Director of Development and Alumni Engagement

The Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies (a.k.a. “The Centro”) is seeking applications for its Director of Development and Alumni Engagement.

About The Centro: The Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome, affectionately known as “The Centro,” is the premier study-abroad program for students who are passionate about ancient Rome. Each semester, about 35 undergraduates travel to the Eternal City, where they undertake in-depth, on-site study of Roman history, art, architecture, society, and culture. The Centro is thriving; since the COVID pandemic, 95% of available spots have been filled.

Since the Centro’s founding in 1965 by representatives of ten colleges and universities, we have remained an independent consortium, which now boasts over one-hundred member schools and nearly 4,000 alumni whose lives were enriched by their experience in Rome. Duke University provides transcripting and some administrative support, while a full-time staff in Italy sees to student needs and a small faculty offers instruction.

Our operation in the US is largely virtual. A Managing Committee of professors from member institutions offers high-level administration, while an Advisory Board of friends and alumni lends its expertise to decision-making. We have grown from a modest operation to one that is increasingly professionalized and intentional about student recruitment, alumni engagement, fundraising, the promotion of the program, and inclusion of a diverse student body.

About the position: As we place greater emphasis on securing our long-term future, The Centro seeks a Director of Development and Alumni Engagement who will enhance our development efforts and help to build a culture of philanthropy around the program. This position reports to the Chair of the Managing Committee.

The successful candidate: We are seeking a creative and entrepreneurial professional who can take the lead in expanding engagement with key supporters of the Centro. This role will require an individual performer responsible for reaching agreed-upon annual fundraising goals and developing/implementing a strategy to develop major gifts targeting specific needs of the program.

Location and travel: While this is a full-time remote position, there will be occasional in-person meetings with Centro Managing Committee and Advisory Board members. Travel to Rome as well as travel to meet with prospects and donors are also an expectation in this role. 

Compensation: Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Principal responsibilities:

Donor and Alumni Engagement

• Maintain database of Centro alumni and supporters
• Maintain regular communication with Centro alumni and supporters
• Take the lead in planning events for alumni and friends of the Centro, both virtually and in cities across the United States
• Cooperate in organizing an annual party at the yearly meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America / Society for Classical Studies 
• Work with staff and the Managing Committee in organizing anniversary celebrations and other special occasion celebrations for the Centro
• Identify opportunities to engage affinity groups within a diverse alumni and constituent base

      Development

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies in consultation with the Chair of the Managing Committee, including both broad annual giving and major giving opportunities
• Develop and nurture relationships with existing donors to the Centro
• Identify new Centro donors and solicit new gifts for the Centro
• Prepare quarterly reports on fundraising initiatives and pipeline development to share with the Managing Committee
• Identify and apply for grants to support Centro initiatives

Qualifications and skills:

Required:

• 5 years of development experience
• Proven expertise in spearheading organizational transformation
• Ability to lead a development operation with outstanding results
• Ability to formulate and implement a high-level strategy, to report to the Managing Committee on progress, and to execute day-to-day operations
• Excellent planning and organizational skills
• Strong writing and editing skills
• Positive, flexible, entrepreneurial, and collaborative work-ethic
• Proficiency with fundraising/CRM software
• Bachelor’s degree

Preferred:

• Event planning experience
• Familiarity with study-abroad, the ancient Mediterranean, and/or Italy

Application process: Please submit materials to Assist@TheCentroRome.org by October 18, 2024.