Description

The Director of Alumnae Relations and Campus Events is responsible for leading Alumnae Relations programs to complement and support the mission of the school. The Director of Alumnae Relations and Campus Events is responsible for the overall administration of the Alumnae Relations Office, including strategic planning, fiscal management, and program development and is responsible for the planning and implementation of programs and projects that engage alumnae and provide tangible benefits to alumnae; and is a key team member in the school advancement effort.  This is a hands-on and creative role, based on our campus in Troy, NY and reports to the Director of Development. Our goal is to strengthen the connection and engagement with 8,000+ alumnae of Emma Willard School. We honor and celebrate their accomplishments and their voice as they represent the values of Emma Hart Willard in their personal and professional lives.

Using data and analysis from a recent Alumnae Survey, and serving as an ambassador for the School, the Director of Alumnae Relations and Campus Events is charged with creating and maintaining  pathways for alumnae participation that advance the goals of the School; working closely with alumnae who are interested in providing professional expertise and volunteer service; collaborating with colleagues in the administrative offices (including, but not limited to the Head of School, Admissions, Advancement, Student Life, and Communications); facilitating a robust Alumnae Reunion Weekend program; partnering with Advancement colleagues to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward alumnae giving; and serving as a liaison between the Alumnae Association Council and the administrative leadership. The Director will also lead and coordinate other campus events, including Commencement, Family Weekend, and Spring Showcase.

Emma Willard School is a nationally recognized, academically rigorous, preparatory boarding and day high school. We seek someone who is committed to and willing to navigate today’s changing landscape. This leader will help the school promote and nurture an equitable and inclusive community. The school encourages candidates from under-represented groups to apply, as well as individuals who have demonstrated experience with diverse populations. This individual will contribute to the excellence of the academic community through their research, teaching, and/or service.

Key Areas of Responsibility: 

• Plan, implement, and promote alumnae programs and projects that strategically engage alumnae while supporting the School’s Strategic Plan and the goals of the Advancement Office. 
• Establish and build relationships with a wide range of alumnae, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. 
• Partner with Advancement colleagues, and the Annual Giving department to secure commitments from alumnae to provide professional expertise, volunteer service, and giving. Collaborate with colleagues in the administrative offices (including, but not limited to Head of School, Admissions, Advancement, Student Life, and Communications) to create and maintain pathways for alumnae participation that advance the goals of the school.
• Lead and facilitate a robust Reunion Weekend program that celebrates alumnae who return to Mount Ida each year. Coordinate other key campus events, including Commencement, Family Weekend, Revels Receptions, Spring Showcase and other related programs.
• Work closely with the Alumnae Association Council leadership team to ensure strong and productive relationships between its members and the academic and administrative leadership, serving as ex officio member on the Council. 
• Key partner in developing and facilitating content for the bi-annual Alumnae Magazine and Alumnae Newsletter.
• To perform other duties as assigned by the Head of Advancement.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements / Qualifications / Competencies:  

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 7+ years of related experience
• Demonstrated ability to translate goals into programs and initiatives.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Clear ability to work effectively with a broad range of constituencies, including alumnae, students, parents, trustees, faculty and staff. 
• Strategic and imaginative thinking about alumnae engagement.
• Appreciation for independent school education for girls. Recognition of the relationship between alumnae relations programming and fundraising. 
• Skill to manage multiple functions or projects simultaneously.
• Willingness to travel on behalf of the School. The role will require 30% travel.

We seek to identify, recruit, and develop employees who bring a diversity of experiences, perspectives, talents, and backgrounds.

Emma Willard School requires employees to be fully vaccinated with the exception of qualifying exemptions. You will need to submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Please apply through the school's Career Center website.