Director of Affinity Engagement

The Director of Affinity Engagement will: Oversee strategy and programs that advance the Smith alum network, with a particular focus on how shared affinity creates connection between alums, students and the college. Create and sustain an engagement plan that provides programs and resources to support alums while enhancing their lifelong relationships with Smith.

Implement and expand opportunities for Smith students and alums to engage with regional and global affinity networks, and with the college. Cultivate a sustainable, collaborative model to support identity-based affinity groups and their volunteer leaders, yielding enriching experiences and lasting relationships within affinity communities and the college. Identify and support organically created and evolving networks. Leverage technology and social media platforms to connect alumnae and students, and to deliver programming.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across Alumnae Relations & Development and the college to initiate, develop, market, implement, and evaluate programs that elevate Smith strengths (in person and virtual) in support of these groups. Serve as the lead for any travel programming, executing on those travel opportunities in support of affinity/thematic engagement.     

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Strategy and Program Leadership (50%)

Design, develop and implement successful, innovative affinity programming for alums that may encompass and span a broad range of shared identities and shared interests. Design and/or identify high-value programs and resources that foster and enhance the meaningful connections of approximately 53,000 alums.

Partnering with other college leaders, identify the intersections of alum interest, college resources and strategic priorities to determine the initial pilot set of affinity groups to build an affinity engagement program.  Identify potential alum leaders within these groups, cultivating new volunteers and building capacity in current volunteers.  Create and maintain a support structure that yields sustained volunteer and alum engagement.  Serve as a consulting partner to group volunteers in support of their engagement initiatives.

Develop and assess programs in support of the strategic plan goal to foster intellectual curiosity and engagement among intergenerational Smith alum affinity communities, while incorporating Smith's Equity and Inclusion values. Work collaboratively across the Alumnae Relations & Development department and across campus to identify partnership opportunities to maximize the efficacy and efficiency of affinity programming.

Develop metrics, measure outcomes and track alum and student interest and participation in programs in order to continuously evolve programming and resources to maintain a highly engaged, connected and solidly established community.

Program Administration (35%)

Oversee the successful administration of programs directly and in collaboration with Alumnae Relations & Development teammates and other relevant campus partners. Identify, develop and implement a framework that provides infrastructure for lifelong learning and programming.

Serve as the lead for any Smith Alum Travel opportunities.  With a travel consultant, research, evaluate and identify appropriate travel opportunities in alignment with affinity programming goals. Work with travel consultant and Alumnae & Donor Relations team to market travel opportunities to appropriate Smith audiences.  Coordinate and liaise with the Office of the President and the Office of the Sr. Vice President for Development & Alumnae Relations on travel details related to Presidential trips. Build and maintain relationships with content providers and audiences, such as tour operators, travel insurance providers, travelers, faculty and administrators.

Develop and maintain website and other collateral materials for affinity programming, supported by the Alumnae and Donor Relations team. Oversee staff and volunteers as assigned.

Departmental Leadership (10%)

As a member of the Alumnae Relations team leadership and the Alumnae Relations and Development division’s Directors team, provide thought leadership regarding alumnae engagement.   Work closely with colleagues across the Alumnae Relations and Development team to seek out partnerships and collaborations that maximize alum satisfaction and college ROI.  Support divisional working culture goals and other strategic initiatives.

Other Functions (5%)

Participate in team meetings, task forces and committees as required. Back up other staff needs as necessary. Perform related duties as required.

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education/experience.

Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Social, Organizational & Behavioral Science; Leadership Development Certifications and/or demonstrated experience in Equity and Inclusion initiatives is highly desirable.

• Experience with Affinity Engagement in a Higher Ed setting, Alumni Relations or experience with non-profit leadership is desirable.

• Experience in data-driven program development is preferred.

• Experience with volunteer management is preferred.

Skills 

• Exceptional strategic thinking/planning, interpersonal, organizational, analytical, and oral/written communications skills.

• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, flexible, and innovative.

• Skills in collaborative leadership, leadership development, board development and focus group facilitation are essential to the success of this position.

• Experience building connections among diverse groups and fostering inclusion.

• Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively with volunteers.

• Able to function as a team player in a fast-paced and results-driven environment.

• Ability to interact and work effectively and collaboratively across a complex organization and with a wide range of constituencies.

• Must demonstrate excellent judgement and be able to represent the college appropriately.

• Demonstrated ability employing effective social media strategies to drive communications, build communities and foster engagement.

• Strong computer and technical literacy skills.

Additional Information

 Occassional weekend and evening work and occasional travel will be required.

Submit all applications here on our Careers Page

You must submit a resume and a cover letter; if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to garmstrong@smith.edu .