Advancement Associate, Alumni Engagement

About the Position

DEPARTMENT: Advancement

REPORTS TO:  Director of Community Relations

SUPERVISES: N/A

FLSA: Non-exempt  

TYPE OF ROLE: Full-time

COMPENSATION:  $60,000 - 75,000 annually 

BENEFITS: Eligible

Note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The Advancement Associate, Alumni Engagement is responsible for creating and implementing a comprehensive program for all alumni, local and national. Areas of focus for this position include overseeing all aspects of alumni engagement, alumni volunteer management (including the GDS Alumni Board), managing alumni communications, and creating dynamic programs to connect alumni both to each other and with the current GDS experience.

 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

 

Alumni Engagement and Fundraising

Partner with Advancement colleagues to develop metrics and strategies for advancing and achieving the school’s goals for alumni engagement and giving participation and managing a portfolio of alumni prospects and donors. Conduct visits with a diverse cross-section of alumni, locally and nationally, to build strong relationships on behalf of GDS.

 

Build and maintain key strategic relationships with alumni nationally to cultivate leadership and philanthropy.

 

With input from key stakeholders, develop a milestone-driven strategic plan for alumni engagement and giving

 

Educate the GDS alumni community, especially young alumni, about philanthropic involvement and the importance of participation.

Alumni Board and Volunteer Management

Recruit and manage a diverse group of volunteers to support and expand alumni programs. This includes class chairs, regional event volunteers, alumni board members, speakers and Reunion chairs.

 

Lead and manage an active Alumni Board, and its subcommittees, to advise on the programmatic priorities of the Alumni Program.

Communications

Partner with the Director of Community Relations and other Advancement staff to oversee the strategy and execution of all alumni marketing and communications materials, including newsletters, social media, and gathering information about alumni.

 

Use various platforms and methods (including direct contact, social media, alumni website, e-newsletters, solicitations and print materials) to engage, consistently and thoughtfully, alumni with the current life of the school, celebrate alumni achievements, and highlight opportunities for alumni involvement with the school and each other.

 

Partner with the Advancement Associate, Operations to ensure accurate and complete alumni database records; capture contact, biographical, and career information of alumni via surveys, projects, correspondence, career information, website, postal returns, etc.

 

Track and recommend alumni for storytelling and profiling in school communications (quarterly magazine, website, etc.)

Alumni Programs and Events

In partnership with the Director of Community Relations and the Alumni Board, steer strategy for alumni events; develop targeted events and programs in support of advancement and alumni relations strategies and goals. Events include annual all-alumni reunion, regional and national gatherings of alumni, and on-campus programs.

 

Develop a calendar of dynamic alumni programs, including specific programs to connect alumni to the life of the School.

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities 

As a member of the Advancement team, represent the team at school and community events, including some nights and weekends.

 

Manage the budget for alumni programs.

 

Willing and able to travel to meet alumni throughout DC/Maryland/Virginia, and sometimes other geographic locations.

 

Engage in continual review of programs and strategies to ensure optimal efficiency, effectiveness and quality.

 

Accomplishes all tasks as appropriate. Other duties outside this description may be assigned as necessary.

Qualifications 

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree preferred

At least 2 years experience in alumni relations with demonstrated accomplishment in building relationships and strengthening overall alumni engagement  

 

Experience with Raiser’s Edge or a similar constituent database

Committed to excellent performance, organization, and follow-through on tasks

An unflagging commitment to accuracy

 

Committed to the creation and nurturing of an inclusive, equitable school community and world

Skills

 

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

 

The ability to work independently, combined with the skills necessary for thriving in a team environment to achieve institutional goals

 

A high level of integrity and strong work ethic

 

Ability to organize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail and necessary prioritization to meet deadlines

 

Ability to travel and work evenings is required

Americans with Disability Specifications

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

To Apply 

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and list of three references using our online application system through ADP/Workforce Now: http://www.gds.org/Recruiting. To find out more about the school, candidates should visit our website at www.gds.org. For full-time, permanent roles, a summary of employee benefits are available on the GDS website: https://www.gds.org/about/careers-at-gds

As an inclusive school devoted to preparing our students to live, work, and lead in an increasingly globalized and multicultural society, GDS is particularly interested in professionals with demonstrated interest and experience in working in such a school setting and is driven by the core charge of working to enhance and bring joy to every student’s individual learning experience in equitable and meaningful ways.