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.

Alumnae Relations & Development

Job Description

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.     

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  

                       

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 manag