Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement

Job Description

With approximately 330 students in grades 7-12, Cathedral recently completed a successful $60,000,000 Cathedral Now, Cathedral Forever endowment campaign to secure the long-term viability of our mission. With enrollment up 30 percent over 5 years, the opening of the new Daley Center for Campus Ministry, championship athletic programs, and the addition of 9 new AP courses over 3 years, Cathedral is primed for an exciting future as it approaches its centennial celebration! Learn more at cathedralboston.org

Position Summary:

Cathedral seeks a motivated and outgoing professional to build and strengthen relationships with its community in support of the school's mission. The Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement will join a team that executes a robust portfolio of fundraising and cultivation events annually. Key events include the Adopt-A-Student Foundation Gala, the Adopt-A-Student Foundation Golf tournament, the President's Society Reception, Cathedral Day, Golden Diploma, and Hall of Fame Celebration. This position will also be in charge of developing a comprehensive alumni communications program. The ideal candidate will have 2-4 years of relevant experience and is highly motivated, organized, proactive, and detail-oriented, with an understanding of and interest in special event fundraising and stewardship programs. The person in this role will be an integral part of a dynamic, creative, and fast-paced development team that plans and executes a range of special events throughout the year.

Key Responsibilities:

- Develop and implement event plans and strategies, ensuring that events are executed seamlessly and within budget.

- Work closely with internal teams, vendors, and contractors to coordinate logistics, marketing, and communication efforts for events. Point person for the creation of all printed materials, website content, online media, and more.

- Establish and maintain relationships with key event participants, including donors, board members, committee members, and program participants.

- Collect and analyze data on event participation and engagement to inform strategic planning for future events.

- Develop the student ambassador program and prepare students for donor-facing events.

- Grow fundraising event revenue each year.

- Provide leadership and direction for alumni outreach initiatives, including communication and programming.

- Establish and build relationships with alumni locally, regionally, and nationally; maintain regular communication with alumni via face-to-face contact, phone, email blasts, alumni web pages, social media, and print publications.

- Develop and implement a strategy that focuses on the growth of alumni participation to achieve the school's fundraising goals.

- Enhance the alumni database; capture contact information, biographical, and career information of alumni via surveys, events, and other means.

- Manage alumni ambassadors and identify, cultivate, and steward volunteers.

- Identify opportunities for constituents, including alumni and parents, to share their professional expertise with students and faculty.

- Engage the senior class in preparation for their role as members of the alumni network.

- Maintain high visibility in the school community, attending a variety of student, parent, admissions, and alumni events.

- Pursue professional development opportunities to help establish event and alumni engagement best practices.

- Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills & Qualifications:

- 2-4 years of successful direct fundraising experience, preferably in an academic setting

- Bachelor's degree required

- Commitment to Cathedral's mission and values

- Detail-oriented, with strong organizational, analytical, and planning skills

- Strong familiarity with development systems and procedural best practices in fundraising

- Ability to manage several tasks simultaneously, prioritizing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines effectively, while working with a high level of integrity and strong work ethic

- Ability to work creatively to match donor interests with the school's priorities and build meaningful relationships with individuals for purposes of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of gifts to the school

- Creative thinking and ability to see new opportunities and reinvent practices

- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills

- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products; experience with Raiser's Edge a plus

- Collaborative approach to supporting leadership and all school constituents

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to Jon Van Beaver, at jvanbeaver@cathedralhighschool.net

About the Employer

Cathedral High School is a Catholic, urban, and coeducational college preparatory school committed to excellence and social justice. Within an environment that encourages our scholars to reach their full potential, Cathedral students are expected to make lasting and powerful impacts in their local, national, and global communities. Our mission, since our establishment in 1926, is to deliver a rigorous and holistic education that is available for all families, regardless of the ability to pay. Rooted in Gospel values that include compassion, respect and service, we embrace the rich diversity of our community and foster a culture of inclusion, opportunity, acceptance and empowerment.