Senior Associate Director of Engagement

The Senior Associate Director/Director of Engagement is responsible for developing and leading all aspects of the alumni engagement strategy designed to increase connections, participation, and philanthropic support. Reporting to the assistant vice president for alumni and donor engagement, the senior associate director of engagement will oversee multiple projects and a small team of engagement professional(s) who focus on providing greater opportunities for alumni to make an impact in their region and across the College through activities with regional alumni clubs, affinity programs, and the Friends of the Islands program.

This work includes creating a framework for segmented engagement (including segments based on identity, affinity, and industry), leveraging current volunteer structures and creating new ways to give back to the College, contributing to a collaborative planning and implementation model across annual giving, events, and communications, and strengthening ties with departments across campus. Specific focus areas for the position will be determined once the candidate is selected and the business needs are fully evaluated, but could include: Regional programming through clubs; liaising with centers, institutes, and labs; affinity programs; and partnering with DavisConnects.

We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee all aspects of the engagement program including short- and long-term strategy, goal setting, and execution working in collaboration with internal and external constituents and departments; manage budgets for engagement activities as assigned; prepare related budget reports when needed
• Oversee at least one direct report
• Develop and maintain highly professional standards and procedures for engagement programming in keeping with the image and reputation of the College; personally create and execute virtual and in-person events in collaboration with colleagues to support community building and inspire current-use gifts
• Use data to inform program strategy and measure impact; conduct alumni surveys and analyze results regularly to monitor areas of interest
• Develop, often in partnership with the Advancement Marketing and Communications team, cohort based communications, updates to content on the Advancement website, etc.
• Facilitate a robust volunteer engagement program to enhance regional, and affinity connections; recruit, train, and motivate volunteers across all levels of engagement and philanthropy, develop and maintain best practices for networking and engagement, and ensure volunteer efforts are in alignment
• Build strategic partnerships with alumni, parents, and friends as well as key faculty and staff in order to ensure activities resonate with the campaign and department goals
• Manage a portfolio of high-level volunteers (approximately 100-150 prospects) and solicit them for annual gifts
• Support engagement goals by attending events as needed
• Travel frequently to serve as an ambassador for Colby and advocate for leadership support, as well as solicit and steward gifts
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience
• At least five years of experience in advancement or closely related field with proven experience creating and growing alumni engagement programs in addition to soliciting annual gifts
• Experience working with staff and volunteers, the ability to manage complex relationships, and proven collaboration and teamwork skills to leverage activities, initiatives, and programs for multiple purposes
• Previous experience supervising staff and working with volunteers
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and long-term while successfully attending to more immediate goals and tasks; strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including superb relationship skills and ability to work with people across a wide range of levels of power and influence
• Exceptional organizational skills, ability to consistently meet simultaneous deadlines and follow-through on assignments in a timely manner, and attention to detail
• Able to handle confidential information tactfully and exercise discretion
• Strong, self-motivated work ethic; flexibility; and proven capability to work both independently and collaboratively and constructively as a member of a diverse community
• Highly developed computer skills including extensive experience using Microsoft Office Suite; Google Suite; email, web, and database applications, as well as an interest in and ability to learn new computer programs with ease and in a self-guided manner; experience with fundraising software
• A focus on teamwork, collaborative leadership, strategic thinking, workflow and effectively managing time and multiple tasks are essential
• Willingness to travel and to work hours outside the normal working day (i.e. nights and weekends)
• Candidates must thrive in a fast-paced office environment; an entrepreneurial spirit and a positive attitude
• Committed to working in a diverse community and have the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

Reporting to the assistant vice president of alumni and donor engagement, the senior associate director of engagement will have direct contact with various members of the Division of College Advancement, College Administration, and students.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Ability to move around campus and interact with faculty, staff, families, students, alumni, and outside vendors regularly is crucial. Some travel and work outside of normal business hours are required.

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply" button on the Colby Careers website. A review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Colby is a private, coeducational liberal arts college that admits students and makes employment decisions on the basis of the individual's qualifications to contribute to Colby's educational objectives and institutional needs. Colby College does not discriminate in its educational programs or employment on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or military or veteran’s status. Colby is an equal opportunity employer and operates in accordance with federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Colby complies with Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in an institution’s education programs and activities. Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to Colby’s Title IX coordinator or to the federal Office of Civil Rights. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

For more information about the College, please visit our website:www.colby.edu.