CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Senior Vice President for Advancement, Communications and Marketing
Bennington College (posted Dec 16, 2020)
Bennington College, a private, liberal arts college located in southwestern Vermont, seeks applications for the new position of Senior Vice President for Advancement, Communications, and Marketing to join a visionary new president at a pivotal moment in this great institution’s history, and be highly engaged in developing the strategic plan that outlines the next chapter of Bennington’s future as a vibrant, sustainable college and leader in higher education.
To view the full job description and apply, please visit the following URL: https://bennington.recruiterbox.com/jobs/fk0u19a/
Job Summary: Responsible for supporting division communications, events, volunteer opportunities, and other programs aimed at encouraging alumnae and donor engagement. The position will propose, research, write, edit and copy edit individualized as well as mass communications and education pieces for alumnae and donors. Projects include gift proposals, stewardship and impact reports, background papers, newsletters, brochures, event collateral, website and social media content, video scripts, solicitation letters and presidential communications. Please attach both a current resume and cover letter, best combined into a single PDF or Word document.
Essential Functions: Support the cultivation, proposal and stewardship efforts of principal and major gift officers, as well as annual support officers (40%) ● Research, write, design, edit and proofread customized proposals and other correspondence to alumnae, donors and friends of the college. ● Research and write talking points, background papers and white papers that provide the case for an array of college priorities and that can be adapted for individualized proposals and other communications. Maintain and share knowledge of factors and trends that connect Smith to national and world issues and that shape perceptions that affect constituent support. ● Research, write and edit Smith Fund solicitation letters, emails, social media posts, video scripts and more that encourage regular giving to the college’s annual fund, an important source of academic innovation, global education, scholarships and other resources for the college. ● Assist with the development of other printed and digital communications that support Smith’s fundraising efforts, recognize donors and reinforce the positive impact of donor support. Projects include but are not limited to stewardship and impact reports, brochures, video scripts, presidential communications, presentations, speeches and event materials. Support the efforts of alumnae engagement (40%) ● Research and write strategic, innovative and inspiring newsletter and website and social media content, such as donor profiles, student profiles, news items, case statements and more. Propose creative and innovative ways to connect with alumnae and donors. ● Work collaboratively with colleagues in Alumnae Relations, Development, academic departments and College Relations as well as with selected faculty, staff and students to develop compelling content. ● Assist with the development of other printed and digital communications that support Smith’s alumnae engagement efforts. Projects include but are not limited to video scripts, communications, presentations, speeches and event materials. Support special projects and general editorial needs (20%) ● Review and edit written materials generated by staff to ensure quality and consistency. ● Participate in relevant staff meetings and planning sessions. ● Copyedit department materials as needed. ● Adhere to and promote the college’s and the department’s communication plan and branding standards. ● Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications: (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses): Bachelor’s degree and seven years or more of proven professional business, proposal or journalistic writing experience, preferably in a higher education development and/or public relations setting or an equivilent combination of education/experience. Working knowledge of digital media and content development.
Skills & Preferred Qualifications: ● Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills ● Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously ● Ability to collaborate with team members as well as colleagues across the college ● Excellent research, writing and editing skills as well as demonstrated grammatical and proofreading skills; knowledge of AP style ● Demonstrated ability to research and translate complex information into clear, concise and compelling content, as well as the ability to adapt writing style to a variety of situations and audiences ● Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, etc.), Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, etc), Drupal, WordPress and Adobe Creative Suite preferred ● Experience with philanthropy and major gift fundraising processes preferred. Please visit the application website to attach/upload a current resume and cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position. Review of applications will begin January 4, 2021
Job Summary: Responsible for directing a group of alumnae classes on engagement, volunteer and fundraising efforts, seeking to increase levels of engagement, giving participation, volunteer effectiveness and satisfaction and dollars raised. This posting will be used to fill two Assistant Director, Engagement and Annual Support positions. One of the two will include the responsibility to “Manage the In Memoriam Program.” If you wish to be considered specifically for the position with the Memoriam Program responsibilities, please note this in your cover letter and include relevant experience in your letter and resume. When completing your application, please attach both a current resume and cover letter, best combined into a single PDF or Word document.
Essential Functions: Volunteer Training and Support (40%) (50% for position without the In Memoriam Program). Work with class volunteers in 10 to 15 assigned alumnae classes to achieve specified goals for each class, including engagement metrics, and maximizing philanthropy and annual donor participation. Strengthen volunteer teams through recruitment, training, management, and consistent communication. In conjunction with overall Advancement efforts and with the guidance of the Class Engagement and Annual Support Director, develop communications materials for class volunteers that convey the goals and priorities of the college. Class Communications (20%) Working with the Class Engagement and Annual Support Director, craft strategic plans and communications tailored for 10 to 15 assigned alumnae classes. Use data analysis and proven tactics to engage alumnae with each other and with the college, and to raise philanthropic support for The Smith Fund. Communications include items such as class newsletters and fundraising appeals. Solicitation Strategy (20%) Act as the lead for each individual class’ fundraising strategy, and lead the class fundraising volunteers to successfully achieve fundraising dollar and participation targets. Collaborate with gift officers to craft solicitation plans for special gift prospects in assigned classes. Establish class goals and priorities that engage a broad constituency. Provide summaries and recommendations on class progress to class volunteers and to the Class Engagement and Annual Support Director. Personally solicit alumnae in assigned classes who are not assigned to staff philanthropic officers, when necessary. In Memoriam Program (10%) (One of the two positions to be filled with include this) Serve as primary staff manager for volunteer Memorial Gift Chairs. Work with them to solicit gifts and to ensure accurate recognition of gifts made in memory of deceased classmates and others. With the Class Engagement and Annual Support Director, determine program goals and monitor progress toward goals. Reunion and Events (10%) Support reunion by participating in staff planning meetings, training and supporting class reunion volunteers (to encourage attendance and maximum fundraising participation), staffing reunion day-of events for assigned classes, and in other ways as assigned. Contribute to overall departmental discussions affecting engagement and annual giving priorities and strategies.
Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses): Bachelor's degree plus 2 to 4 years of relevant experience and/or the equivalent combination of education and experience preferably in a college environment with a clear record of accomplishment and strong measurable results. Experience in higher education preferred. Experience recruiting, training, and managing a group of volunteers. Skills Must be a self-starter who has strong written/verbal communication skills and well-developed computer, spreadsheet, word processing, CRM, and database skills, including complex databases such as Banner and/or Salesforce; a high standard of integrity; the ability to work with and motivate others; must be well organized, flexible and creative. Must possess solid interpersonal skills; the ability to manage others; the ability to work in a team-oriented environment and work well under pressure while handling multiple tasks; be successful in meeting deadlines; and be able to work independently. Must have the ability to think creatively about human relationships with the intention of securing support for Smith. Must be comfortable in a fast-paced and results-driven environment. Commitment to and respect for the contributions of volunteers. Ability and willingness to travel, and to work nights and weekends, as necessary. Please visit the application website to attach/upload a current resume and cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position.
Overview: Orion was founded in 1982 as Orion Nature Quarterly, one of very few media platforms at the time to convene an inclusive, multi-disciplinary conversation about nature, culture, and justice. Nearly four decades later, Orion remains committed to the mission for which it was founded: to invite readers into a community of caring for the planet, and, through writing and art that explore the connection between nature and culture, to inspire new thinking about how humanity might live on Earth justly, sustainably, and joyously. Orion has twice won the Utne Independent Press Award and its stories have been finalists for the National Magazine Awards and anthologized widely. In addition to publishing a quarterly magazine, Orion hosts writers’ workshops and publishes books. Orion is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, employs around a dozen staff members, and has an annual operating budget of $1.2 million. Orion is classified as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Role of the Executive Director:
With the departure of an Executive Director of fifteen years, Orion has entered a new phase and seeks a brave, visionary partner to help steward our evolution. The Executive Director (ED) will work with staff and board to create a strategic plan to guide the organization as it redefines, reorients, and renews itself. Ultimate accountability over all aspects of the administration, strategic business operations, products, and programs of the organization rests with the ED.
Key Responsibilities:
Publishing and business strategy: ● Lead the development and implementation of short- and long-term strategies toward financial and operational sustainability in partnership with fundraising and operations staff and the Board Finance Committee. ● Lead an inclusive and collaborative process to develop a business model that encompasses circulation, marketing, branding, fund development, and merchandising. ● Oversee and collaborate with the finance team to set budgets and pursue opportunities to improve revenue generation and reduce costs. ● Oversee and collaborate with the Editor in Chief on direction of magazine content.
Vision and leadership: ● Champion Orion’s unique mission. ● Provide leadership on diversity, racial, and gender equity and inclusion, and our commitment to becoming an anti-racist organization. ● Promote a culture of collaboration for all Orion staff by modeling good communication and distributive leadership, identifying professional development opportunities, leading staff meetings, and fostering an environment of reflection and learning. ● Maintain an effective team by providing guidance, coaching, and accountability. ● Foster a workplace dedicated to excellence, human agency, creativity, and professional and personal regard.
Fund development and donor relations: ● Lead Orion’s fundraising efforts, which provide 70% of the budget. ● Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major and mid-level donors. ● Work closely with fundraising and editorial teams to ensure that current donors are regularly informed about the work they’re supporting. ● Lead staff and the board of directors in seeking to extend our strong base of philanthropic support in an authentic, measurable, sustainable, and collaborative manner. ● Conceive and organize events that publicize the magazine, drive fundraising, and support Orion’s strategic goals.
Brand management: ● Ensure that all organizational communications adhere to high standards and grow Orion’s brand. ● Represent Orion at local and national conferences and serve as a thought leader in the publishing and environmental communities. ● Cultivate impactful working relationships and collaborations with community groups, funders, and other organizations.
Board relationships: ● Actively engage Orion’s board of directors in supporting the organization and mission. ● Facilitate staff/board connections to ensure that the board is regularly informed of updates regarding content and programming, donor and community relations, finances, operations, personnel, and other matters. ● Assist in identifying and recruiting board members to serve specific needs of the organization, with an eye toward racial and gender diversity.
Competencies: • Understands and can integrate the organizational vision and publishing strategy into concrete implementation plans. Supports the staff and board’s understanding of the vision and strategy. Distills complexity into thoughtful action. • Leads and contributes to the building of consensus within the organization in the service of Orion’s mission • Understands the whole organizational picture; sees culture, patterns, changes, and the inter-relatedness of content, programs, staff, readers, writers, donors, system, and mission. Identifies stakeholders and sets milestones. Identifies causes for bottlenecks and redundancies and comes up with solutions. • Communicates with sensitivity vertically and horizontally, creating space for others and amplifying voices of those with less power in the system. Demonstrates knowledge of multiple approaches to manage and resolve concerns and disagreements. Manages the time, workflow and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently. Develops ways to optimize individual performance within the organization. • Devises, launches, and sustains fundraising campaigns in support of organizational development strategy. • Applies critical financial practices to establish and maintain realistic budgets. Brings passion to the prospect of financial growth. • Exhibits fluency as a reader, writer, listener, and speaker, and awareness of nonverbal strategies to facilitate respectful interactions with staff, board, readers, writers, donors, workshop students, and all other stakeholders. • Demonstrates a drive to increase diversity in the workplace and sensitivity to the gaps that exist between employee identities. Enacts antiracist policies that inform our business practices, communications, and editorial initiatives.
Qualifications: • Proven experience managing the full range of business functions and systems, including finance, operations, information systems, human resources, and marketing. • Ten years’ experience leading a non-profit and/or publishing company is preferred. • Experience developing and implementing strategic business plans and models. • Exceptional capacity for leading people; a team builder with the ability to connect to internal and external stakeholders both on an individual level and in large groups. • Ability to successfully develop and implement fund development strategies. • Thought leadership in the environmental and/or publishing sectors. • Proficient financial management skills including budget preparation and oversight. • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking. • Demonstrated understanding of cultural competency, the value of diversity in the workplace, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, diverse and multigendered environment. Commitment to the work of building a culture of equity and inclusion. Ability to champion a vision of “creating a community of caring for the planet.”
This search is being conducted by Orion in partnership with TSNE. Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful letter of interest here. Electronic submissions sent through this link are preferred. All submissions are confidential. Please include a resume and a cover letter with salary range expectations, information regarding how you learned of the position, and a description of how your qualifications and experience meet Orion’s needs and mission.
All submissions of candidacy will be accepted until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received by December 31, 2020. The approximate salary range for this position is $100,000 and is commensurate with experience, within the framework of the organization’s annual operating budget. Orion actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates and welcomes people from all racial and ethnic backgrounds, abilities, gender identities, religions, ages, and sexual orientations to apply. As an EOE/AA employer, Orion will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, genetic information, veteran or disability status or any other factor prohibited by law.
Position Title: Office Coordinator
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours/week)
Benefits: Medical/dental, SEP, Vacation time (full summary available upon request)
United Way of Hampshire County: The mission of United Way of Hampshire County is to engage and inspire the people, employers, and organizations of Hampshire County to give, advocate, and volunteer on behalf of our community. Our vision is that all individuals and families have the tools and resources to reach their full potential through education, economic security, and wellness. Lifting together, we build strong, vibrant, and inclusive communities.
Overview: The Office Coordinator is an important member of the Way of Hampshire County team, responsible for management of the donor database, board of directors and board committee management, support for our remote bookkeeper, general office management, and support for our development team.
Responsibilities:
• Database management: Serve as the lead for the donor database (Donation Tracker), including updates, data entry systems, gift and pledge processing, reporting, and acknowledgments. Work closely with Finance department to reconcile gift records. Serve as the lead for the UMass Amherst UMACC donor database (Donation Tracker), including updates, data entry systems, gift and pledge processing, reporting and acknowledgments. Meet with a representative from UMass Office of Community Relations.
• Board & Committee Support: Provide administrative/secretarial support to the Board, its Directors, committees, subcommittees and volunteers. • General Administration & Finance: Collect mail from post office daily. Front desk reception: greet, answer phones, scheduling. Prepare daily deposit for all checks, cash, and credit card gifts with appropriate reports. Process checks through remote deposit system. Support team members as needed: volunteer initiatives, diaper drive, events, campaigns, marketing.
Qualifications:
• Previous administrative experience, preferably in a non-profit setting • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree or three years related experience • Significant proficiency with databases, mail merges and Microsoft Office • Familiarity with best practices in non-profit fundraising • Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy • Experience handling confidential information appropriately • Closely follow systems and protocols, while juggling multiple tasks and meeting deadlines • Eagerness to take initiative, solve-problems, and contribute positively to the team • Comfort and ease with technology • Strong verbal and written communication skills • Sense of humor, passion and commitment to the community
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to:
• info@uwhampshire.org or,
• United Way of Hampshire County, 71 King Street, PO Box 123, Northampton, MA 01061