Assistant Director, Class Engagement & Annual Support

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu .

Alumnae Relations & Development Job Description

Job Summary

Responsible for directing a group of alumnae classes on engagement, volunteer and fundraising efforts, seeking to increase levels of engagement, giving participation, volunteer effectiveness and satisfaction and dollars raised. Manage the In Memoriam volunteer program.

Essential Functions

Volunteer Training and Support (40%)

• Work with class volunteers in 10 to 15 assigned alumnae classes to achieve specified goals for each class, including engagement metrics, and maximizing philanthropy and annual donor participation.
  
  
• Strengthen volunteer teams through recruitment, training, management, and consistent communication.
  
  
• In conjunction with overall Advancement efforts and with the guidance of the Class Engagement and Annual Support Director, develop communications materials for class volunteers that convey the goals and priorities of the college.
  
  

Class Communications (20%)

• Working with the Class Engagement and Annual Support Director, craft strategic plans and communications tailored for 10 to 15 assigned alumnae classes.
  
  
• Use data analysis and proven tactics to engage alumnae with each other and with the college, and to raise philanthropic support for The Smith Fund.
  
  
• Communications include items such as class newsletters and fundraising appeals.
  
  

Solicitation Strategy (20%)

• Act as the lead for each individual class’ fundraising strategy, and lead the class fundraising volunteers to successfully achieve fundraising dollar and participation targets.
  
  
• Collaborate with gift officers to craft solicitation plans for special gift prospects in assigned classes.
  
  
• Establish class goals and priorities that engage a broad constituency.
  
  
• Provide summaries and recommendations on class progress to class volunteers and to the Class Engagement and Annual Support Director.
  
  
• Personally solicit alumnae in assigned classes who are not assigned to staff philanthropic officers, when necessary.
  
  

In Memoriam Program (10%)

• Serve as primary staff manager for volunteer Memorial Gift Chairs.
  
  
• Work with them to solicit gifts and to ensure accurate recognition of gifts made in memory of deceased classmates and others.
  
  
• With the Class Engagement and Annual Support Director, determine program goals and monitor progress toward goals.
  
  

Reunion and Events (10%)

• Support reunion by participating in staff planning meetings, training and supporting class reunion volunteers (to encourage attendance and maximum fundraising participation), staffing reunion day-of events for assigned classes, and in other ways as assigned.
  
  
• Contribute to overall departmental discussions affecting engagement and annual giving priorities and strategies.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

• Bachelor's degree plus 2 to 4 years of relevant experience and/or the equivalent combination of education and experience preferably in a college environment with a clear record of accomplishment and strong measurable results.
  
  
• Experience in higher education preferred.
  
  
• Experience recruiting, training, and managing a group of volunteers.
  
  

Skills

• Must be a self-starter who has strong written/verbal communication skills and well-developed computer, spreadsheet, word processing, CRM, and database skills, including complex databases such as Banner and/or Salesforce; a high standard of integrity; the ability to work with and motivate others; must be well organized, flexible and creative.
  
  
• Must possess solid interpersonal skills; the ability to manage others; the ability to work in a team-oriented environment and work well under pressure while handling multiple tasks; be successful in meeting deadlines; and be able to work independently.
  
  
• Must have the ability to think creatively about human relationships with the intention of securing support for Smith.
  
  
• Must be comfortable in a fast-paced and results-driven environment.
  
  
• Commitment to and respect for the contributions of volunteers.
  
  
• Ability and willingness to travel, and to work nights and weekends, as necessary.
  
  

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application. You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

July 25, 2022

Compensation Grade:

Grade J

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.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu .

Diversity and a culture of inclusion among students, staff, faculty, and administration are crucial to the mission and values of Smith College. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, color, religions, 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.