Job Description
Department:Engagement - AdvancementPay Rate Type:SalaryEmployee Type:Job Summary:Colby's reputation and resources have expanded dramatically under President David Greene's leadership. Applications have swelled from slightly more than 5,000 to over 19,000 since 2015; the College launched a $750 million comprehensive campaign, Dare Northward, the largest campaign among all liberal arts colleges and announced an extension of that campaign in October 2023 to $1 billion; the College's leaders and innovative programs have an increasingly visible presence in the national media; the city of Waterville is being transformed through a partnership with Colby and more than $100 million in collective investments; the Colby College Museum of Art, one of the finest college art museums in the country, is a destination for study and tourism alike; and faculty research and scholarship have been highlighted by multiple outlets.


Reporting to the Director of Engagement, the assistant/associate director of engagement is an essential member of the Alumni and Donor Engagement team in College Advancement. The primary focus of the Engagement team is to increase alumni/family affiliation, pride, and increase investments of time, talent, and ultimately philanthropic support, primarily through the Colby Fund. The assistant/associate director will be responsible for building relationships with key cohorts such as alumni and/or families, developing and promoting volunteer and engagement opportunities, and creating and maintaining a sustainable structure for affinity groups and/or regional networks to emerge and thrive.


As part of an overall portfolio of work focused on focused on engagement efforts with our Colby community, the assistant/associate director will develop a comprehensive understanding of the many ways in which alumni, families, and friends rely upon and can contribute to the College and use that knowledge to build upon an already successful suite of engagement strategies and tactics (encompassing events, communications, volunteer management, and participation in annual giving). Specific focus areas for the position will be determined once the candidate is selected and the business needs are fully evaluated, but could include: Regional programming through clubs; liaising with centers, institutes, and labs; affinity programs; DavisConnects; and Colby's Island Campus programming through Advancement.


We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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  In partnership with the Director of Engagement and other Advancement collaborators, develop and oversee the execution of an engagement strategy for assigned cohorts. This engagement strategy will include events, communications, volunteer management, and assisting with participation-level giving campaigns to drive support for the Colby Fund.

  
  

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  Help develop new and engaging experiences based on alumni interests and affinity to the College and Dare Northward campaign priorities.

  
  


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  Recruit and manage volunteers, create volunteer structures, drive awareness and attendance through peer and other outreach and create clear pathways for alumni to participate in volunteer and leadership activities.

  
  


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  Manage an assigned portfolio of engagement prospects with an expectation that those prospects, when appropriate, also get solicited for the Colby Fund each year.

  
  


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  Coordinate and attend alumni, family, and friends event programming (virtual and in-person), including Homecoming, regional events, and Reunion. May include event planning, RSVP management, and event marketing materials; will always include collaboration with the Advancement Events team.

  
  


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  Develop, often in partnership with the Advancement Marketing and Communications team, cohort based communications, updates to content on the Advancement website, etc.

  
  


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  Serve as a visible and accessible representative of alumni engagement on campus.

  
  


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  Develop supportive partnerships with staff and faculty across campus as needed, including the Campus Events, Facilities, Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, DavisConnects Career Center, Department of Athletics, and Office of Campus Life; enhance opportunities for alumni to advance the goals and aspirations of these departments and the students they serve.

  
  


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  Assist in managing the programming of the Colby Fund for alumni, particularly during the annual True Blue campaign and during cross-Advancement pushes.

  
  


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  Routinely gather and analyze data in order to assess program and communications effectiveness at increasing engagement and, ultimately, support of the Colby Fund.

  
  


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  Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

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  Bachelor's degree or the equivalent in education and experience.

  
  


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  A minimum of 1-3 years (3-5 for associate director) of event and/or program management experience, preferably with experience in digital community management.

  
  


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  Strong written and oral communication skills required, including the ability to proactively copy edit as necessary

  
  


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  Experience with volunteer management and engagement is preferred.

  
  


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  Experience with event planning is preferred.

  
  


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  Well-developed computer skills required; experience with Microsoft Office Suite; Google suite, and database applications preferred, as well as an interest in and ability to learn new computer programs with ease and in a self-guided manner.

  
  


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  Proficiency with fundraising/constituent relations databases and technology preferred; experience with a customer relationship management (CRM) and email marketing system is a plus.

  
  


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  Must be flexible, have great attention to detail, show initiative, and have a results-driven philosophy with the ability to problem-solve.

  
  


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  Unflappable in the face of multiple challenges, highly motivated, disciplined work ethic, a competitive spirit, and a creative approach.

  
  


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  Excellent organizational skills.

  
  


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  Appreciation of Colby's mission and the ability to effectively communicate it.

  
  


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  Discretion and good judgment with confidential information.

  
  


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  Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and achieve ambitious goals.

  
  


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  Proven ability to work collaboratively as a member of a diverse community and make an impact in a complex, fast-paced, and team-oriented environment.

  
  


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  Willingness and ability to work outside normal working hours.

  
  


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  Must be willing to travel; valid driver's license required and must meet the College's Fleet Safety Policy requirements.

  
  

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

Reporting to the director of engagement, the assistant/associate director of engagement will have direct contact with various members of the Division of College Advancement, College Administration, and students.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Ability to move around campus and interact with faculty, staff, families, students, alumni, and outside vendors regularly is crucial. Some travel and work outside of normal business hours are required.

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply" button on the Colby Careers website. Please submit a letter of interest including salary requirements, resume, and the contact information of three professional references.

A review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Colby is a private, coeducational liberal arts college that admits students and makes employment decisions on the basis of the individual's qualifications to contribute to Colby's educational objectives and institutional needs. Colby College does not discriminate in its educational programs or employment on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or military or veteran's status. Colby is an equal opportunity employer and operates in accordance with federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Colby complies with Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in an institution's education programs and activities. Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to Colby's Title IX coordinator or to the federal Office of Civil Rights. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

For more information about the College, please visit our website:

www.colby.edu
.