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.

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Job Summary

Responsible for directing fundraising, engagement, and volunteer programs for a group of alum classes by reunion cycle, leading up to and through their reunion year, with the primary goals of increasing engagement, volunteer effectiveness, donor participation, and revenue results. This role will administer an organized structure for their segment of the larger program. This role is responsible for implementing strategies to engage, educate, and cultivate positive interactions with alums by class year to support fundraising efforts.

Essential Functions

Class and Volunteer Management (55%):

• Work with class volunteers in approximately 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.

Fundraising Strategy (25%):

• Develop and implement plans for classes that include capital, annual, and planned giving components, as appropriate by class cycle.
• Develop strong and ongoing working relationships with class volunteers to engage them in this work.
• Solicit class volunteers for their annual support.
• Working with the other members of the Class Engagement and Annual Support team, coordinate and support philanthropy-focused events virtually.

Reunion Program Management (15%):

• As part of the year-long planning process for each May's reunion weekends, act as primary liaison for assigned classes for numerous and detailed program plans.
• Guide reunion volunteers in their work to maximize event attendance and fundraising participation and revenue results.
• Determine creative approaches to engage alums in philanthropy at reunion. Recruit and onboard additional volunteers to support reunion planning and implementation.

Other Functions (5%):

• Participate in team meetings, task forces and committees, as required.
• Back up other staff needs, as necessary.
• Perform related duties 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 3 to 5 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.
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a higher education environment with a clear record of accomplishment and strong measurable results.
• Demonstrated volunteer management skills.
• Understanding of the needs and interests of donors at all levels in order to develop relationships between them and the College.

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.

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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.