Assistant Director of Family Engagement

Posted on 01/29/2021

Colby College

Waterville, ME

Job Summary:
College Advancement
Full-Time, Exempt, Salaried, Administrative Staff Appointment

Colby’s reputation and resources have expanded dramatically under President David Greene’s leadership. Applications have swelled from slightly more than 5,000 to nearly 14,000 since 2015; the College launched a $750 million comprehensive campaign, Dare Northward, the largest campaign among all liberal arts colleges; 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.

The Office of Communications and Engagement supports the entire Division of College Advancement with events, communications, and constituent relations that are inclusive, innovative, progressive, and proactive in order to support the fundraising team and goals, and to build awareness of the campaign, its priorities, and Colby overall. Responsible for producing, promoting, and curating content that drives front-line fundraising activities; engagement with alumni, families, and friends; stewardship reporting and endowed fund tracking; events (in-person and virtual); and gift documentation, the team thinks comprehensively and strategically about all forms of outreach and engagement as well as the multiplicity of audiences touched by the Division of College Advancement.

Reporting to the associate director of alumni and family engagement, the assistant director assists with creating and administering engagement efforts and related programming for Colby families. The assistant director has a comprehensive understanding of the many ways in which families rely upon and can contribute to the College as it looks to build upon an already successful suite of fundraising and engagement programming for Colby families. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: 

  • Coordinate and provide support from campus for 25+ Colby family events and programs, including weekend and evening events locally and across the U.S.
  • Assist in managing the programming of the Colby Fund for families and the Parents Executive Committee, including as it evolves to be more inclusive
  • Partner with assistant director of alumni engagement to manage Homecoming; coordinate with Office of Campus Events, Facilities Services, and the Department of Athletics throughout the planning process
  • Develop a budget for each event and take a cost-sensitive approach to all planning
  • Develop new and engaging experiences based on family interests and affinity to the College and Dare Northward campaign priorities
  • Develop digital communications for each event and contribute to the annual communications calendar
  • Manage the welcome process for all incoming and transfer families, including in concert with data services the matriculation mailing; welcome mailings; the welcome committee – a committee of 150+ current parent volunteers and their outreach to new families, and events. Manage and direct non-fundraising family programming including all communications such as the email and phone lines, annual Family Guide, e-mail outreach, the Colby families’ website, and social media channels
  • Create and review all communications with the associate director of alumni and family engagement and the advancement communications team
  • Develop, oversee, and support consistent volunteer and student employee management; provide guidelines and training
  • Coordinate communications and support relationship building with existing and potential family engagement institutional collaborators
  • Serve as a visible and accessible representative of family engagement on campus
  • Serve as a key contributor to the True North site; draft and review posts before they are shared
  • Build, grow and manage ColbyConnect for families; approve new users and train campus partners
  • Provide support to Presidential and family giving events as requested
  • Develop supportive partnerships with staff and faculty across campus, including the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, DavisConnects Career Center, Department of Athletics, and Office of Campus Life; enhance opportunities for families to support the goals and aspirations of these departments and the students they serve
  • Routinely gather and analyze data in order to assess program and communications effectiveness at increasing family engagement and commitment
  • Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience
  • A minimum of 1-3 years of event and/or program management experience, preferably in the areas of digital community management
  • Superior written and oral communication skills required, including the ability to write in multiple styles/voices and proactively edit as necessary
  • Highly developed computer skills including extensive experience using Microsoft Office Suite; Google Docs; email, web, and database applications, as well as an interest in and ability to learn new computer programs with ease and in a self-guided manner
  • Proficiency with fundraising/constituent relations databases and technology; experience with a customer relationship management (CRM) and email marketing system
  • Must be flexible, have great attention to detail, show initiative, and have a results-driven philosophy with the ability to problem-solve
  • Unflappable in the face of multiple challenges, highly motivated, disciplined work ethic, a competitive spirit, a creative approach, and a proven ability to lead
  • Excellent organizational skills including experience independently overseeing complex projects and programs
  • Appreciation of Colby’s mission and the ability to effectively communicate it
  • Talent for successful event planning
  • Experience with volunteer management and engagement
  • Discretion and good judgment with confidential information
  • An entrepreneurial spirit and positive attitude
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and achieve ambitious goals
  • 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
  • Willingness and ability to work outside normal working hours
  • 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 associate director of alumni and family engagement, the assistant director of family engagement will have direct contact with various members of the Division of College Advancement, College Administration, families, and students.

To apply for this job please visit www.higheredjobs.com.