Asst Director of The Smith Fund and Class Communications

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

Job Summary

The Assistant Director for The Smith Fund and Class Communications manages the bulk communications for the Class Engagement and Philanthropic Support team with a focus on the engagement of alums around their class affiliation and in service of broad philanthropic support of Smith College. The Assistant Director will conduct data analysis for all campaigns under their purview to report to the Senior Director and other stakeholders. This role serves as project manager for this work and suggests updates to strategies to maximize success, driven by data analysis of the work.

#ALMDEV#

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Communications Management (75%):

• Serve as primary manager of The Smith Fund's broad-based solicitations to secure annual philanthropic support from alumnae, families and friends of the college. Work closely with the Senior Director to execute strategies that engage and inspire donors to participate in annual giving to the college.
• In partnership with the Senior Director, design and execute The Smith Fund's mail, email, texting and crowd-funding efforts. This includes oversight of outreach to special populations, such as time-sensitive challenge initiatives, use of video, graphic layout and design, and digital content.
• Execute solicitation strategies, manage appeal segmentation, and develop production timelines.
• Coordinate with the departmental communication team to ensure the content and timing of Class Engagement and Philanthropic communications align with overall advancement strategies and timelines.
• With the Director of Class Engagement and Annual Support and the Director of Milestone Reunions, project manage broad class engagement messages.
• Catalyze and adapt marketing efforts to respond to rapidly changing trends in annual giving and engagement work. Research best practices at peer institutions. Stay updated on technological updates to the tools used in this work, and make recommendations of ways in which we may leverage those innovations.
• Project manage the production of mail and email outreach, coordinating with relevant staff across the Alumnae Relations & Development department and campus partners as needed.
• Leverage data and analysis to inform decisions for upcoming communications and campaigns.
• Hire and oversee student assistants, as necessary.

Analysis and Reporting (20%):

• Prepare comprehensive monthly, annual, and campaign-specific reporting for the Senior Director
• Work with the Associate Director of Advancement Services to request or adjust reporting to meet solicitation and class engagement communication needs.
• Learn and transition to new software and systems as applicable.
• Train other staff on these technologies, as needed.
• With the Senior Director, oversee the departmental budget for these components of the program, providing reporting as requested.

Other Functions (5%):

• Participate in team meetings, task forces and committees as required.
• Back up other staff needs as necessary.
• Perform related duties as required.

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

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

• Bachelor's degree plus 3-5 years relevant experience and/or the equivalent combination of education and experience in high volume direct marketing program with a clear record of accomplishment and strong measurable results.
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Higher Education.
• Experienced user of Adobe Creative design software, Excel, CRMs, automated marketing software, social media, and integrated databases.

Skills:

• Project management
• Must be a team player, while also able to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to prioritize and multitask.
• Ability to take initiative to solve problems and get results with colleagues across campus and around the world.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail necessary.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with a diverse population including alums, students, parents, faculty, staff, donors, and vendors outside the college.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and judgment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  

Additional Information:

• Ability to work occasional nights and weekends.

#ALMDEV#

Review of applications will begin

Position Type:

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.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.