Senior Assistant Director, Alumni Relations

The Opportunity

Brandeis University – a distinguished top-tier private research university recognized for its academic excellence and leading-edge research – has an exciting opportunity for a talented and motivated Senior Assistant Director, Alumni Relations.

Brandeis is dedicated to first-rate undergraduate education while making groundbreaking scientific discoveries, advancing artistic and creative expression, and tackling some of society’s most pressing economic, human rights, and health policy issues. Brandeis offers a culture of learning and mentorship essential to a 21st-century liberal arts education where close relationships with professors and research opportunities enable students at all levels to collaborate with faculty members and peers across the institution.  Established as a nonsectarian university in 1948 by members of the American Jewish community, our visionary founders shared a commitment to social justice and to making the world a better place. Our founders’ pioneering spirit and intellectual pursuits continue today at Brandeis – from helping to solve a national public health crisis through work at its Opioid Policy Research Collaborative, to the biological discoveries that, in 2017, earned two faculty members a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

We aspire to further such important endeavors and are looking to grow our team with individuals who share our passion and commitment. In preparation for its next ambitious campaign, the Division of Institutional Advancement (IA) seeks to strengthen the bonds with the university’s many constituencies. By working together, we will secure the financial resources necessary to continue the legacy of excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship at Brandeis.

Located nine-miles west of downtown Boston, a global hub for higher education and innovation, Brandeis University is accessible via major highways (I-90 and I-95) and the MBTA Brandeis/Roberts commuter rail stop.

Position Summary

The Senior Assistant Director, Alumni Relations (SAD) is responsible for alumni events and volunteer leadership development for 8-10 regions around the country and internationally, with specific emphasis on the West Coast.  This includes approximately 40-50 events per fiscal year (in-person, hybrid, and virtual), including collaborating on high-level events with the Office of the President and University Events. They will also play a key role in the planning and execution of regional events related to the Brandeis 75th anniversary celebrations. In addition to responsibility for regional programs, the SAD will manage the Alumni of Color Network.  They will work closely with colleagues across Institutional Advancement and the University in general, including faculty, administrators, the Office of the President, and University Events

Primary Responsibilities

• Develops and manages the educational, social and cultural programmatic efforts for the West Coast, with California being the main focus, including strategy, recruitment and training of volunteers and coordination and management of event details. Also works with 6-8 other regions, and develops and executes a strategy for alumni engagement in those regions. Works closely with the Office of the President and University Events to execute programs involving or featuring the President, including confirming event logistics and preparing briefings.
• Travels to communities in order to monitor regional alumni club progress and recruit and steward volunteers. The Senior Assistant Director is expected to make 3-4 trips to the West Coast each fiscal year, along with annual (or more) visits to other regions with which they work. This staff member will play a role in identifying new leadership for alumni clubs and regions, Alumni Weekend (classes), and the Alumni Board. The Senior Assistant Director will also play a strong role in the Volunteer Leadership Convocation as relates to club and regional volunteer training.
• Work with the volunteer leadership of the Alumni of Color Network to develop a cohesive focus and strategic plan for the group that strengthens and deepens Brandeis’ engagement of alumni of color.     
• Manage the marketing of alumni engagement programs for Alumni of Color including writing event invitations (both print and email), web postings, and creation and distribution of broadcast emails.
• Research model alumni of color programs at peer institutions and develop recommendations for Brandeis to consider as it builds and evolves this group, particularly as related to the role of shared interest groups in a comprehensive campaign.
• In partnership with the development colleagues, advance conversations about appropriate funding goals, crowdfunding opportunities, and measuring the overall impact of these programs. Evaluate the effectiveness of marketing and communications campaigns related to securing gifts for diversity initiatives.
• Collaborates with the Shared Interest Groups in their regions and the Associate Director of Shared Interest Groups. This includes identifying potential volunteers for SIGs, as well as event co-sponsorship opportunities between an alumni club and the local SIG.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 3-5 years of experience, 5+ years strongly preferred, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Must possess strong management, communications, and interpersonal skills. Accuracy and attention to detail are essential.
• Ability to handle multiple deadlines effectively and work independently       
• Knowledge of non-profit volunteer management required      
• Maturity and sound judgment, the ability to function effectively in structured, unstructured, and deadline-driven environment is a necessity
• Excellent organizational skills with high attention to detail and follow-up. 
• Demonstrates proficiency in email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and conferencing software, and relational databases with an ability to become comfortable and productive with the University’s alumni and donor systems.  MS Office Suite and Salesforce experience highly desired.
• Ability to apply good judgment and discretion when dealing with highly confidential alumni, parent, student, family, donor and prospect information.
• Ability to successfully interact and collaborate with varied constituencies and at all times represents Brandeis University in an exemplary and professional manner.
• Presents a collegial, collaborative and customer-service demeanor that positively reflects the core values and standards of the institution and demonstrates tact and diplomacy.
• Must be able and willing to work occasional evenings and weekends with an attitude of doing what it takes to get the job done.
• Must be able and willing to travel throughout the United States and international regions, as needed, to attend events and meet with volunteers, prospects, and donors to further engagement and cultivation strategies.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

“Brandeis is a community rooted in purpose, guided by enduring values, and determined to lead.  Come add your talents and your voice to this vibrant and distinctive community.”

Ron Liebowitz, President of Brandeis University

Diversity, equity and inclusion aren't just important values at Brandeis today — they are rooted in our identity as an institution. They serve as a regular reminder for self-reflection, and a continuous call to grow.  Founded as a model of ethnic and religious pluralism, Brandeis University welcomes students, faculty, and staff of every nationality, religion, and orientation.  Social justice is central to the mission of Brandeis, which endeavors to foster a just and inclusive campus culture that embraces the diversity of our larger society.  Brandeis embodies the American heritage of cultural diversity, equal access to opportunity and freedom of expression.  Read more online about our Mission and Diversity Statements .

Submit Your Candidacy

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To apply, please visit our and submit your cover letter and resume via the Brandeis University Human Resources online portal.

Closing Statement

Brandeis University is committed to providing its students, faculty and staff with an environment conducive to learning and working and where all people are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, caste, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, including transgender identity, religion, disability, age, genetics, active military or veteran status and any other characteristics protected under applicable federal or Massachusetts law.