**Please note submission of a cover letter and resume are required for consideration.**

BASIC FUNCTION

Responsible for planning, executing, drafting, editing, and managing the distribution and production of compelling, effective communications and publications in a number of different formats including web, social media, email and print for Claremont McKenna College alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and other Claremont Colleges. Manage the Class Liaison and Class Notes program, and serve as liaison with Public Affairs and Communications. Manage Parent Network Board volunteer efforts and lead both Parent Network and Alumni Association communication committees. Manage social media programs for the Office, including supervision of four social media student interns.

 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Manage volunteers including committees of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, Parent Network Board, Class Liaisons, event hosts, and students. Duties include volunteer management and support, leading volunteers in appropriate directions to align with College priorities, discretion regarding confidential and/or private conversations and topics, organizing and attending meetings including setting agendas, regular correspondence with volunteers, and implementing programs. Regular communication with Parent Network Board President and selection of future leaders imperative.

• Manage Alumni Weekend Class Committee. In support of the College’s largest donor and alumni-centric activity, recruit, train, and lead the efforts to maximize attendance for a reunion class. Encourage writing, emailing, phone calling, and giving, by classmates.

• Manage and serve as primary point of contact for Alumni Association and Parent Network Communication Committees. Manage both alumni and parent board efforts to communicate with constituents. Includes creation and authorship of newsletters, social media planning, website enhancements, etc. Lead initiatives deemed important by volunteers and/or the College.

• Create and draft compelling communications across multiple platforms for the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement. These communications are to inform, educate, and encourage registration, attendance, and philanthropy. This includes, but is not limited to, email, print, social media, and web. Communications are for major on-campus events such as Alumni and Reunion Weekend, ImpactCMC Weekend, Family Weekend, Parent and Family Orientation, student engagement programming, off-campus engagement events such as chapter programming, and other communications as assigned. Serve as primary point person for all creation and approval of communications for the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement. Must follow established protocols and art directives as determined by Public Affairs.

• Utilize Blackbaud Net Community to create, author, and prepare emails for distribution. Negotiate contracts with print houses for print communication and manage distribution. Analyze and utilize data metrics for communication enhancements and optimization of email and print distribution.

• Oversee distribution of communications with Communication and Data coordinator to insure accuracy and appropriateness. Use discretion where appropriate.

• Manage the Class Liaison program of Claremont McKenna College. Includes managing volunteers, recruiting for open positions, calling for notes, leading/managing conference calls and providing campus and programming updates, organizing, formatting, and editing, and serving as liaison with Public Affairs and Communications. Must make important decisions on appropriateness of content for the CMC Magazine and demonstrate care when working with volunteers and those that have made submissions.

• In coordination with the Associate Director, co-manage the Parent Network Board and volunteer committees, with demonstration of independent management of the Communication Committee but also work on overall management and strategy. Duties include administrative and leadership tasks and coordination of leadership transitions. Collaborate across campus to achieve campus-wide and Parent Network goals.

• Assist in the planning and execution of all major alumni and parent events as assigned, including taking co-lead of Family Weekend programming with the Associate Director. Execute compelling programming and manage Kravis Opportunity Fund Family Travel for Family Weekend. Approximately 10% of total hours are to be spent on Family Weekend and related planning, preparation, and family travel.

• Demonstrate professionalism and poise in responding to the public and various internal constituencies, including trustees, donors, faculty members, students, and staff.

• Work in a collaborative, flexible, and team focused manner.

 

The successful candidate will also be able to perform the following essential functions:

• Regular attendance.
• Take and follow directions.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Receive and respond appropriately to constructive criticism.
• Display a positive attitude.
• Balance multiple tasks and priorities
• Performs other essential duties and tasks specific to the position.

 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:  Individual must possess knowledge, skills, and ability to be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

 

A high level of proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook and other Microsoft Office software and Adobe Creative Suite, plus ability to learn and adapt to new software.

Requires superior organizational skills, an ability to work independently with minimal direction.  Must be detail-oriented.

Requires excellent goal-oriented management skills.  Must have ability to work collaboratively and professionally with student employees and volunteers.

Flexibility and ability to juggle competing priorities and support numerous initiatives.

Requires strong interpersonal skills and an ability to interface professionally with alumni, parents, administration, faculty, and students.  Must have ability to work effectively with volunteers, with the donor community, with the academic community, and with colleagues.

Experience with database functions and queries, particularly with Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge.

Proficiency in the use of e-mail software and the ability to manipulate attachments.

Requires exceptional professional writing, editing, and analytical skills.  Must possess strong verbal skills.

Collaborative spirit and service-oriented attitude.

 

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

 

EDUCATION:  Bachelor’s degree in Communications or English or in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. 

 

EXPERIENCE:  Three to five years of experience in a selective, private higher education external relations environment is preferred. Two plus years in communications, writing or editing experience preferred.  Volunteer management experience preferred.

 

GROOMING AND APPEARANCE:  The Claremont Colleges seek to maintain a neat and professional image at all times.  Professional attire is expected.

 

LICENSES:  A valid driver’s license or equivalent means of reliable transportation to off-site meetings and events is required.
 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  This position may require the ability to lift materials and supplies for events, such as floral arrangements, chairs, podium, etc., up to 50 pounds.

 

OTHER

 

HOURS: The regular hours for this full time position are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. Holiday, weekend, and evening work hours will be required to manage volunteers.  Travel may be required.  Regular hours may vary due to needs of the College or division.

 

CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS:  This is a full-time, 12 month, exempt level, benefits-eligible position.

 

REPORTS TO:  Associate Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement

 

Physical Requirements:                Heavy (up to 50 lbs.)

 

BACKGROUND CHECK:  The successful candidate will be required to undergo a full consumer background check.  Certain positions will require the successful completion of a post-offer physical agility test.  Employment is contingent on the satisfactory results of the aforementioned, in addition to compliance with requirements cited in this job description.

 

ADA/OSHA:  This job description defines the essential or fundamental job duties of this position.  It is assumed that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others.  It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Claremont McKenna College hires and promotes individuals on the basis of their qualifications, consistent with applicable state and federal laws, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding or related medical condition, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.  Inquiries may be directed to the Director for Human Resources, 528 N. Mills Avenue, Claremont, California 91711-4015, (909) 621-8490.  All applicants must complete and submit an online application to be considered for an open position.

Employment is contingent upon new employee providing documents verifying U.S. citizenship or, for aliens, documents verifying legal permission to work in the United States, applicant's acceptability for positions requiring use of a college vehicle is contingent upon a driving record acceptable to the College's automobile liability insurance. Promotion from within is encouraged whenever qualified employees of Claremont McKenna College are available. Interested employees of the College are urged to contact the Office of Human Resources if qualified for any open position. Please do not contact departments directly.

 

Disability Accommodations                                                                                    

In compliance with applicable laws ensuring equal opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability, CMC will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual (applicant or employee) with a disability if the disability affects the performance of essential job functions, unless the accommodation results in an undue hardship for the College. Employment decisions are based on the merit and not an individual’s disability.               

An applicant or employee who requires an accommodation should contact the immediate supervisor and the Human Resources Office. If multiple accommodations are identified that do not pose an undue hardship for the College, the selection of an accommodation will be at CMC’s discretion. To request disability accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (909) 621-8490 or hr@cmc.edu for assistance.