Associate Director, Alumni & Parent Engagement Events

Job Details

Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community.

The opportunity:

The Associate Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement is a member of a team who design events and activities that engage alumni, parents, and friends with the College and its programs and that encourage participants to be actively supportive of the College’s goals and priorities. The Associate Director provides logistical direction to major events, including but not limited to Alumni Weekend and Garnet Weekend.

Essential Responsibilities

• Directs logistics of major on campus alumni and parent events including but not limited to Alumni Weekend and Garnet Weekend.
• Responsible for the creation and on-going management of the master event schedule for both Garnet and Alumni Weekend, and for coordinating meetings with on-and off-campus partners to review and align on the schedule.
• Works with vendors, Advancement colleagues, and on-campus partners to insure event success.
• Direct strategic project planning, creative direction, logistical support, customer service, and execution of Advancement Division events.
• Evaluates event success through data analysis, surveys, and individual feedback.
• Tracks spending to assist in supervisors’ budget management.

Who you are:

Strong project management skills with the ability to oversee complex timelines, coordinate stakeholders, and manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Collaborative team player. Strong time management skills. Willingness and ability to travel and work evenings/weekends.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• A minimum of five (5) years working in institutional advancement, or equivalent professional experience.
• Superior organizational abilities and attention to detail.
• Superior written and oral communication skills.
• Skill in dealing with people, using tact and diplomacy, and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to articulate the value of higher education.
• Ability to use a variety of computer applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs and Sheets, Banner, Argos, Drupal, and social media.
• Valid US driver’s license and ability to travel locally, regionally, and nationally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree
• Experience working in a college or university setting