Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement

Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement

Bennington College

Job Type: | Full time

Location: Bennington, Vermont, United States

Bennington College invites applications for a newly reimagined
position of Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement to join a
growing and reinvigorated advancement team that will help shape the
direction of constituent engagement and development at
Bennington.

The Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement is a key member
of the advancement team at Bennington College, reporting to the
Vice President for Institutional Advancement and overseeing all
aspects of the Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement program.
In close partnership with the entire Advancement leadership team,
the Director will develop and manage a strategic engagement plan
that builds programming to foster compelling lifelong relationships
between Bennington and its alumni, as well as partnering with the
offices across campus to leverage relationships and programming.
The Director will provide strategic oversight of the alumni and
constituent programs, partnering with development, donor relations
and advancement operations. Representing Bennington to its 14,000+
alumni and other constituencies, the Director has overall
responsibility for program growth that aligns with Bennington's
ambitious strategic plan.

The successful candidate will be an engaged, creative,
team-oriented leader with the ability to leverage relationships
across generations of alumni, and partner with multiple cohorts.
Candidates must have the capacity to support Advancement's
entrepreneurial initiatives to maximize results and have a proven
track record in building, managing, and mentoring highly effective,
diverse teams, as well as demonstrated success with alumni
relations and constituent engagement initiatives. Candidates must
possess a deep commitment to instilling best practices and
fostering a culture that reflects Advancement's and Bennington
College's values.

General Responsibilities

Foster, cultivate and steward a strong alumni volunteer network and
regional programs, leveraging and applying best practices toward
the realization of optimization of the program.

In coordination with IA's events team, conceptualize, plan, and
execute multiple events with a diverse suite of settings, sizes,
and purposes and featuring stakeholders from many constituencies,
including Reunion and other regional events.

In coordination with Communications, develop and execute new ways
of engaging alumni, parents, and students through social media,
electronic communications, events, videos, etc.

Partnering with the Field Work Term and Career Services Office to
engage alumni with the students of Bennington today.

Communicate effectively the programs and needs of the College to
alumni, parents and friends in a manner that increases the public
awareness of the College's priorities.

Bennington serves a diverse student population inclusive of members
of ethnically/racially minoritized, international, LGBTQIA+, and
disability communities as well as diverse gender identities,
socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and political beliefs. Our
staff and faculty also reflect diverse and intersecting backgrounds
and identities. All employees are expected to be respectful and
responsive to these differences in the service of building
community that promotes student and employee success and community
cohesiveness. Each individual (faculty, staff and students) will be
accountable for upholding these values. The College's approach to
pluralism and inclusivity—both as fields of inquiry and practice—is
to prioritize flexible thought, and to invite the examination of
access, value, power, and privilege through its institutional
policies and areas of study. We encourage applicants from diverse
realms of interest, backgrounds, experience, and accomplishment to
apply.

Qualifications

Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent
professional experience with a minimum of 4-6 years in an alumni
relations role or a combination of transferable proficiencies.
Direct experience in higher education alumni relations
preferred.

Demonstrated exceptional organizational skills with ability to
manage multiple assignments at once, prioritize opportunities,
create and implement a strategic plan, and accomplish major
programs and projects.

Orientation as a team player and leader with strong management
skills, including a metrics-driven, entrepreneurial mindset that
informs strategy and work.

The ability to succeed in a distinct and dynamic
culture.

Knowledge of and commitment to the principles of constituent
engagement, fundraising and donor cultivation.

Volunteer management experience, preferably in an educational
setting.

Ability to easily network and establish rapport and connections
with individuals and groups, including vendors.

Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage,
motivate, and inspire (in person and in writing).

Ability to maintain a high level of diplomacy, and to work
independently as well as part of a team.

Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity,
with the ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across
diverse cultures and backgrounds with a commitment to the mission
and values of Bennington College.

Flexibility and the ability to work well within a team of diverse
individuals

Proficiency with databases, spreadsheets and ability to analyze
data, Microsoft Office Suites, and creative design applications,
preferably with Google Suite and Blackbaud's Raiser's Edge, as well
as a familiarity with alumni relations platforms and
technologies.

Travel, evening and weekend responsibilities are
required.

A hybrid remote schedule work schedule is possible with significant
on-campus presence during constituent events.

The position requires successful completion and acceptable results
of a background check.

Bennington serves a diverse student population inclusive of members
of ethnically/racially minoritized, international, LGBTQIA+, and
disability communities as well as diverse gender identities,
socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and political beliefs. Our
staff and faculty also reflect diverse and intersecting backgrounds
and identities. All employees are expected to be respectful and
responsive to these differences in the service of building
community that promotes student and employee success and community
cohesiveness. Each individual (faculty, staff and students) will be
accountable for upholding these values. The College's approach to
pluralism and inclusivity—both as fields of inquiry and practice—is
to prioritize flexible thought, and to invite the examination of
access, value, power, and privilege through its institutional
policies and areas of study. We encourage applicants from diverse
realms of interest, backgrounds, experience, and accomplishment to
apply.

This position requires successful completion and acceptable results
of a background check. The College may consider a hybrid work
arrangement.

The College

Bennington College offers a comprehensive benefits program that
includes medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability
insurance, retirement, and tuition benefits including Tuition
Exchange scholarships. The College also offers an on-site fitness
center as well as generous time off benefits.

Bennington College is a laboratory for innovation in higher
education. At Bennington, learning and making—on campus and in the
field—are inseparable, and its graduates are noted for their
outsized impact on the world's stage. This campus celebrates the
ongoing making of work—shared on walls, in shows and performances,
in lectures and readings, and in conversations—and believes that
equity, diversity, and inclusivity are vital to a collaborative
community. This position captures, contributes to, and reflects the
ethos of this creative community.

Nestled at the foot of the Green Mountains in Vermont, the campus
consists of approximately 370 acres. The College was named one of
ten with the best architecture by Architectural Digest.
From campus, it is a short drive to the cultural offerings of the
northern Berkshires in Massachusetts, Albany, New York, and many of
Vermont's top recreational centers. New York City, Boston, and
Burlington, Vermont are all within three and a half hours by
car.

To apply, please visit

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