Executive Director of Alumnae Relations - Wesleyan College

Wesleyan College is a small private liberal arts college in Macon, GA. Founded in 1836 as the first college in the world to grant degrees to women, Wesleyan takes seriously the education of women both in and out of the classroom. Our small campus provides opportunities for individual attention and leadership.

Reporting to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, the Executive Director of Alumnae Relations is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive alumnae engagement strategy to foster lifelong relationships between the college and its alumnae. This position will oversee alumnae communications, events, and volunteer programs to enhance alumnae involvement and support for the college’s mission and goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Leadership:

• Develop and implement a strategic plan for alumnae relations that aligns with the college’s overall objectives.
• Lead and manage the alumnae relations team, providing direction, support, and professional development.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, faculty, and staff to ensure alumnae relations efforts are integrated with college-wide initiatives.

Alumnae Engagement:

• Design and execute programs and events to engage alumnae, including reunions, regional gatherings, webinars, and networking opportunities.
• Foster relationships with key alumnae, identifying opportunities for them to contribute to the college through mentoring, volunteering, and philanthropy.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of an alumnae database to ensure accurate records of alumnae engagement and contributions.

Communication and Outreach:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communication plan to keep alumnae informed and engaged, including newsletters, social media, and the alumnae magazine.
• Work closely with the marketing and communications team to ensure consistent branding and messaging across all alumnae communications.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for alumnae inquiries and concerns, ensuring timely and effective responses.

Volunteer Management:

• Recruit, train, and support alumnae volunteers to participate in various college initiatives and programs.
• Develop and oversee volunteer recognition programs to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of alumnae volunteers.
• Collaborate with college departments to identify and promote volunteer opportunities for alumnae.

Fundraising and Development:

• Partner with the advancement team to identify and engage potential alumnae donors.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Monitor and analyze alumnae engagement metrics to assess the effectiveness of programs and initiatives.
• Prepare regular reports on alumnae relations activities and outcomes for senior leadership and the board of trustees.
• Utilize data to inform strategic planning and continuous improvement of alumnae relations efforts.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in alumnae relations, advancement, or a related field, with progressive leadership responsibilities.
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit organizations is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement innovative engagement strategies.
• Proficiency in database management and familiarity with CRM systems.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Passion for the mission and values of the college.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion.
• Collaborative and inclusive approach to working with colleagues and alumnae.
• Creative and proactive problem-solving abilities.