The Blake School | Hopkins, MN | February 21, 2020
Position Overview:
Recognized as one of the nation’s premiere independent schools, The Blake School provides an excellent education in a diverse and supportive environment for over 1,300 PK-12 students on three unique campuses in the Minneapolis metropolitan area. For over 100 years, Blake has produced thoughtful, well prepared graduates who have gone on to great success locally, nationally and internationally and who continue to engage with the school. The Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement must be goal-oriented, self-motivated, demonstrate excellent communication skills and inter-cultural competency, and be strongly aligned to working collaboratively with others. The Director supports the philanthropic purpose of Institutional Advancement (IA) through integrated support of the department’s fundraising goals.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Alumni Engagement:
Lead the alumni engagement program by developing and implementing a strategy in support of Blake’s mission and the goals of Institutional Advancement. Primary aspects include leadership of alumni volunteers, networking between constituencies and development of engaging communication.
Guide and support the Board of the Alumni Association to deliver programming that builds pride and ownership in the school’s mission and success.
Lead comprehensive planning for Reunion, guiding a cross-functional team to execute all aspects of reunion, including reunion giving.
Lead programming that meets the needs of alumni throughout their life spans with emphasis on new- and young-alumni segments, for whom connectivity with the school and networking is essential.
Parent Engagement:
Lead the parent and guardian engagement program by developing and implementing a strategy that supports the mission of Blake and goals of Institutional Advancement. Primary aspects include building strong connectivity between the parent and guardian community and philanthropic opportunities at Blake.
Liaise with the Parent Association to increase communication and partnership for the purpose of strengthening Blake’s philanthropic programs.
Collaborate with annual giving program to assist with Parent Engagement and Giving Committee.
Develop outreach to maximize connections with grandparents, former parents and guardians.
In Addition:
Manage a small, targeted portfolio of leadership donors for annual and capital giving opportunities.
Seek involvement of alumni, parents and guardians representing a wide diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and accomplishments to ensure programs reflect the entire Blake community.
Participate as a full partner in Institutional Advancement, working within department structure for team meetings, director-level leadership, and department-wide goal setting.
Experience and Skills:
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree
Four to seven years successful experience in alumni engagement, fundraising or related field
Knowledge of and enthusiasm for independent schools
Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with teams
Demonstrated ability managing volunteers
Demonstrated ability to manage concurrent projects, prioritize, follow through on long- and short-term projects and meet deadlines
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Demonstrated ability to develop compelling communications and events
Attention to detail, accuracy and appropriate thoroughness
Strong computer skills, including MS Office tools, particularly Excel and Word
Ability to maintain confidentiality and good judgment
Ability to work effectively in a mission-driven, fast-paced, complex and team-oriented department
Willingness to take on new projects as needed
Ability to travel and staff evening and weekend events
Preferred:
Alumna or alumnus of The Blake School
Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge or Veracross database system
Experience soliciting gifts for annual and capital projects
Interested candidates can apply here: https://blakeschool.atsondemand.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=512201.viewjobdetail&CID=512201&JID=724535&BUID=2085