Senior Director, Alumni Relations

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Einstein Donor Outreach, Communications, & Alumni Relations (AVP), the Senior Director of Alumni Relations (Senior Director) plays a key role in expanding existing alumni programs and leading the implementation of innovative initiatives that further foster engagement and affinity among the 11,000 Einstein alumni of all programs including MD, MSTP, PhD, and MS. The incumbent also will manage communications with alumni from each of the described programs above.

The Senior Director collaborates strategically with internal partners across the development team including special events, annual giving, external relations, data services/operations, frontline fundraising staff and other campus partners to advance alumni engagement and fundraising goals. Moreover, this role is critical in supporting the College of Medicine’s overall alumni fundraising efforts, and the Senior Director must be comfortable and conversant with standard practices in annual, planned, and major giving. 

The incumbent will also work closely with the Alumni Association Board of Governors and its subcommittees to help foster strategic engagement opportunities. The Director will supervise 1.5 alumni relations professional.

Program Design

• Develop a comprehensive three-year engagement and communications plan with the AVP for alumni from all programs including MD, MSTP, PhD, and MS.
• Oversee alumni reunion and Alumni Day activities on and off campus.
• Augment alumni programming efforts and introduce new opportunities to connect Einstein alumni/ae especially from MSTP, PhD, and MS programs with students, residents, faculty, campus leadership, and other alumni.
• Support alumni fundraising from all graduates through integration with and collaboration between the annual giving, planned giving, and major gifts teams. 

Volunteer Management

• Manage and strengthen relationships with the Alumni Association Board of Governors by serving as a liaison to campus leadership, educating them on campus priorities and programs, and supporting the work required to meet their mandate (i.e., student mentoring, fundraising, etc.).
• Elevate engagement effort and develop engagement strategies for the Class Ambassadors Program with a focus on reunion classes.
• In collaboration with the AVP, lead quarterly Alumni Association Board of Governors meetings and provide regular reports on fundraising progress, activities, and upcoming initiatives.
• Manage student volunteers.

Event Management

• Work closely with the Special Events team to conceptualize, plan, and execute a series of alumni/ae-driven events that increase participation and raise sights for individual philanthropy.
• Expand signature alumni events including the On Becoming a Physician Ceremony, Student Match Day, and Commencement to engage alumni and create meaningful connections with current students, parents, and families.
• Partner with alumni across the country to develop local chapters and related events.

Data Management and Analysis

• Work with campus partners to obtain and transfer student, parent, and graduate data into the Raiser’s Edge database.
• Use technology effectively to research, organize, analyze, and present data on alumni engagement and giving when necessary. The position is expected to record thoughtful contact reports and deliver timely and effective follow-ups for meaningful interactions with alumni.

Staff Management

• Oversee the day-to-day management of 1.5 alumni relations professionals by clearly defining roles and responsibilities, developing annual goals and metrics, providing hands-on guidance, and helping to secure professional development goals and opportunities.
• Provide constructive feedback to the direct reports.

• Bachelor's Degree and 5+ years of experience in alumni/ae relations and/or fundraising.
• Knowledge and experience in higher education (academic medical experience preferred).
• General working knowledge and understanding of fundraising at all levels.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including writing, editing, and presenting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor staff.
• Ability to operate independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines and goals, and present solutions (vs. identify challenges).
• Ability to collaborate closely with colleagues in development and across departments.
• Strong connection to and passion for Montefiore Einstein's combined mission.
• Must be able to travel occasionally, and work evenings and weekends as needed.