The Advancement team at Choate Rosemary Hall is responsible for engaging with alumni, parents, and friends in support of the School’s educational mission and philanthropic priorities. Reporting to the Director of Advancement, the Director of Alumni Engagement is a senior leader responsible for creating and executing a strategic constituent engagement program that fosters and sustains long-term connections. The role leads efforts to strengthen alumni affinity through volunteer opportunities, programs, and events that cultivate meaningful connections and build philanthropic support. The position requires effectiveness at both strategic and operational levels. The position will collaborate at all levels within Advancement to ensure alignment with all alumni engagement programs, activities, and strategies.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive alumni and constituent engagement strategy aligned with Choate’s mission, strategic plan, and advancement goals.
- Establish measurable goals and key performance indicators for engagement, including event attendance, volunteerism, and annual fund participation.
- Collaborate closely with colleagues across Advancement—including Annual Giving, Major Gifts, Stewardship, Communications, and Advancement Services—to align engagement strategies with fundraising, stewardship, and communications objectives.
- Supervise the Alumni Engagement team, providing mentorship, strategic guidance, goal setting, performance evaluation, and professional development.
- Design and lead a comprehensive volunteer strategy that positions alumni as informed ambassadors and advocates for the School’s highest priorities.
- Provide oversight and strategic direction for the Alumni Association Executive Committee.
- Develop and oversee the annual engagement and events calendar, ensuring meaningful content for a variety of events, including Reunion Weekend and other signature events.
- Travel to lead events, meet individually with constituents, and represent the School within the alumni community.
SECONDARY DUTIES:
- Leverage data, reporting, and Advancement systems to inform engagement strategy, track performance against goals, and support data-driven decision-making across alumni and constituent programs.
- Partner closely with the Advancement Communications team to ensure alumni and constituent engagement messaging is coordinated, timely, and aligned with institutional priorities and voice.
- Other duties as assigned
JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: A bachelor’s degree is required, a Master's preferred.
Prior experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of experience with increasing responsibility in an independent school or higher ed institution alumni relations department
Other Key Competencies:
- Demonstrated commitment to working in a mission-driven organization and advancing institutional values through relationship-centered engagement and service
- Strategic leadership and the ability to set vision, priorities, and measurable goals for constituent engagement
- Strong relationship-building skills across diverse constituencies and internal partners
- Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively across Advancement and the broader School community
- Demonstrated management skills, including coaching, performance management, and team development
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with sound judgment and discretion
- Data-informed decision-making and comfort using CRM systems and engagement metrics
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects
- Commitment to inclusive engagement practices that foster a welcoming and connected community
