Executive Director (Alumni Relations and Special Events) Development & Alumni Relations Dept.

Executive Director (Alumni Relations and Special Events)

Development & Alumni Relations Dept.

Columbia Law School

Reporting to and working closely with the Associate Dean for Development and Alumni Relations, the Executive Director of Alumni Relations and Special Events oversees alumni relations engagement strategy and planning and develops and supervises a departmental staff. Leads the overall production of all annual and one-off development and alumni events (in person and virtual events, and those which are both simultaneously) including cultivation / recognition events for alumni, donors, and prospects; annual Reunion Weekends; multiday conferences; dedications; endowed lectures, alumni-hosted events, affinity programming; internal memorials; regional, domestic, and international alumni events; private prospect dinners; judicial stewardship events; high-level dignitaries’ visits; and triannual meetings of the Columbia Law School Alumni Association Board of Directors. The incumbent also oversees the logistical production elements of the biannual Dean’s Council and Board of Visitors meetings in coordination with Development. Additionally, the Executive Director oversees production of over 125 faculty events within the academic year in coordination with the Dean’s Office and hosting faculty or centers. The incumbent works closely with dignitaries’ advance teams, internal departments, senior administrators, and external vendors / venues and staff as necessary to ensure that all programs and events align with the vision, goals, and expectations of the Associate Dean and Dean of the school and works to integrate strategic stewardship and alumni relations goals. The Executive Director also supervises management of the school’s growing alumni/student networking platform, LawLink.

Responsibilities: 

1. Oversees development, design, and management of all aspects of Development and Alumni Relations events, including anchor annuals such as the Reunion Weekend, Winter Luncheon and Medal for Excellence Luncheon, Moot Court Final Arguments Competition events, endowed lectures and receptions, and Harlan Fiske Stone Giving Society recognition events as well as one-off and Campaign events. Oversees multiple, overlapping production, contract, and communications schedules; content; vetting and mailing of all related printed and e-communications elements and materials; and development of appropriately segmented invitation lists.
2. Supervises the production of over 125 faculty events within the academic year, including appointment luncheons, book events, misc. multiple-day conferences and meetings, colloquia, dinners, memorials, receptions, and lectures/panels serving the faculty; oversees interaction with faculty members and implementation of their event-related needs.
3. Directs staff regarding arrangements for and management of Dean’s Council, BOV, and Columbia Law School Alumni Association Board of Directors meetings, including mailings, catering, AV/staging, room and venue selection, music/lighting/décor, faculty/student participation, materials, and drafting of related correspondence as necessary.
4. Works with the Office of Communications to create and develop invitations, programs, promotional elements, post-event articles, and e-communications to Law School alumni to publicize and promote events and relevant school news. Oversees LawLink networking platform onboarding and activity.
5. Directs and supervises day-to-day activities of the special events and alumni relations department staff, including management of 5 officers, 2 assistants, and temporary staff as well as organization and direction of 10–35 Development staff during the execution of large-scale events.
6. Directs all major outside vendor selection and contracts, venue selections, and internal service departments.
7. Oversees drafting of Dean’ and speakers’ briefings; develops and writes comprehensive staff briefings as necessary.

Minimum Requirements:

BA required; advanced degree preferred. Must have 7–10 years of relatable experience. Must be highly organized and capable of managing multiple and complex tasks / deadlines; able to think strategically; mature; and have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must have ability to manage and mentor several staff individually, and strategically as a team, and give ongoing direction and supervision; must be adept at balancing the workloads of, and collaboration among, the team during high-demand periods. Important to be able to work well with a range of constituencies including law school staff and faculty, top-tier donor/prospect population, general alumni, board members, Reunion cycle leadership, and high-level dignitaries. Significant evening and weekend work required. Must be able to work with diverse constituencies and support an inclusive work environment.

Please apply here: https://opportunities.columbia.edu/en-us/job/527615/exec-directoralumni-relevnts

Columbia University is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran and is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.