Assistant/Associate Director of Engagement

Engagement - Advancement

Salary

Department:
Alumni and Family Engagement

Pay Rate Type:
Salary

Employee Type:

Job Summary:
College Advancement
Full-Time, Exempt, Salaried, Administrative Staff Appointment

Colby’s reputation and resources have expanded dramatically under President David Greene’s leadership. Applications have swelled from slightly more than 5,000 to nearly 14,000 since 2015; the College launched a $750 million comprehensive campaign, Dare Northward, the largest campaign among all liberal arts colleges; the College’s leaders and innovative programs have an increasingly visible presence in the national media; the city of Waterville is being transformed through a partnership with Colby and more than $100 million in collective investments; the Colby College Museum of Art, one of the finest college art museums in the country, is a destination for study and tourism alike; and faculty research and scholarship have been highlighted by multiple outlets.

The Office of Communications and Engagement works with the entire Division of College Advancement with events, communications, and constituent relations that are inclusive, innovative, progressive, and proactive in order to advance the division’s goals, and to build awareness of the campaign, its priorities, and Colby overall. Responsible for producing, promoting, and curating content that drives front-line fundraising activities; engagement with alumni, families, and friends; stewardship reporting and endowed fund tracking; events (in-person and virtual); and gift documentation, the team thinks comprehensively and strategically about all forms of outreach and engagement as well as the multiplicity of audiences touched by the Division of College Advancement.

Reporting to the director of engagement, the assistant director/associate assists with creating and administering engagement efforts and related programming for alumni and friends. As part of an overall portfolio of work focused on engagement efforts with our Colby community, the assistant director will develop a comprehensive understanding of the many ways in which alumni, families, and friends rely upon and can contribute to the College and use that knowledge to build upon an already successful suite of engagement strategies and tactics (encompassing events, communications, volunteer management, and participation in annual giving). We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In partnership with the director of engagement and other advancement collaborators, develop and oversee the execution of an engagement strategy for assigned cohorts. This engagement strategy will include events, communications, volunteer management, and assisting with participation- level giving efforts
• Help develop new and engaging experiences based on interests and affinity to the College and Dare Northward campaign priorities
• Coordinate and attend alumni, family, and friends event programming (virtual and in-person), including events such as Homecoming, regional events, Reunion; includes event planning, RSVP management, and event marketing materials
• Develop, often in partnership with the Advancement Marketing and Communications team, cohort based communications such alumni-focused emails, updates to content on the Advancement website, etc.
• Serve as a visible and accessible representative of alumni engagement on campus and in the community at large. 
• Develop supportive partnerships with staff and faculty across campus, including the Campus Events, Facilities, Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, DavisConnects Career Center, Department of Athletics, and Office of Campus Life; enhance opportunities for alumni to advance the goals and aspirations of these departments and the students they serve
• Routinely gather and analyze data in order to assess program and communications effectiveness at increasing Alumni engagement and commitment
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience
• Minimum of 1-3 years of event and/or program management experience, preferably with experience in digital community management
• Strong written and oral communication skills required, including the ability to proactively copy edit as necessary
• Experience with volunteer management and engagement is preferred
• Experience with event planning is preferred
• Well-developed computer skills required; experience with Microsoft Office Suite; Google suite, and database applications preferred, as well as an interest in and ability to learn new computer programs with ease and in a self-guided manner
• Proficiency with fundraising/constituent relations databases and technology preferred; experience with a customer relationship management (CRM) and email marketing system is a plus
• Must be flexible, have great attention to detail, show initiative, and have a results-driven philosophy with the ability to problem-solve
• Unflappable in the face of multiple challenges, highly motivated, disciplined work ethic, a competitive spirit, and a creative approach
• Excellent organizational skills
• Appreciation of Colby’s mission and the ability to effectively communicate it
• Discretion and good judgment with confidential information
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and achieve ambitious goals
• Proven ability to work collaboratively as a member of a diverse community and make an impact in a complex, fast-paced, and team-oriented environment
• Willingness and ability to work outside normal working hours
• Must be willing to travel; valid driver’s license required and must meet the College’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

Reporting to the Director of Engagement, the assistant director of engagement will have direct contact with various members of the Division of College Advancement, College Administration, families, and students.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Ability to move around campus and interact with faculty, staff, families, students, alumni, and outside vendors regularly is crucial. Some travel and work outside of normal business hours are required.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Successful and satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check). All students, faculty, and staff who are present on campus must be vaccinated and boostered against COVID-19, unless granted an exemption or accommodation by the College.

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply" button on the Colby Careers website. Please submit a letter of interest including salary requirements, resume, and the contact information of three professional references. Materials should be addressed to:

Assistant/Associate Director of Engagement - Search Committee

Office of Human Resources

Colby College

5500 Mayflower Hill

Waterville, ME 04901-8855