Corporate Relations Director - Higher Ed. jobs in Pittsfield, MA

Williams College seeks an exuberant and experienced leader to serve as Executive Director of Alumni Relations.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Alumni Engagement and managing a dedicated team of 12 within the broader Alumni Engagement office, the Executive Director of Alumni Relations partners closely with all members of the department to create warm and welcoming opportunities for alumni to connect with the college and with each other, including events and programs that are intergenerational or within a single class; on campus, online, or in a region where alumni reside; exploring a particular shared experience, career, or aspect of identity; or that stimulate the life-long intellectual curiosity that drew alumni to Williams as students. All in all, the Executive Director looks to increase engagement in ways that facilitate a culture of belonging for alumni.

The Executive Director of Alumni Relations is a highly visible and public role and the person serving in the role recognizes that relationships are central to Alumni Engagement. The Executive Director leads from the heart by forging relationships with alumni through personal interactions and correspondence, providing greater insight into the workings of the college and gaining a greater understanding of the experiences and interests of alumni. The Executive Director must exercise great discretion and discernment, as these personal interactions can be challenging and heartening in equal measure; the Executive Director must be able to represent the college’s position, priorities and values in ways that are clear, yet authentic and compassionate in their response to the interests and concerns of the individual alum.

The Executive Director also guides the workings of the Executive Committee of the Society of Alumni and is responsible for strengthening the pillars of engagement identified in the Society of Alumni strategic plan across Alumni Engagement (lifelong connection, career mentoring and development, lifelong learning, and intentional cultivation of belonging), and partnering with the AVP of AE and colleagues to enact the strategic recommendations of the plan (value engagement and volunteerism; expand programming; demonstrate commitment to and accountability for diversity, equity and inclusion; reimagine the alumni website; fortify the regional associations).

An experienced and skilled manager, the Executive Director ensures all colleagues across College Relations are well-informed about Alumni Engagement work and contributes to a welcoming staff culture of learning through continuous feedback.

Williams is deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, including with, among and for alumni. The successful candidate will excel at working in a community that is broadly diverse with regard to age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, and religion. We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups and those who have experience working with broadly diverse populations to apply.

• A Bachelor’s degree and at least 8 years of relevant professional experience in creatively and sensitively approaching alumni relations and volunteer management in a similarly complex organization
• Demonstrated ability to create, manage and set priorities and to work with diplomacy, care and discretion in particularly charged moments
• Experience in all aspects of community or alumni engagement.
• Strong understanding of most aspects of inclusive community-building principles, practices, techniques, and philosophy in higher education, including an aptitude to work effectively with colleagues at all levels of the college, including trustees, the president, faculty, staff, alumni and students.
• Demonstrated track record in cultivating relationships with volunteer leaders and donors; a strong understanding of the unique characteristics and culture of Williams College and an appreciation of the passion and expectations of its alumni.
• Proven skills and track record in managing staff, systems and complex situations.
• Strong leadership experience and demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, manage and develop a collaborative, compassionate, data-informed and goal-oriented team of professional and administrative staff.
• Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills and written and oral communication skills, including public speaking.
• Ability to analyze data quantitatively and qualitatively.

Additional Information

• Evening and weekend hours will be required at times based on event schedule; some travel required to meet with alumni leaders and volunteers, or to staff events.
• Hybrid work arrangements may be available (up to 2 days per week remote) after an initial in-person period of 6 months for employees based in NY, MA, CT, or VT; subject to review and revision as policy evolves.

Application review will begin on May 8, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled. Pay range is from $120,000 to $138,000, commensurate with experience. Job band 1-C.

Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check, and education when applicable.

Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn and thrive. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please feel free to contact us via phone at (413) 597-2681 or email at hr@williams.edu.