Westtown School is seeking an experienced Director of Alumni/ae/x Engagement. The Director of Alumni/ae/x Engagement is responsible for managing programming for alumni/ae/x and creating strategies that promote and deepen meaningful involvement with the school. The Director of Alumni/ae/x Engagement will focus on building, maintaining, and strengthening relationships with the school’s alumni/ae/x, and will foster philanthropic commitment to the school. This position reports to the Dean of Advancement.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Provide leadership and direction for alumni/ae/x programming including: relationship building, program development, and volunteer management;
• Collaborate with Advancement team and Communications team on annual messaging;
• Work to identify and cultivate new alumni/ae/x prospects and manage existing relationships;
• Research, implement, manage, and evaluate engagement platforms that maintain Westtown’s status as a leader in alumni/ae/x programming;
• Strengthen the alumni/ae/x network and engage alumni/ae/x with each other and with Westtown’s internal community via meaningful, targeted events and programs;
• Collaborate closely with Advancement Office colleagues to plan, implement, and promote Alumni/ae/x engagement that supports the school’s Strategic Vision, and annual philanthropic and capital campaign goals;
• Design programming and events that engage and cultivate our parents of alumni/ae/x and current parent constituencies;
• Engage and inform alumni/ae/x on a regular basis in a strategic, innovative, and personal manner using print publications, social media, and other forms of communication (e.g. the Westonian, periodic newsletters, digital messaging, alumni portals and platforms etc.);
• Provide direction, guidance, and support for the Westtown Alumni/ae/x Association board and Class Connector program and produce measurable outcomes. Ensure productive and effective relationships between its members and the school’s leadership;
• Develop strategy and oversee planning and execution of Reunion Weekend, the flagship event of the year, and other regional and local alumni/ae/x events with the support of the Director of Event Operations;
• Expand opportunities for alumni/ae/x-student interaction and networking. Educate graduating students about alumni/ae/x benefits and engage them in programs;
• Explore new opportunities and refine existing ones to engage alumni/ae/x affinity groups;
• Refine and expand tools and metrics to measure effectiveness and track engagement;
• Oversee the alumni/ae/x office budget;
• Other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Self-starter, able to work independently, innovate, and take initiative;
• Results oriented, with the ability to react and adapt to changing situations appropriately;
• Demonstrated accomplishments in fostering productive relationships with alumni/ae/x and volunteers and developing volunteer leadership;
• Demonstrated ability to strategize, implement, and build Alumni/ae/x engagement and activities, along with a talent for motivating volunteers;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. The highly public nature of the duties of this position requires good communication and presentation skills which will be frequently tested. Writing/proofreading skills will need to be employed.
• Strong interpersonal skills, both written and oral;
• Ability to listen carefully and understand constituents’ needs, both internally and externally, and proactively respond to those needs in a consistent and timely manner;
• Curiosity and analytical thinking; complex problem-solving ability; ability to organize, prioritize, and complete multiple projects simultaneously with close attention to detail and accuracy; meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in the Advancement Office and across the school in a team environment; openness to new ideas and their implementation;

• Conducts oneself professionally in all aspects of language, attitude, appearance, and deportment;
• Ability to provide direction and motivation to others through communication, modeling appropriate behavior, optimism, and high achievement;
• A deep commitment to enhancing an inclusive school community based on cultural competence, commitment to social justice, and respect for all voices;
• Strong affinity for the mission of Westtown School and an educational philosophy consistent with the school’s Quaker values;
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite; proficiency with Raiser’s Edge software preferred;
• Ability to work evenings and weekends is required.

Qualifications 

• Five or more years of experience in alumni/ae/x relations/development preferred
• Preference to candidates with virtual programming and engagement experience
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Valid driver’s license required