Job description
Riverdale Country School is a Pre-K through grade 12 independent school in New York City committed to empowering lifelong learners by developing minds, building character, and creating community in order to change our world for the good. Riverdale seeks to reflect the diversity of the New York metropolitan area in its students, faculty, and staff. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is the foundational core of community-building that supports the school’s mission and empowers all community members to be their whole selves and thrive- especially those who historically have been and continue to be marginalized because of their cultural, ethnic, racial, linguistic, national, gender, sexual, spiritual, or socioeconomic identities and their physical, mental, or emotional well-being. Riverdale enrolls about 1,200 students who collectively reside in 117 different zip codes. Approximately 44% of our student body identify as students of color.
We seek to employ people who engage in all aspects of work with a student-centered approach, an open mind, passion, and a willingness to support the greater community. At Riverdale we recognize that the work of DEIB is iterative and requires a consistent commitment. Ideal candidates display that commitment in their work and/or in their approach to teaching and learning.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, the Director of Alumni Engagement is responsible for planning, implementing, and coordinating programs for alumni in the New York metro area and beyond, providing support of Annual Fund solicitation activities for the broad alumni community and facilitating the volunteer activities of the Alumni Association Executive Committee (AAEC) and other alumni volunteers. In addition, the Director will serve as the primary liaison to the key stakeholders in the Parents Association. The Director’s primary goal is to build and sustain an innovative program that strengthens connections among alumni, families, students, faculty, and administrators and supports the school’s development and engagement efforts.
Key Responsibilities
- Create, plan, and implement programs, reunion, events, and communications for alumni with the goal of strengthening connections and engagement with Riverdale Country School to increase participation in events, loyalty to their alma mater, and willingness to support the school financially.
- Provide guidance and support to the AAEC President, Vice President, and committee members; plan committee meetings; develop programs; monitor progress toward achieving goals; cultivate future leadership; and identify and recognize alumni accomplishments.
- Work with the Department of DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) to develop programming that supports alumni from all backgrounds and identities and that seeks to provide those individuals with meaningful opportunities to feel seen and heard. Support volunteers and facilitators of the alumni affinity groups.
- Build a strong network of alumni volunteers able to engage their classmates, as well as solicit gifts for the Annual Fund. Work with annual giving staff to ensure broad and increasing alumni participation.
- Engage an annual cohort of reunion volunteers. Assist class representatives in planning individual class reunions and developing reunion programming that will maximize attendance.
- Work collaboratively with and offer direct supervision and mentorship to the Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement, ensuring opportunities for continued growth and development.
- In coordination with the Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement, facilitate communication with alumni through correspondence and personal contact, class programs and reunions, young alumni programs, newsletters, directories, and online media.
- Work with school administrators, faculty, and staff to improve communication with alumni and engage academic and co-curricular departments in the activities and programs offered by the Alumni Office.
- Establish a collaborative relationship with the Parents Association by meeting regularly with PA leadership and attending all meetings throughout the year. Develop opportunities for parents and alumni to participate in mutually enriching engagement activities.
- Serve as a key participant in campus-wide event planning; staff evening and weekend meetings and activities as appropriate.
- Remain knowledgeable about alumni practices at other independent day schools and prep schools in order to incorporate best practices into our own programs and procedures.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years related experience, preferably in alumni relations, development, marketing, public relations, communications, or education.
- Experience working with volunteer leaders, including staffing of trustee/volunteer committees.
- Demonstrated success in program development and the creative energy and physical stamina to inspire others.
- Excellent interpersonal and management skills, a keen sense of diplomacy, tact, and the ability to work successfully with a diverse group of alumni.
- Superior communication and listening skills, as well as strong analytical and strategic skills.
- Ability to focus on the big picture while maintaining an excellent grasp of details.
- Competency with Google Suite products; knowledge of Veracross or similar database preferred.
- Availability to work evening and weekend events as needed.
- B.A. required.
The anticipated salary range for this position is $100,000 - $115,000, commensurate with experience.
To apply for this position, please click on the red “Apply for this Job” button. Please submit a resume and cover letter. If there are pronouns we should use in potential future communications, we invite you to share that information with us. For information about this position and all open positions, please visit the Careers page of Riverdale’s website.
Benefits of Full Time Work at Riverdale Country School
Working at Riverdale Country School is a purposeful and meaningful career choice that comes with many benefits including:
Transportation: Shuttle service is available to/from the 242nd St / Broadway subway station. Limited stops are also available near transit hubs in Manhattan including the Metro North Harlem Station and subway lines – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, A, B, C, and D. If there is need in the community, we can also run a shuttle from the Henry Hudson Parkway / 246th St bus stop which connects to the #7, #10, and Express Buses to/from Manhattan.
Professional Development: A generous professional-development budget provides for conferences, skills training, and onsite training in areas such as mindfulness, coaching, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Grants and Stipends: All employees are eligible for Frankel Fellow grants, known as “passion grants,” which pay for enrichment activities. More than 120 grants have been made to faculty and staff since the program started in 2014. Stipends are available for coaching, affinity group facilitation, advising clubs with significant out-of-school time, and chaperoning trips (including global trips!).
Sabbatical: Full time teaching faculty are eligible for a sabbatical after 10 years of employment.
Health Benefits: Riverdale offers and subsidizes health, dental, and vision insurance. In addition, the school offers a flexible spending account through which employees can use pre-tax dollars to pay for health-related expenses.
Retirement: Employees are eligible to join our Defined Contribution retirement plan through TIAA. The school contributes 7% of an employee's annual salary to their retirement account.
Vacation: Riverdale Country School has a generous time-off policy for staff in addition to vacations afforded by the school calendar.
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