Position Focus:

The Yale Alumni Association (YAA) is responsible for university-wide alumni relations and for events, programs, initiatives, and other opportunities to strengthen alumni relationships with Yale. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Senior Director oversees alumni programs and activities for Yale College Classes to develop and strengthen alumni ties to the university through class organizations and reunions and serves on YAA’s senior leadership team.

Leading a team of 8 full-time staff, provide strategic direction for Yale College Class alumni program through some 75 active class organizations. Initiate and lead long-term planning to identify new programs and improve existing ones, including expanding online programming options. Assess outcomes relative to YAA and university objectives. Develop strategy for managing class volunteer expectations regarding staff support.

Oversee planning and execution of annual Yale College Reunions ($3.8M in expenditures and attracting 7,300 attendees to campus), including program development, budgeting, volunteer training oversight, and marketing. Lead the reunion planning team’s annual cycle of goal setting, planning, and process improvement. Build and enhance partnerships with other university staff and departments (e.g., Development, Hospitality, Facilities) to leverage reunion resources and improve results.

Direct volunteer management for class leaders, including a) class organization and development b) financial management of class treasuries (accounts held at Yale with 501(c)(3) status and approximately $1.8M annual income), including dues solicitation and class expenditures; and c) non-reunion event planning (over 1,500 participants annually). Develop and market online resources/toolkits for class leaders on planning in-person and online events, class leadership recruitment and succession planning, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Collaborate with colleagues to advance YAA priorities, to increase impact of class programming, and to encourage partnerships among classes and other groups, such as regional clubs and shared interest group chapters, including the sharing of best practices for post-event/reunion surveys and volunteer training and management.

Supervise Yale College classes staff team and set goals for staff performance. Develop standards for volunteer management, program development and execution, and other staff functions. Provide mentoring and development opportunities.

Oversee development and creation of models, guidelines, policies, and training materials for class-based programs that reflect alumni relations objectives and best practices for volunteer organizations. Conduct benchmarking and market research through professional conferences and other networking.

Participate in and staff YAA and other campus activities such as the YAA Assembly, including evenings and weekends as necessary.
 
The information provided in the Essential Duties below is generic in nature and so some may not be applicable; prospective applicants will find the information in the above Position Focus to be most relevant to the position.

Essential Duties

1. Directs, plans, and administers programs for the University alumni volunteers/leaders.
2. Develops effective strategies for interacting with, and supporting, alumni groups and for enlisting them in support the University activities that may range from admissions to mentoring students, among others. Works to strengthen and support the work of alumni associations.
3. Serves as a key resource for alumni leaders and other volunteers, advising on best practices in terms of mission, governance, group structure, strategic planning, and outreach. Represents the University at key alumni events and attend local board meetings, offering counsel whenever appropriate and represent the University.
4. Works closely with the local leadership in all ways: from logistics for events and technology/Web needs to strategic planning, budgeting, program development, and communications. Ensures coordination and integration of regional activities with University programs and services; capitalizing on opportunities for crossover where appropriate.
5. Partners with volunteer leaders to assess needs and interests for local alumni programs and services. Advises on possible improvements and development of new programs that encourage alumni involvement and interaction. Offers guidance regarding program content.
6. Identifies and implements ways to involve faculty and notable Yale graduates programs, and work with the University Admissions to further its efforts with admitted students. Develops performance and accountability goals for programs, services, events, and membership.
7. Works with key associations to ensure optimal volunteer engagement and leadership, identifying and recruiting talented alumni for volunteer roles. Inspire, inform, and motivate through regular communication.
8. Guides volunteer leadership in seeking out qualified volunteers and ensuring succession planning. Develops and/or recommends communication plans including mailings, event and service promotion, and effective use of fliers, email messages, and/or Web sites.
9. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in a related field and five years of related work experience.

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Excellent leadership, strategic planning, negotiating, supervisory, and consensus-building skills. Ability to build productive relationships with staff and volunteers to contribute to YAA’s mission. Ability to lead teams and work successfully in a fast-paced environment.

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Demonstrated ability to innovate and to manage projects of all sizes on budget, including complex events. Ability to serve as the key decision-maker while meeting the needs of multiple stakeholders.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Demonstrated ability to prioritize and meet multiple, competing responsibilities and deadlines. Ability to keep priorities aligned while maintaining professionalism, flexibility, and a sense of humor.

Required Skill/Ability 4:

Superior interpersonal skills. Appreciation and respect for principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ability to engage with diverse audiences (age, gender, nationality, race/ethnicity, profession, etc.).

Required Skill/Ability 5:

Outstanding verbal and written communications skills. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain strict confidentiality.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

Experience in alumni relations, volunteer management, educational programming, nonprofits or related field. Demonstrated expertise in supervising staff, leading teams, and working with volunteers in an academic or nonprofit setting. Event planning expertise and thorough knowledge of the University and its academic programs strongly preferred.

Weekend Hours Required?

Occasional

Evening Hours Required?

Occasional

Drug Screen

No

Health Screening

No

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. Please visit www.yale.edu/hronline/careers/screening/faqs.html for additional information on the background check requirements and process.

Posting Disclaimer

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.

Affirmative Action Statement:

Yale University considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does Yale discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects people from sex discrimination in educational programs and activities at institutions that receive federal financial assistance. Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to the University’s Title IX Coordinator, at TitleIX@yale.edu, or to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 8th Floor, Five Post Office Square, Boston MA 02109-3921. Telephone: 617.289.0111, Fax: 617.289.0150, TDD: 800.877.8339, or Email: ocr.boston@ed.gov.

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus