Associate Director, Affinity & Regional Engagement

About University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation

Established in 2003, the University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation (UMAF), a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, exists to raise philanthropic funds in support of the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s mission and highest aspirations. Located on the Amherst campus and wholly dedicated to supporting the University’s mission, UMAF is a separately governed nonprofit organization with its own health, wellness, and retirement benefits. UMAF serves the University of Massachusetts Amherst community by serving as a best practices resource for fundraising strategy and implementation. 

About the role

The AD will partner with the Director of Affinity & Regional Engagement to sustain existing and launch new programming that meets the needs of the global alumni community as well as the university; existing programs include Greater Boston Alumni Network, Cape Cod Alumni Network, and the UMass Minuteman Marching Band, among many other alumni groups. The AD will also work with Alumni Relations colleagues leading affinity and regional alumni groups, industry clusters, early engagement, and lifelong learning programs to identify and execute cross-programming opportunities and to clearly communicate with alumni about available volunteer opportunities across the UMass Amherst community. 

There is significant opportunity to foster relationships with UMAF colleagues that support 10 schools and colleges, the Mt. Ida campus, Henry M. Thomas III Center at Springfield and other units such as the libraries and athletics  as well as the UMass Amherst Alumni Association engagement strategies, all designed with intentional focus on maximizing constituent involvement throughout the entire student to alumni life cycle, and with strategic inclusion of donor and prospect cultivation and stewardship opportunities throughout.

Our ideal candidate has successfully held a high-volume portfolio of relationship management and programmatic oversight with multiple complex and competing priorities, including recruiting, training, and cultivating key volunteer relationships as well as developed and executed strategic events. Externally oriented and socially adept, they will have the presence, energy, and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with UMass Amherst alumni volunteers from various backgrounds, high profile donors and industry leaders, and University administrators. 

The AD will represent the University and the Alumni Relations team in a professional, enthusiastic manner with a customer service focus. As a member of UMAF, the AD must grow to understand and support philanthropy's role in engaging the greater UMass Amherst community.

Location: This is a full-time hybrid position and is open to employees in select US states: Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.

What you'll do

ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS (50%)

• Plan and execute affinity and regional programming strategies as assigned
• Develop associated engagement plans in accordance with key unit priorities through events, programs, and communications
• Utilize engagement opportunities to deliver strategic programs, events and messaging in support of UMAF initiatives, campaign efforts and fundraising goals
• Monitor and execute assignments of all program logistics, marketing efforts, and donor stewardship opportunities as appropriate
• Identify and engage prominent alumni, prospects, key affinity and network groups, and corporate contacts to encourage lifelong engagement with UMass Amherst, support students and recent graduates, and promote the impact UMass Amherst has nationally and internationally.

VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT (40%)

• Support, recruit, and advise multiple networks' committees and general volunteers
• Assist with program development, implementation, and budget management
• Ensure organizational compliance with UMAF policies and procedures
• Represent the organizations to UMAF leadership.
• Cultivate and mobilize an active base of volunteer support for alumni and student affinity and regional networks through personal contacts and ongoing relationship management
• Coordinate placement of volunteers in appropriate opportunities
• Support development and delivery of ongoing volunteer communications, training opportunities, and stewardship activities.

ADDITIONAL (10%)

• UMAF is building and growing, and this position will support those efforts with other duties and projects as assigned from time to time.

Qualifications

• Four years of relevant and progressively responsible experience with alumni and donor relations and/or volunteer/program/event management.
• Experience within a higher education or nonprofit environment preferred.
• Effective volunteer manager with the ability to recruit, train, engage, steward, recognize and lead volunteers toward meeting shared goals.
• Detail-oriented project manager with a keen eye for detail and accuracy, and able to handle multiple competing priorities. 
• Experience using CRM and project management platforms with a preference for Salesforce and/or Ellucian Advance. Experience with engagement and volunteer management software such as PeopleGrove, Get Connected, and iModules is helpful.
• Ability to collaborate with others while exhibiting a high level of creative energy. 
• Proven ability to take initiative and build strong, productive relationships.
• Superior verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with an emphasis on tact and diplomacy, and the ability to maintain confidentiality. 
• Champions a culture where opinions are welcomed and valued and the ability to effectively work and interact respectfully within an inclusive learning environment.
• Sense of humor and life balance; an optimistic personality with a dedication to the highest standards of professionalism.
• Possess a valid driver's license and be able to travel and work evenings and weekends occasionally.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience. 

· 

Note: We’re passionate about building a diverse team. If your experience is close, but not an exact match, please consider applying. Experience comes in many forms, and skills are transferable. We know that diverse teams make better decisions and deliver better results, which is why we’re committed to adding new perspectives and encourage everyone to apply. 

BENEFITS

• 20 vacation days, 12 holidays, 12 sick days, 5 personal days, and 2 office closure days.
• 4-day summer work week.
• 401(k) plan. You contribute 5% and receive a 10% match.
• Health insurance packages for medical, dental, and vision.
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave to use within 1 year of childbirth. An additional 6 weeks available for the birthing parent. Part-time work for full-time pay for the first 4 weeks post parental leave.
• Learn more about our benefits.

Proposed Annual Salary Range:
 $75,000-83,000

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION 

At the UMass Amherst Foundation, we understand the value that diversity, equity, and inclusion bring to our workplace, our constituents, and our community. View our DEI Statement here 

We welcome and value diversity in all its forms and recognize that a diverse and inclusive team strengthens our work and advances our mission. We recognize that the benefits of a diverse team are fully realized when people of all races, gender identities, ages, ethnicities, cultural heritages and nationalities; educational backgrounds; religious and political beliefs; sexual orientations; abilities; and socioeconomic and veteran status are valued, respected, and included at every level. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact careers@uma-foundation.org to request accommodation.

OUR VALUES (S.T.E.W.A.R.D.S)

UMAF is committed to building a team with these shared values:  

Service:  We focus on the needs of others above ourselves and support our colleagues when they need help. 

Trust, Transparency, and Teamwork: We value honesty, trustworthiness, and open communication. Our colleagues can count on us for support. 

Excellence: We pursue excellence in all that we do – each time, and learn and grow as a team. 

Wellness: Our work culture provides flexibility and empowers individuals. 

Accountability: We accept full responsibility for our decisions, actions, and results. 

Respect: We respect each other and celebrate our different ideas, strengths, interests, and cultural backgrounds. 

Donor-Centric: We find intersections between donor’s experiences and values, and our organization’s priorities and funding needs. 

Synergy:  We connect, communicate, and collaborate within teams, and across functions to enhance our effectiveness and impact. 

Questions regarding the position or anything else related to careers with UMAF may be directed to the People & Culture team at careers@uma-foundation.org