Director of Multicultural and Affinity Engagement

Vassar College

Director of Multicultural and Affinity Engagement

Department: Office of Advancement
Duration of Position: Full year / Full time
Work Schedule:
Employee Type: Administrator
Posting Date: 08/04/2022
Union Representation: Not Applicable
Posting Number: AS267P
Pay Rate:

About Vassar College
Located in the scenic Mid-Hudson Valley, Vassar College is a highly selective, residential, coeducational liberal arts college. Vassar is deeply committed to fostering a community that reflects the values of a liberal arts education and to promoting an environment of equality, diversity and inclusiveness. Vassar seeks to create a pluralistic community for all staff, faculty and students. Vassar College is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity employer, and applications from women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and members of historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged.Vassar College is a smoke-free, tobacco-free campus.Note: Vassar College has a universal vaccination policy requiring a COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster, for all employees except for those exempt for medical or religious reasons.

Position Summary and Responsibilities
The Office of Advancement is seeking a Director of Multicultural and Affinity Engagement whose primary responsibilities will include developing strategies, recruiting and managing volunteers, and planning activities that engage alumni based upon their shared identities, interests, and affiliations. Examples may include alumni of color affiliate groups, athletic teams, social identity affinity groups, academic majors, and more.Reporting to the Senior Director of Alumnae/i Engagement, the Director will prioritize relationship-building with campus partners, existing volunteer-driven affiliate groups, and other stakeholders to develop plans for the future that honor history while evolving practices to meet emerging institutional needs. Examples may include: working with colleagues and/or recruiting volunteers to help strengthen community among alums and students around FGLI (First Generation Low Income), LGBTQ+, International (non-US citizens), religious identities, veterans, and more, as time and strategic focus warrant and allow.Finally, the Director will also be responsible for partnering with colleagues across Advancement to ensure that strategic relationship building with Vassar's underrepresented communities is being prioritized, with particular focus on increased representation among volunteers across all channels, as well as increased philanthropic engagement with the college in general. The Director will also work collaboratively with Advancement colleagues and campus partners to examine and address practices and business processes that may inhibit engagement.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with other Advancement Directors to ensure consistent strategies and activities as they relate to the division's work with alums and students around shared identities and affinities.
• Partner with colleagues in Student Growth and Engagement, Athletics, Career Development, Religious and Spiritual Life, and Student Living and Wellness to strategize about the best and most appropriate ways to engage alumni in support of students (related to their shared affinities).
• Develop and lead training and education programs for all volunteers as part of the annual Vassar College Volunteer Conference (VCVC).
• Develop communications and strategies for engaging alumnae/i around shared affinities (as appropriate and needed).
• Staff and support the Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of the Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC) Board of Directors.
• Recruit, train, set goals with, and support volunteers working to advance institutionally-driven affinity programming.
• Support existing volunteer-driven affinity groups, as time and strategic alignment allows.
• Attend affinity events when strategically important and feasible.
• Vet and copy edit all affinity-related communications from campus partners when those communications are being sent to alums based on shared affinities (academic newsletters, Vassar Student Association orgs, etc.).
• Occasional responsibilities in support of large-scale department and college programs that require “all hands on deck” to ensure smooth operation. Examples include, but are not limited to, Reunion, Commencement, and Sophomore Career Connections.

Qualifications

• Five to seven years of progressively responsible advancement, alumni relations or student-facing higher education administration experience desired, preferably in a liberal arts college setting.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity in all engagement work.
• Experience working with and supporting historically underrepresented populations.
• Excellent organizational, communications, and program planning skills.
• Strong customer-service orientation.
• Ability to navigate and manage technology that facilitates information sharing, networking, and career advancement for students and alumnae/i.
• Proven success in volunteer management and an ability to work effectively with a multigenerational and diverse population.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Ability to function effectively and flexibly in a dynamic, fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Special Instructions to Applicants
To complete your on-line application, you will be required to attach your resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 professional references. All attachments must be in PDF format. Review of applications will begin immediately. If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources, 845-437-5820.

For full consideration applicants should apply by:

All applicants must apply online at: https://employment.vassar.edu/postings/2774.

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