Assistant Director of Advancement Programs

Bennington College•Bennington, VT

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Bennington College seeks an Assistant Director of Advancement Programs to manage cross-functional projects and initiatives supporting annual giving, alumni and constituent engagement, and special events. Working collaboratively with program directors, the Assistant Director translates divisional priorities into actionable plans, oversees project timelines and communications, and manages implementation and assessment. The position exercises independent judgment in coordinating resources, resolving operational challenges, and recommending improvements to program effectiveness and constituent engagement. Reporting to the Director of Annual Giving, the Assistant Director leads initiatives to grow student and alumni philanthropy, build volunteer leadership, and strengthen constituent networks. The role includes leading the Student Philanthropy Council and programs connected to the Alumni Association, developing targeted outreach, and identifying ways to increase participation, philanthropic support, and long-term connection with the College. The position is primarily on-site. Hybrid working arrangements may be considered at the manager’s discretion to meet operational needs. Full-time hours may vary with advancement events and initiatives, with occasional evening or weekend commitments and periodic overnight travel for donor, alumni, and College functions. The annual salary starts at $58,000. Employment offers are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, including liberal arts, communications, or business.
At least two years of progressive experience in advancement, development, alumni relations, constituent engagement, communications, event management, higher education, nonprofit organizations, or a related field.
Valid, current driver’s license.
Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Strong organizational, time-management, project-coordination, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work effectively amid changing priorities, overlapping deadlines, and occasional last-minute needs.
Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and customer-service skills.
Initiative, sound judgment, professionalism, and ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
Ability to work independently on assigned responsibilities and collaborate effectively as part of a team.
Ability to represent the College with confidence, diplomacy, and professionalism and engage effectively with diverse constituents.
Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Familiarity with social media, digital communications, and online engagement tools.
Commitment to exceptional service for alumni, donors, volunteers, students, parents and families, and campus partners.

Nice To Haves

Experience with constituent relationship management, fundraising, email marketing, event management, or project management systems.
Experience with Raiser's Edge, MyEmma, or similar platforms is desirable.

Responsibilities

Manage assigned projects and initiatives across Annual Giving, Alumni and Constituent Engagement, and Special Events, translating program priorities into work plans, timelines, communications, and deliverables.
Oversee implementation, resolve operational challenges, and recommend improvements to assigned initiatives.
Develop and implement student and recent-alumni philanthropy initiatives in partnership with the Director of Annual Giving.
Lead the Student Philanthropy Council, student class-giving campaigns, and related communications, engagement events, peer-to-peer outreach, and stewardship activities.
Develop and implement targeted solicitation and engagement strategies for assigned annual-giving audiences, especially students, recent alumni, and affinity groups.
Use segmentation, giving history, and engagement data to acquire donors, renew support, and encourage increased participation in the Bennington Fund.
Manage assigned alumni volunteer and engagement initiatives with the Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement, including Alumni Association and Executive Committee projects, regional chapters, and class-based programs.
Recruit, orient, and support volunteers; establish project goals and timelines; and maintain regular communication to advance their work.
Develop and manage alumni-student mentoring, career-connection, and networking opportunities in collaboration with campus partners.
Manage assigned components of alumni, donor, and institutional events, including regional and virtual programs, cultivation and stewardship events, Commencement, Convocation, The 24 Hour Plays, Reunion, and Inauguration.
Oversee event timelines, logistics, constituent communications, registration and attendee management, vendor coordination, and follow-up in collaboration with the Special Events team.
Develop and execute communications plans with Communications and advancement program directors; manage content, audience segmentation, production schedules, and distribution through newsletters, social media, video, websites, and other channels; assess responses and recommend adjustments.
Manage designated shared advancement email accounts and outreach processes, establishing workflows for timely responses, follow-up, and consistent messaging.
Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate student workers and ambassadors; set assignments and expectations, provide guidance, and support their development as College representatives.
Track and analyze fundraising, engagement, communications, and event results; establish measures of success with program directors and Advancement Services, prepare progress reports, and recommend improvements.
Build and maintain productive relationships with alumni, donors, parents and families, students, volunteers, campus partners, and vendors; serve as a primary contact for assigned initiatives and coordinate across departments.
Handle confidential donor, alumni, student, and institutional information with discretion and sound judgment, and ensure assigned activities follow College policies and advancement practices.
Undertake additional responsibilities and special projects that advance divisional priorities.