Jobs

Walnut Hill School for the Arts seeks an Associate Director of Alumni Giving & Engagement. This position is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive engagement program designed to provide meaningful opportunities for volunteerism, service, and events and programs for stakeholders to enhance loyalty, dedication, and support for Walnut Hill. The Associate Director is responsible for soliciting gifts from Alumni and their parents, overseeing Alumni communications, managing Alumni volunteers, and planning programs, events, and special projects that strategically engage Alumni and their parents in the Walnut Hill community, both on and off campus.

The Associate Director serves as the primary contact for Alumni and those interested in programs and services related to Alumni and will work closely with the Alumni Executive Committee and the Alumni Association. This position is a critical component to strengthening the School’s development efforts and requires strong collaboration with faculty and staff. The Associate Director manages a portfolio of approximately 100 prospects, and is responsible for scheduling face-to-face meetings and visiting prospects to qualify them.

This is a full-time 12-month position reporting to the Chief Development Officer, requiring approximately 30% travel as well as evening and weekend work as needed.

Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the Chief Development Officer, set Alumni participation and fundraising goals, create Alumni giving strategies, recruit and train Alumni volunteer solicitors, and personally cultivate, solicit, and steward Alumni donors and their parents;
• Manage a portfolio of donors and help create a pipeline for major, capital, and planned gifts; qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts, through one-on-one visits, phone calls, emails, and other personal communications;
• Work with donors as appropriate to discuss planned giving vehicles;
• Strengthen the Alumni network and engage Alumni with the School and each other through targeted events, innovative programs, creative networking, and individual meetings;
• Keep Alumni and the School regularly updated on happenings, keep Alumni class notes updated;
• Manage expenses related to donor meetings, travel, and stewardship in conjunction with Chief Development Officer;
• Participate in and support development colleagues in meeting broader department goals and priorities;
• Manage the Alumni Association, and recruit, inspire, and motivate Alumni Association officers, and Reunion volunteers;
• Manage and direct all aspects of Reunion Weekend; set goals for attendance and giving; arrange for and negotiate with vendors, and ensure reunion expenses stay within budget; collaborate with the Marketing team to develop marketing strategy, promotions, and collateral, and design Reunion programs and materials;
• Recommend and facilitate campus visits for Alumni speakers;
• Design, oversee, and attend off-campus Alumni events, gatherings, and meet-ups;
• Partner with the Marketing team to strategically engage and inform Alumni about School happenings in a timely manner, effectively utilizing the School’s magazine, online and print communications, and social media;
• Travel and attend evening and weekend events as appropriate and needed; and
• Additional projects as assigned by the Head of School or Chief Development Officer.

Community Involvement and Engagement

• Actively participate in the student community by supporting the Student Life program which may include serving as a faculty or club advisor, chaperoning School events, providing weekend duty, or other opportunities for community involvement that arise throughout the school year;
• Speak authentically about the imperative for diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools; be committed to learning about and practicing anti-racist work;
• Support and engage richly in arts productions, shows, exhibitions, and performances and School wide events and programs such as Family Weekend, Open House, Class Night, Boar’s Head, Candlelight, Awards Ceremony, and Graduation;
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across all departments to foster a positive working and educational environment for students and employees to support the school’s mission, vision, and core values; and
• Pursue Professional Development opportunities both in and out of school; display willingness and ability to grow, learn, explore new approaches, and practice self-reflection.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required;
• 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial development office; independent school or arts organization experience a plus;
• Possess excellent customer service skills and ability to work with a wide range of people – Alumni, students, parents, faculty/staff, donors, Board members, outside artists, vendors, and community members;
• Ability to work independently and effectively as well as part of a collaborative team in a changing, fast-paced environment;
• Familiarity with planned giving vehicles;
• Possess advanced interpersonal and relationship building skills, including the ability to structure proposals and solicit gifts;
• Strong collaboration and team-oriented working and leadership skills;
• Excellent written and verbal communications and polished presentation skills;
• Commitment to and strong understanding of cultural competency;
• Strong computer skills and demonstrated proficiency with Google applications, Microsoft Office Suite; experience with or knowledge of Veracross or other donor software;
• Travel and evening and weekend work required; and
• Strong work ethic and demonstrated passion for independent education, the arts, and the mission of Walnut Hill School for the Arts.

Personal and Professional Characteristics:

• Alumni-focused;
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks;
• Good judgment and ability to work independently with limited supervision;
• Collaborative and a team player;
• Integrity, authenticity and credibility;
• Creative and mission-driven, with an appreciation for and/or experience working in the arts; and
• Must be willing and able to travel.

About us:

Walnut Hill School for the Arts, located in Natick, Massachusetts and 20 minutes from Boston, is an independent boarding and day high school offering a transformational educational experience designed for student artists in grades 9–post graduate. Walnut Hill combines a comprehensive college-preparatory academic curriculum with intensive, pre-professional artistic training in theatre, dance, music, visual art, and writing, film & media arts. Walnut Hill is committed to creating and enhancing an inclusive environment, and welcoming and celebrating a wide range of cultural, artistic, and educational backgrounds that compliments and supports our diverse community.

Commitment to the school’s Core Values, of Community, Growth, Excellence, Creativity, and Respect are imperative to the success of all Walnut Hill faculty, staff, and administration members. All Walnut Hill faculty/staff are active and engaged members of the school community who are committed to collaborating and growing in their field, participating in school events, supporting students in their arts, supporting other faculty/staff members, and who have the ability to self-reflect on their own practice.  

Physical Demands

Physical demands include dexterity for science tools and equipment and office machine and supply operation including but not limited to writing, using electronic devices, computer, phone, calculator, copy/fax machine, and printers. Stooping, bending, traveling to/from locations on campus, ascending/descending stairs, reaching and sitting or standing for extended periods of time are common.

To Apply: Submit resume and cover letter through the Walnut Hill School for the Arts online Career Center.