Associate Director of Affinity Engagement and Giving (Regional Programs)

Associate Director Of Affinity Engagement & Giving (Regional Programs)

Amherst College invites applications for the Associate Director of Affinity Engagement & Giving (Regional Programs) position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $68,000 to $72,000.

The Associate Director of Affinity Engagement & Giving (Regional Programs) plays a key role in building vibrant regional, industry-based, and special-interest communities that connect alumni to Amherst College and to one another. The position manages a broad and evolving portfolio, including but not limited to regional programming, industry networks, special interest groups (such as Athletics), and signature initiatives like the AmherstWilliams Telecast, virtual industry and career programs, and targeted mini-campaigns that integrate engagement and philanthropy. The Associate Director designs and delivers programs, events, and giving opportunities that strengthen lifelong connection and philanthropy.

Reporting to the Director of Affinity Engagement & Giving, the Associate Director provides strategic oversight for Amherst's major regional networks and select domestic and international communities. The role also serves as a liaison to campus partnersincluding but not limited to the Loeb Center for Career Exploration & Planning and the Office of Admissionto support programs such as Sophomore Summit, career treks, alumni panels, and other regionally based initiatives that connect alumni expertise with student learning and exploration. In addition, the Associate Director partners with communications and fundraising colleagues on Giving Day participation and other philanthropic initiatives that span regional, affinity, and industry networks. Evening, weekend, and travel commitments are required for engagement-related events and programs.

The Associate Director of Affinity Engagement & Giving (Regional Programs) is a collaborative and strategically minded professional who advances alumni engagement and philanthropy through strong relationships, thoughtful volunteer partnership, and effective program execution. They bring sound judgment, autonomy, and a data-informed approach to planning, balancing multiple priorities while working productively across teams. A clear communicator and trusted partner, the Associate Director helps build welcoming, inclusive communities that strengthen connection to the College and support shared Advancement goals. This role requires flexibility and a visible leadership presence, including availability for evening, weekend, and travel commitments in support of key engagement programs and events.

Advancement staff are expected to promote a positive, solutions-focused workplace culture through professional and constructive engagement in meetings, collaborations, and daily interactions. Advancement work also includes "all-hands-on-deck" events that require occasional evening and weekend participation to support key College events, includingbut not limited toReunion and Homecoming.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Lead engagement strategy and programming for a portfolio of regional networks, industry groups, and special-interest communities, including affinity- and identity-based networks, professional groups, and athletic affiliations.
• Design and deliver inclusive, mission-aligned programs that strengthen connection among alumni, students, faculty, and campus partners through events, mentoring, storytelling, and other engagement opportunities.
• Recruit, train, and advise alumni volunteers; set clear expectations, maintain consistent communication, and align volunteer activity with engagement and philanthropic goals.
• Activate communities rooted in shared identity, interest, profession, or experience (e.g., athletics, arts, industry groups) to strengthen belonging and advance giving-related initiatives.
• Use data to strengthen volunteer pipelines, guide annual planning, and assess engagement and giving outcomes across assigned networks.
• Develop and coordinate targeted communications (invitations, tailored messaging, and post-event follow-up) that reinforce participation and long-term engagement.
• Manage budgets, timelines, communications, and logistics for assigned programs and events (e.g., regional and virtual programs), representing Advancement with professionalism, discretion, and a commitment to inclusion.
• Serve as primary liaison to select campus partners (e.g., the Loeb Center for Career Exploration & Planning), coordinating alumni participation in Sophomore Summit, career treks, alumni panels, and other regionally based initiatives.
• Coordinate with colleagues across Advancement, Student Affairs, Communications, Admission, and other campus partners to align network-based programming with institutional priorities and support identity- and interest-centered communities.
• Partner with fundraising and communications colleagues to develop and execute giving initiatives tied to affinity and industry networks, including coordinated messaging and volunteer activation (e.g., Giving Day).

Events: Planning and Program Execution

• Plan and execute high-quality virtual and in-person events, managing end-to-end logistics (project plans, registration, vendors, facilities, staffing, technology, and day-of execution).
• Lead the AmherstWilliams Telecast and Watch Party Program, overseeing marketing, partner coordination, and support for 50+ global host sites.
• Serve as operational lead for Telecast in collaboration with campus partners and regional stakeholders, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience.
• Deliver inclusive, welcoming, mission-aligned alumni experiences through strong planning, hospitality, and attention to detail.
• Maintain accurate timelines, budgets, and documentation to support effective execution and year-over-year improvement.

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's Degree.
• A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in alumni engagement, advancement, nonprofit programs, or a related field.
• Strong competencies in relationship management, volunteer leadership, program execution, and inclusive community building.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across teams and work through influence, partnering with colleagues and leaders at all levels.
• Proven experience coordinating and delivering regional, industry-based, or special-interest programs, including responsibility for logistics, volunteer coordination, and high-quality execution.
• Experience working with alumni volunteers and community leaders to advance engagement, participation, and philanthropic goals.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously with autonomy, sound judgment, and strong attention to detail.
• Experience using data and reporting tools to inform planning, assess engagement outcomes, and guide continuous improvement.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop tailored messaging and engagement materials for diverse audiences.
• Experience collaborating with campus partners to support integrated alumni and student-facing initiatives.
• Demonstrated commitment to and experience with advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in a professional setting.
• Willingness and ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required to support regional and network-based programs.
• Successful completion of required reference and background checks.
• An acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check.