Associate Director of Class Engagement & Giving (Reunion)

Amherst College•Amherst, NY

36d•Hybrid

About The Position

Amherst College invites applications for the Associate Director of Class Engagement & Giving (Reunion) position. This is a full-time, year-round role focused on advancing Amherst College’s culture of connection, participation, and philanthropy. The position involves designing and delivering class communications and programs, planning and executing class- and reunion-related events, and supporting volunteer recruitment, training, and outreach. It also includes providing leadership and strategic coordination for special projects such as annual giving tactics, Giving Day initiatives, and volunteer communication efforts, often in collaboration with Advancement Communications and other divisional colleagues. Reporting to the Director of Class Engagement & Giving, the Associate Director manages overall Reunion operations, including logistics, class & college programs, communications, and campus partner coordination, as well as developing resources for class liaisons. The role requires an experienced and strategically minded professional who builds strong relationships, manages volunteers effectively, and executes programs seamlessly, demonstrating sound judgment, clear communication, and autonomy. Advancement staff are expected to foster a positive, solutions-focused workplace culture and participate in "all-hands-on-deck" events that may require occasional evening and weekend work, such as Reunion and Homecoming. This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, with regular on-campus presence expected.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree.
3 to 5 years of related experience.
Equivalent combination of education/experience in lieu of minimum education and related experience; 5-7 years of skills related experience.
A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in alumni engagement, advancement, event planning, nonprofit programs, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience planning and executing events, including project management, logistics, and on-site coordination.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to take initiative, work independently, and collaborate effectively as part of a team.
A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and a proven record of engaging stakeholders who hold diverse backgrounds.
Occasional weekend and evening hours required.
Occasional travel for volunteer management, regional programs support, and/or professional development.
Successful completion of required reference and background checks.
An acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check.
Valid driver’s license and successful completion of Five College Risk Management driver credentialing program.

Nice To Haves

Managing volunteer committees or boards, and/or experience with fundraising.
Proficiency in Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Calendar) and/or Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Experience with a constituent relationship management (CRM) system such as Slate, Salesforce, or similar; familiarity with database querying.
Experience with communication platforms, including email marketing, texting, web content management, etc.
Experience with event registration tools.
Experience in higher education, particularly in alumni relations, annual giving, advancement, or admissions.

Responsibilities

Oversee and lead Reunion planning and coordination.
Design and execute a compelling, high-quality program attentive to emerging College priorities, including programming that showcases Amherst alumni, faculty, and administrators and inspires connection and philanthropy.
Manage reunion logistics, including registration systems, facilities, vendors, staffing, technology, and on-site operations.
Coordinate with colleagues overseeing housing, student workers, reunion giving, and other aspects to ensure alignment and manage the overall project.
Manage reunion communications strategy, including invitations, event webpages, email and text campaigns, and print materials, in collaboration with Advancement Communications.
Maintain comprehensive, accurate records, timelines, and documentation for all assigned class cohorts and volunteer groups, ensuring strong administrative management and planning continuity.
Support the planning and execution of Homecoming and other on-campus alumni programs as assigned by the Director.
Manage a portfolio of alumni classes, serving as a primary staff liaison for class engagement and giving, including: Reunion planning, Class Notes & In Memory pieces, class giving and Amherst Fund class appeals, and other class projects that foster connection and affinity within your cohort.
Cultivate, support, and steward alumni volunteer leaders (e.g., reunion chairs, subcommittee chairs, and planning committee members; class officers including class presidents, vice presidents, secretaries, and treasurers; and class agents & associate agents) by setting clear expectations, providing strategic guidance, and sharing timely insights that advance participation and giving goals.
Lead regular volunteer meetings, deliver data-informed recommendations, and ensure volunteers have the tools, information, and support needed to be successful.
Develop and execute class-based communications and engagement plans that strengthen class identity, deepen alumni connection, and reinforce the College’s mission.
Partner with Advancement colleagues to support volunteer training, communications, and reporting resources that strengthen engagement and participation pipelines.
Partner with colleagues across Advancement to support data-informed class engagement and giving strategies that advance institutional priorities.
Manage class communications calendars and contribute to content development that reinforces class identity, participation, and connection to Amherst.
Use data and analytics (CRM systems, Slate, internal dashboards) to inform strategy, track progress, and evaluate engagement and giving outcomes.
Partner with Advancement Communications to highlight impact stories, Reunion milestones, and donor engagement moments across assigned class cohorts.