Associate Director of Community and Alumni Engagement

Full-time, 12 Month, Exempt - Staff

Key School seeks an Associate Director of Alumni Engagement and Special Events for the 2025-2026 academic year. The Associate Director of Alumni Engagement and Special Events will play a pivotal role in fostering strong connections within the Key School community through dynamic alumni programs and signature events. This position is responsible for developing and executing initiatives that engage alumni, strengthen school traditions, and enhance community involvement. The ideal candidate will have experience in event planning, program development, and relationship management, with a passion for advancing the mission of Key School.

Job Responsibilities:

Alumni Engagement

• Develop and implement a comprehensive alumni relations strategy to build lifelong engagement with Key School.
• Organize alumni-focused events, including reunions, regional gatherings, and networking opportunities to strengthen connections.
• Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to create engaging alumni newsletters, social media campaigns, and other communications.
• Establish and maintain an alumni volunteer program, including mentorship initiatives and advisory councils.

Events Management

• Plan, coordinate, and execute donor-centered special events, including the Annapolis Book Festival, Key Auction, and other donor recognition events.
• Manage event logistics such as budgeting, vendor relationships, venue selection, catering, and scheduling.
• Collaborate with cross-departmental teams to ensure seamless event execution and alignment with organizational branding and goals.
• Recruit and manage volunteer committees to support event planning and execution.
• Serves as the school liaison to the Parents’ Association. Coordinates Parents’ Association meetings and directly supports Parents’ Association leadership.

Donor Engagement and Stewardship

• Build and maintain relationships with individual donors and sponsors.
• Collaborate with the Advancement team to identify and cultivate prospective donors for leadership and major giving opportunities.
• Provide personalized follow-up to event attendees to enhance donor loyalty and engagement.

Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions, giving histories, and event participation in the donor database.
• Track and report on annual giving and event metrics, providing insights and recommendations for improvement.
• Develop metrics and track progress toward alumni engagement, providing regular reports.
• Ensure all activities align with organizational compliance, policies, and ethical standards.

Ideal Candidate will be:

• A strong project manager with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• An excellent writer with strong verbal communication skills, including storytelling and persuasive messaging.
• Proficient in donor databases (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) and event management tools.
• Proficient in MS Office and Google Suite, with advanced knowledge of Excel.
• Able to work independently and within a team-oriented environment.
• Able to analyze and interpret data to inform strategic decision-making.
• Creative, resourceful, and detail-oriented, with a commitment to excellence.
• A good communicator, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
• Committed to the mission and values of Key School.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in fundraising, annual giving, or event management, preferably in a nonprofit environment.
• Proven track record of success in donor cultivation and campaign execution

Physical Requirements:

The demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Daily desk work, including significant amounts of telephone and computer time; as part of daily routines and the ability to lift and transport event materials (up to 25 lbs).

Compensation/Benefits:

Key School offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, a generous 403(b) Plan, 10 Vacation Days, 10 Sick Days, 3 Personal Days, and much more.

The salary range for this position is $65,000-$70,000 and is based upon several factors that include, but not limited to the candidate’s years of work experience, education and skills. There are additional opportunities on campus for coaching and various stipends as well.

Work Schedule/Travel

Occasionally, there may be business and school functions that will require your presence to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends for events and donor meetings.

About the School

Founded in 1958 by professors from St. John's College, Key School engages children from 2.5 years of age through grade 12 in a progressive, coeducational, college-preparatory program on its picturesque 15-acre campus 4 miles from downtown Annapolis.

Key School is a dynamic, tight-knit community deeply committed to ensuring students are supported and challenged to excel educationally and personally and be confident, courageous, critical thinkers prepared to engage with the world. Our Community is as diverse as it is warm and welcoming.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging:

Key is particularly interested in candidates with experience in creating inclusive school settings and who are culturally responsive. We are seeking candidates with a commitment to educational equity and justice. We learn and grow both as individuals and as a school community when students and adults of diverse backgrounds, abilities and identities develop an understanding of and respect for our commonalities and differences. Together, we have created a community that reflects diversity across a broad spectrum and will help fulfill Key’s promise to prepare our students for the challenges and responsibilities they will assume in an increasingly connected yet diverse and pluralistic world. The diverse student body is 39% students of color, and 32% of our students receive financial aid to create a socioeconomically diverse community. Learn more about our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, at Belonging at Key.

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, completed application, and three professional references by selecting the link.

Salary : $65,000 - $70,000