiatives.



MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:



Education/Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education/experience.

  • Demonstrated leadership in career/networking programming.

  • This job description reflects general functions; it does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

  • Master's degree preferred.

  • Experience within alumni relations, higher education administration, or similar non-profit leadership is preferred.



Desired Skills:

  • Current knowledge with and ability to research, identify and implement best practices of alumnae career services.

  • Proven success in strategic program development, implementation and assessment.

  • Exceptional strategic thinking/planning, interpersonal, organizational, analytical, and oral/written communications skills.

  • Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, flexible, and innovative.

  • Skills in event planning and employing effective social media strategies.

  • Experience building connections among diverse groups and fostering inclusion.

  • Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively with volunteers, as well as dispersed around the world in regional networks.

  • Able to function as a team player in a fast-paced and results-driven environment.

  • Desired – certified professional coach.

  • Ability to interact and work effectively and collaboratively across a complex organization and with a wide range of constituencies.

  • Must demonstrate excellent judgement and be able to represent the college appropriately. Strong computer and technical literacy skills.

  • Weekend and evening work and occasional travel will be required.



Resume review will begin by January 15, 2021

Please attach/upload a current resume and cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position.

Review of applications will begin

January 15, 2021

Compensation Grade:

Grade E

Position Type:

Regular

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Smith College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or veteran status in the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by all applicable laws and regulations. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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