The Ethel Walker School
Overview
The Ethel Walker School
is seeking a
Director of Alumnae Relations
who will design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive alumnae engagement strategy that fosters meaningful and lasting connections between the School and its alumnae community. As a visible and strategic leader, this person will deepen alumnae involvement in the life of the School through events, communications, volunteer opportunities, and philanthropy. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development and Engagement, the Director of Alumnae Relations will collaborate across departments—including Admissions, Student Life, College Counseling, Communications, and Advancement—and serve as the primary liaison to the Alumnae Board. This role strengthens the alumnae pipeline of future donors, volunteers, and advocates and aims to build inclusive strategies that reach all alumnae generations. Full/Part Time:
Full Time, Exempt Work Year:
12 Months Supervisor:
Senior Director of Development and Engagement Responsibilities
Strategic Engagement and Planning: In collaboration with the Senior Director of Development and Engagement, develop and execute a multi-year strategic plan to strengthen and broaden alumnae engagement in alignment with the School’s mission and Advancement priorities. Assess existing programs and develop annual goals, operating plans, and metrics to measure progress and impact. Ensure inclusive and intentional outreach strategies to engage all alumnae cohorts, with targeted efforts for reunion alumnae and young alumnae. Alumnae Board Leadership
Provide strategic leadership and staff support to the Alumnae Board. Partner closely with board leadership to align efforts with institutional priorities. Support the Alumnae Board’s working committees, coordinate meetings and communications, and foster meaningful collaboration between the board, alumnae, and school leadership. Identify and recruit alumnae for board service, ensuring diverse representation across class years, geographies, and professions. Programming and Events
Develop and lead a robust calendar of alumnae engagement opportunities on campus, regionally, and virtually to foster connection, mentorship, and pride in Walker’s. Plan and lead signature alumnae events — including Reunions, regional gatherings, and networking receptions — in collaboration with Special Events and Communications colleagues. Secure hosts, prepare briefing materials, and partner with Communications colleagues on pre- and post-event communication strategies. Ensure the Head of School, Advancement colleagues, and key alumnae volunteer leaders are strategically positioned to foster meaningful connections, deliver key messages, and advance institutional priorities. Reimagine Reunion to increase participation, elevate the program experience, and strengthen alignment with fundraising goals. Collaborate with the Director of Annual Giving to develop a comprehensive Reunion giving strategy, including a structured volunteer model and coordinated communication plan. Volunteer and Philanthropy Engagement
Establish and build productive relationships with Walker’s alumnae locally, regionally, and internationally, keeping them informed and involved. Identify and cultivate alumnae for volunteer leadership roles, engaging existing key alumnae volunteers, trustees, and school leaders. Manage a portfolio of alumnae annual fund leadership prospects and supporters. Cultivate and solicit annual gifts, and partner with Advancement colleagues on moves management strategies and donor qualification. Collaborate with Advancement Services to ensure accurate and timely alumnae data and engagement history in the CRM. Communications and Storytelling
In partnership with Advancement and Communications colleagues, lead the creation and distribution of compelling content to highlight alumnae achievements and elevate Walker’s reputation. Develop segmented messaging and digital strategies for alumnae across generations, life stages, and geographies. Promote the impact of alumnae involvement through printed publications, social media, and other communication channels. Reporting and Analysis
Maintain and regularly report on engagement metrics, events participation, and volunteer involvement to Advancement leadership and the Alumnae Board. In partnership with Advancement Services, envision and develop reports and queries that support strategic planning and data-driven decision-making. Other Responsibilities
Develop and manage budgets related to alumnae programming and events. Serve as a thought leader on alumni relations strategy and stay abreast of trends. Staff alumnae engagement events on and occasionally off campus. Lead alumnae engagement meetings in person, virtually, and through travel. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required. Minimum of five years experience in alumnae/alumni relations, external affairs, or a related field with demonstrated success in volunteer management and program strategy. Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders across generations. Strategic thinker with strong project management skills and the ability to execute both high-level planning and detailed implementation. Creative problem-solver with the ability to identify key issues proactively and formulate recommendations for change or improvement. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects at a time. Flexibility in handling a workload with varying, and often competing, timelines. Professional and courteous demeanor and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, all constituents, and key volunteer stakeholders. A fluency and understanding of philanthropy and high professional and ethical standards for the handling of confidential information. The demonstrated ability to strategize, implement and build constituency programs, a self-directed work ethic and capacity to motivate volunteers. Ability and interest to maintain working knowledge of best practices in the field of alumni relations and philanthropy. Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g. Raiser's Edge) and digital communications platforms. A collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit with the passion for education and community-building. Familiarity with independent school culture and a commitment to girls’ education is a plus. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. The Ethel Walker School is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status. To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact list of three (3) professional references in one document to careers@ethelwalker.org. Seniority level
Mid-Senior level Employment type
Full-time Job function
Business Development and Sales Industries
Primary and Secondary Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Ethel Walker School
is seeking a
Director of Alumnae Relations
who will design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive alumnae engagement strategy that fosters meaningful and lasting connections between the School and its alumnae community. As a visible and strategic leader, this person will deepen alumnae involvement in the life of the School through events, communications, volunteer opportunities, and philanthropy. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development and Engagement, the Director of Alumnae Relations will collaborate across departments—including Admissions, Student Life, College Counseling, Communications, and Advancement—and serve as the primary liaison to the Alumnae Board. This role strengthens the alumnae pipeline of future donors, volunteers, and advocates and aims to build inclusive strategies that reach all alumnae generations. Full/Part Time:
Full Time, Exempt Work Year:
12 Months Supervisor:
Senior Director of Development and Engagement Responsibilities
Strategic Engagement and Planning: In collaboration with the Senior Director of Development and Engagement, develop and execute a multi-year strategic plan to strengthen and broaden alumnae engagement in alignment with the School’s mission and Advancement priorities. Assess existing programs and develop annual goals, operating plans, and metrics to measure progress and impact. Ensure inclusive and intentional outreach strategies to engage all alumnae cohorts, with targeted efforts for reunion alumnae and young alumnae. Alumnae Board Leadership
Provide strategic leadership and staff support to the Alumnae Board. Partner closely with board leadership to align efforts with institutional priorities. Support the Alumnae Board’s working committees, coordinate meetings and communications, and foster meaningful collaboration between the board, alumnae, and school leadership. Identify and recruit alumnae for board service, ensuring diverse representation across class years, geographies, and professions. Programming and Events
Develop and lead a robust calendar of alumnae engagement opportunities on campus, regionally, and virtually to foster connection, mentorship, and pride in Walker’s. Plan and lead signature alumnae events — including Reunions, regional gatherings, and networking receptions — in collaboration with Special Events and Communications colleagues. Secure hosts, prepare briefing materials, and partner with Communications colleagues on pre- and post-event communication strategies. Ensure the Head of School, Advancement colleagues, and key alumnae volunteer leaders are strategically positioned to foster meaningful connections, deliver key messages, and advance institutional priorities. Reimagine Reunion to increase participation, elevate the program experience, and strengthen alignment with fundraising goals. Collaborate with the Director of Annual Giving to develop a comprehensive Reunion giving strategy, including a structured volunteer model and coordinated communication plan. Volunteer and Philanthropy Engagement
Establish and build productive relationships with Walker’s alumnae locally, regionally, and internationally, keeping them informed and involved. Identify and cultivate alumnae for volunteer leadership roles, engaging existing key alumnae volunteers, trustees, and school leaders. Manage a portfolio of alumnae annual fund leadership prospects and supporters. Cultivate and solicit annual gifts, and partner with Advancement colleagues on moves management strategies and donor qualification. Collaborate with Advancement Services to ensure accurate and timely alumnae data and engagement history in the CRM. Communications and Storytelling
In partnership with Advancement and Communications colleagues, lead the creation and distribution of compelling content to highlight alumnae achievements and elevate Walker’s reputation. Develop segmented messaging and digital strategies for alumnae across generations, life stages, and geographies. Promote the impact of alumnae involvement through printed publications, social media, and other communication channels. Reporting and Analysis
Maintain and regularly report on engagement metrics, events participation, and volunteer involvement to Advancement leadership and the Alumnae Board. In partnership with Advancement Services, envision and develop reports and queries that support strategic planning and data-driven decision-making. Other Responsibilities
Develop and manage budgets related to alumnae programming and events. Serve as a thought leader on alumni relations strategy and stay abreast of trends. Staff alumnae engagement events on and occasionally off campus. Lead alumnae engagement meetings in person, virtually, and through travel. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required. Minimum of five years experience in alumnae/alumni relations, external affairs, or a related field with demonstrated success in volunteer management and program strategy. Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders across generations. Strategic thinker with strong project management skills and the ability to execute both high-level planning and detailed implementation. Creative problem-solver with the ability to identify key issues proactively and formulate recommendations for change or improvement. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects at a time. Flexibility in handling a workload with varying, and often competing, timelines. Professional and courteous demeanor and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, all constituents, and key volunteer stakeholders. A fluency and understanding of philanthropy and high professional and ethical standards for the handling of confidential information. The demonstrated ability to strategize, implement and build constituency programs, a self-directed work ethic and capacity to motivate volunteers. Ability and interest to maintain working knowledge of best practices in the field of alumni relations and philanthropy. Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g. Raiser's Edge) and digital communications platforms. A collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit with the passion for education and community-building. Familiarity with independent school culture and a commitment to girls’ education is a plus. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. The Ethel Walker School is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status. To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact list of three (3) professional references in one document to careers@ethelwalker.org. Seniority level
Mid-Senior level Employment type
Full-time Job function
Business Development and Sales Industries
Primary and Secondary Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr