Founded in 1960, Berkeley Preparatory School is a co-educational, Episcopal affiliated, independent, college preparatory school with a current enrollment of 1,400 students in grades Pre-K through 12.
At Berkeley, we seek to educate the whole child by nurturing students’ intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical development so they may attain their highest potential. We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse learning community that develops the character of and a strong sense of social responsibility in each student.
Berkeley is located on a beautiful and well-equipped 86-acre campus, consisting of 29 state-of-the-art buildings. Our proud mascot is the Buccaneer. Graduates are passionate, well-rounded individuals who have learned the core values of discipline, diligence and integrity while mastering a rigorous, engaging curriculum and myriad co-curricular opportunities.
Director of Alumni Engagement
The primary responsibility of the Director of Alumni Engagement is to establish measurable connections between alumni and Berkeley Preparatory School, and to provide programs and opportunities that engage and benefit alumni and the school. Working closely and collaboratively with Advancement Office colleagues, faculty, staff, and leadership in both the administration and volunteer groups, the Director of Alumni Engagement builds a network that identifies key alumni for volunteer and philanthropic purposes, develops communications that inform, offers a welcoming environment, constructs programs on and off campus that engage alumni, and creates a culture of connection that will motivate alumni to advocate for and invest in Berkeley Preparatory School. The Director of Alumni Engagement reports to the Director of the Office of Institutional Advancement.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Manage the Office of Alumni Relations, providing leadership, direction, and support
- Develop and implement programs, goals, and objectives to effectively engage and inspire Berkeley alumni communities both locally and nationally
- Oversee Berkeley Connect, our exclusive online networking resource to help alumni expand their professional network
- In collaboration with the Director of the Berkeley Fund and Alumni Annual Giving, lead alumni fundraising efforts including qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding Berkeley alumni in support of the fundraising initiatives
- Create and manage a portfolio of selected alumni who have both propensity and capacity to make major gifts to one or more key strategic priorities
- In collaboration with the Director of the Berkeley Fund and Alumni Annual Giving, develop and oversee a strategic Reunion Giving program
- Plan and implement all event logistics associated with fundraising events each year; including the Berkeley Open golf tournament and Buccaneer Inshore Invasion fishing tournament
- Lead, manage and support the work of the Alumni Executive Committee
- Identify, recruit, train, manage, and provide recognition for alumni representatives, reunion volunteers, and others
Related Activities and Duties:
- Organize and execute alumni events, such as reunions, regional gatherings and networking opportunities
- Increase frequency of alumni visits to campus, financial support of strategic initiatives and attendance at regional events
- Serve as co-editor of the biannual Berkeley Magazine in collaboration with the office of Strategic Communications and Marketing
- Oversee alumni communications, including alumni newsletter, social media and other online platforms
- Collect and maintain accurate records and data on alumni to ensure effective communication and engagement
- Identify, recruit, and prepare alumni speakers for end of year events
- Additional duties as assigned in support of Advancement and other school initiatives
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred
- 3 – 5 years alumni relations experience or relevant leadership experience
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint (or equivalent Google Suite tools), savvy with technology
- Ability to quickly learn CRMs, databases and social fundraising platforms
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a high performance team in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to identify and handle issues quickly and determine contingency plans
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Passion for meeting new people (in person or on the phone) and creating connections
- Ability to travel for multiple days via air and/or car
- Able to work evenings and weekends, especially during high event seasons
Preferred Experience and Skills:
- Substantial experience and a proven track record of success in the management and direction of Alumni Engagement
- Well versed in alumni trends in higher/independent school education
- Demonstrated significant volunteer management experience
- Knowledge of educational fundraising culture
Compensation and Benefits:
This is a full-time position with full benefits. The compensation package will be very competitive nationally and commensurate with experience, degree attainment, and the national independent school and college markets.
All inquiries and nominations are kept confidential.
Berkeley Preparatory School does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, religion, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or national or ancestral origin in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other School- administered programs, or in the administration of its hiring and employment practices. The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.