Director of Alumni and Family Relations

Search:#341
Date Posted: 03/17/2014
Type/Department:Administrator in College Advancement
Search Status:Position Filled
Apply Now:Currently we are not accepting resumes for this position.

Hampshire College, an independent, innovative, experimenting liberal arts institution and member of the Five College consortium, is located in the beautiful Pioneer Valley in western Massachusetts, and contributes to the rich cultural and academic environment of the towns of Amherst, South Hadley and Northampton.

The College seeks a creative and strategic thinker who will lead the Alumni and Family Relations (AFR) team and expand our volunteer base through meaningful engagement opportunities for our 16,000 alumni. The director will communicate about and help implement the College’s new strategic plan, partner in launching a major fund-raising campaign, and direct a dynamic and inclusive planning process as Hampshire looks forward to its 50th anniversary in 2020. The ideal candidate will be adept at thinking outside the box, be able to develop bold and inspiring initiatives that engage alums and parents in strengthening programs, and provide tangible benefits to alums and current students.  Although this role is not primarily a fund-raising position, the director of alumni and family relations should feel comfortable and confident in building donor relationships, stewarding existing donors, and soliciting annual and major gifts. 

Under the direction of the chief advancement officer and in keeping with College Advancement’s fund-raising mission, the director of AFR encourages broad alumni participation and support through strong communication and personal interactions. The successful candidate will provide vision and leadership for the College’s ongoing and evolving association with alumni by integrating relationship building among Hampshire parents, friends of the College, prospective students and their families, and current students into exciting activities and events.

The director is the primary liaison between the College, the alumni community, and the Alumni Advisory Group (AAG), and will develop innovative strategies to communicate with Hampshire’s external constituency by means of personal letters, postcards, e-mail, publications, and social media. In addition, the director will draft correspondence on behalf of our president, the board of trustees, and other College officials.

This position holds supervisory responsibilities. The successful candidate will act as the liaison to the Alumni Advisory Group (AAG) by providing meaningful suggestions for engagement and fulfilling the group’s mission. They will plan and implement volunteer opportunities for our alums to be involved in the life of their alma mater. Project management and fund-raising are important components of this position. For example, plans are in the works for a vibrant, 50th-anniversary program. The director will also work collaboratively to create programs and activities that cultivate the involvement of all our constituents: students, staff, administrators, alumni, parents, and friends of the College.

Requirements are a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of experience as a hands-on, senior-level manager. Qualified candidates should have direct or transferable experience in alumni relations or a related field, ideally in the realm of higher eduction, as well as proven experience in fund-raising in higher education or not-for-profit organization. Also important is a track record of managing multiple concurrent projects and responsibilities and of the ability to work productively by establishing schedules, systems, and priorities. Candidates should have the leadership and strategic-planning skills to develop and implement programs and initiatives, as well as a strong background in volunteer management, project management, and budget management. Experience and skill in recruiting and managing volunteers is highly desirable.

Because this is a “people” position, candidates must have very strong interpersonal skills and be able to communicate engagingly and effectively both orally and in writing. Comfort in social situations and ease in public speaking are crucial. The position entails working with a diverse population in a variety of constituencies, a commitment to customer service, and the talent to handle responsibilities with poise, tact, resourcefulness, creativity, flexibility, and humor.

The position requires the ability and the willingness to travel extensively both domestically and internationally, and the director must be available to work evenings and weekends as appropriate. The director of alumni and family relations will have a deep understanding and appreciation for Hampshire College, its unique approach to higher education, and its reputation as a socially forward-looking institution that fosters global awareness in its students.

We offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefit package. Please submit your cover letter, résumé, and the names and phone numbers of three professional references via our website, http://jobs.hampshire.edu.

Hampshire College is an equal opportunity institution, committed to diversity and inclusion in education and employment.