ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, DONOR EVENTS AND SPECIAL EXPERIENCES

About University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation
Established in 2003, the    https://www.uma-foundation.org/  University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation (UMAF), a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, exists to raise philanthropic funds in support of the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s mission and highest aspirations. Located on the Amherst campus and wholly dedicated to supporting the University’s mission, UMAF is a separately governed nonprofit organization with its own health, wellness, and retirement benefits. UMAF serves the University of Massachusetts Amherst community by serving as a best practices resource for fundraising strategy and implementation.
About the role
Reporting to the Senior Director of Special Events and Experiences, the Associate Director will plan and execute  events and experiences  to engage the university’s top donors. They will collaborate and support UMass Foundation colleagues in developing programming to expand and support their strategic donor engagement  objectives  and  assist  with developing annual program plans.

Our ideal candidate has successfully held a high-volume programmatic oversight with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities, including managing concurrent, high-profile events. Externally oriented and socially adept, they will have the presence, energy, and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with UMass Amherst alumni from diverse backgrounds, high-profile donors ,  industry leaders, and University administrators.

Location : This is a full-time hybrid position and is open to employees in select US states: Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. Responsibilities

EVENTS  AND EXPERIENCES   (60%)

Plan and execute  events and experiences  as assigned: develop assigned  events and experiences   in accordance with  key divisional priorities;  utilize  opportunities to deliver strategic messaging in support of UMAF initiatives; monitor assignments and execution of all program  logistics , marketing efforts, and donor stewardship opportunities as  appropriate .

Plan and execute the  logistics  for high-touch events that engage the university’s top donors – intimate dinners; exclusive opportunities with campus leadership and faculty; donor programs during Homecoming; other memorable, bespoke events.

Serve as the primary liaison to and collaborate with UMass Amherst schools and colleges and other campus partners to expand and support their strategic donor engagement  objectives  and  assist  with developing annual program plans.

Leverage school and college programs as opportunities to expand donor cultivation and incorporate strategic messaging in support of UMAF goals and initiatives.

Strengthen partnerships and  facilitate  cross-collaborative efforts with all stakeholders for multi-unit programs.

Develop and introduce creative and innovative regional engagement opportunities for all constituents and VIP donor experiences specific to the region, providing framework for campus and Foundation leadership to connect with their respective prospects and other engaged alumni.

Plan, manage, coordinate all  logistics  of   assigned events related to regional receptions featuring Chancellor or UMass Leadership for all alumni, parents, and friends of the university.

In select regions, plan, manage, and coordinate an invitation only pre-event VIP experience  showcasing  the university’s initiatives and groundbreaking research, intertwined with how philanthropy impacts student success and the university’s trajectory, or a post-event dinner .

Donor Engagement & Stewardship (20%)
Advise and support all  Schools, Colleges and Units  with the identification and stewardship of prominent alumni, donors, and prospects; develop strategies for meaningful engagement and create content for regional alumni and donor engagement programs.

Collaborate with Donor Relations, Engagement Team and Research with the identification and stewardship of prominent alumni, donors, and prospects; develop strategies for meaningful engagement and create content for regional alumni and donor engagement programs.

Strengthen partnerships and  facilitate  cross-collaborative efforts with all stakeholders for multi-unit programs in support of enhanced donor experiences and  special events .

Leverage participation of regionally based alumni making a difference in their community to  showcase  the impact of UMass in the world.

Other Responsibilities (10%)
Partner with the Senior Director, Donor Experience and Special Events to support chancellor hosted events, UMass Alumni Honors, other bespoke  alumni  and donor engagement programs.

Utilize key metrics and reports to evaluate effectiveness of outreach and engagement initiatives and to  demonstrate  associated return on financial investment.

Represent the Foundation and Advancement team at events and support other efforts as assigned .

Other Duties
UMAF is building and growing, and this position will support those efforts with other duties and projects as assigned from time to time.

Qualifications
Four years of relevant and progressively responsible experience with  managing and  implementing events and programs in the fields of alumni,  d onor relations , or corporate event planning  initiatives

Proven ability to take initiative and build strong, productive relationships.

Ability to collaborate with others while  exhibiting   a high level  of creative energy.

Champions a diverse culture where opinions are welcomed and valued and the ability to effectively work and interact respectfully within a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

Detail-oriented project manager with a keen eye for detail and accuracy, and able to handle multiple competing priorities.

Superior verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with an emphasis on tact and diplomacy, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability to collaborate with others while  exhibiting   a high level  of creative energy.

Sense of humor and life balance; an optimistic personality with a dedication to the highest standards of professionalism.

Experience using CRM and project management platforms.

Hybrid position with in-office days as needed based on assigned events and pre-event  requirements

Possess a valid driver's license and be able to travel and work evenings and weekends.

Bachelor's degree   required

Note: We’re passionate about building a diverse team. If your experience is close, but not an exact match, please consider applying. Experience comes in many forms, and skills are transferable. We know that diverse teams make better decisions and deliver better results, which is why we’re committed to adding new perspectives and encourage everyone to apply.  BENEFITS 20 vacation days, 12 holidays, 12 sick days, 5 personal days, and 2 office closure days.
4-day summer work week.
401(k) plan. You contribute 5% and receive a 10% match.
Health insurance packages for medical, dental, and vision.
16 weeks of paid parental leave to use within 1 year of childbirth. An additional 6 weeks available for the birthing parent. Part-time work for full-time pay for the first 4 weeks post parental leave.
Learn more about our benefits .
Proposed Annual Salary Range:
$73,000 - $80,000   DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION   At the UMass Amherst Foundation, we understand the value that diversity, equity, and inclusion bring to our workplace, our constituents, and our community. View our DEI Statement here
We welcome and value diversity in all its forms and recognize that a diverse and inclusive team strengthens our work and advances our mission. We recognize that the benefits of a diverse team are fully realized when people of all races, gender identities, ages, ethnicities, cultural heritages and nationalities; educational backgrounds; religious and political beliefs; sexual orientations; abilities; and socioeconomic and veteran status are valued, respected, and included at every level. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact careers@uma-foundation.org to request accommodation.   OUR VALUES (S.T.E.W.A.R.D.S)   UMAF is committed to building a team with these shared values:      Service :  We focus on the needs of others above ourselves and support our colleagues when they need help.  Trust, Transparency, and Teamwork: We value honesty, trustworthiness, and open communication. Our colleagues can count on us for support.  Excellence: We pursue excellence in all that we do – each time, and learn and grow as a team.  Wellness : Our work culture provides flexibility and empowers individuals.  Accountability : We accept full responsibility for our decisions, actions, and results.  Respect: We respect each other and celebrate our different ideas, strengths, interests, and cultural backgrounds.  Donor-Centric:  We find intersections between donor’s experiences and values, and our organization’s priorities and funding needs.  Synergy:  We connect, communicate, and collaborate within teams, and across functions to enhance our effectiveness and impact.
Questions regarding the position or anything else related to careers with UMAF may be directed to the People & Culture team at careers@uma-foundation.org

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