Carleton College

Job Title: Director of Milestone Reunions

Department: Development

Classification: Exempt

Grade: 15

FTE/Working Schedule: 1.0

Position Overview:

The Director of Milestone Reunions is responsible for the overall success and strategic direction of the Milestone Reunions program, which drives engagement and giving around the College’s landmark 25th and 50th Reunions. This position is part of a successful Development team that collectively raises over $40 million annually from alumni, parents, and friends of the College in capital, annual, and planned gifts.

The Director is pivotal in maximizing engagement and giving for the College's 25th and 50th Reunions. This role involves securing major and planned gift commitments from key prospects within 50th Reunion classes, as well as coordinating efforts with development officers and other staff to ensure effective cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of these major gift prospects. The Director also educates Milestone Reunion committees and classes about giving, collaborating closely with Development, Planned Giving, and Alumni Annual Fund teams, and coordinates the work of Alumni Relations staff to ensure robust reunion attendance and substantial programming for each Milestone Reunion class. Additionally, the Director supervises the Associate and Assistant Directors of Milestone Reunions, as well as the Milestone Reunions Coordinator.

Compensation:

The expected starting salary range for this position is between $115,400 and $119,200. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility.

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities:

• Oversee the 50th and 25th Reunion programs. Lead the process to raise substantial Milestone Reunion class gifts, directly engaging volunteer leaders and collaborating with colleagues in Development, Planned Giving, and the Alumni Annual Fund. Partner with Alumni Relations colleagues to ensure strong reunion attendance and robust weekend programs.
• Supervise the Associate Director of Milestone Reunions, who is responsible for the success of the 25th Reunion Program and the following strategic goals:
  • Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with the Development, Alumni Annual Fund, and Alumni Relations teams, as well as the volunteer-led AAF Board. Drive each 25th Reunion cohort’s giving and engagement campaign to successfully achieve each class’s financial and donor participation targets within the Fund.
  • Identify, recruit, cultivate, and steward AAF class volunteers leading up to their 25th reunion. Guide classes in goal-setting and assist the classes behind the scenes to achieve these goals.
  • Manage a volunteer network, in coordination with AAF staff, in classes in their 23rd and 24th year as well as the year following their 25th reunion. Equip volunteers to confidently solicit gifts on their own.
• Develop and implement a tailored fundraising approach customized for every milestone class, reflecting their distinct goals, values, and giving potential.
• Identify, train, and support 90-120 volunteers serving on 50th Reunion Committees across three classes throughout their two-to three-year planning periods. Manage Gift Committee volunteers for each class within the Reunion planning cycle.
• Work with development and alumni staff and volunteer leaders to plan, execute, and participate in planning meetings held annually in Northfield and major cities across the country.
• Provide support for and participate in the program of the Carleton Alumni Volunteer Experience workshop.
• Develop new giving opportunities to maximize contributions from major and planned gift donors, particularly as the College conducts comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
• Identify and cultivate prospects, especially those in the 50th Reunion planning cycle, close major gifts, and actively participate in the stewardship of managed donors and prospects.
• Participate with development, planned giving, and alumni annual fund staff in establishing strategic objectives for fundraising.
• Manage a portfolio of major and planned gift prospects, complete 50 personal donor visits and 200 cultivation moves per year.

Describe Supervision Received and Exercised:

Supervises:

• Associate Director of Milestone Reunions
• Assistant Director of Milestone Reunions
• Milestone Reunions Coordinator

Education/Experience/Skills:

Required:

• Baccalaureate degree and three to five years of development and alumni relations experience required.
• Must have a demonstrated willingness and ability to work confidently with a variety of prospects, donors, and leadership volunteers; and possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Flexibility to travel up to 30% of the time is essential, as is a proven commitment to liberal arts education.

Preferred:

• Experience in an academic setting is preferred.
• Experience mentoring and coaching professional and student staff
• Experience with strategic program oversight
• Understanding of and commitment to the College’s liberal arts mission
• Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate staff and volunteers
• Ability to think creatively, critically, and strategically about all aspects of alumni engagement and development at Carleton
• Strong and persuasive oral and written communication skills, with the judgment and discretion to handle confidential or sensitive matters
• Highly organized, attentive to detail, and committed to excellence
• Team-oriented and collaborative
• Skilled in data analysis and interpretation for planning purposes
• Proficiency with managing multiple tasks and priorities
• Ability to travel; some evening and weekend work required

Must have the ability to understand and follow written and oral work instructions, operations, safety procedures, and hazardous labels.

Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the hire is complete. We accept only online applications.

Carleton College is an AA/EEO Employer: We are committed to developing our staff to better reflect the diversity of our student body and American society. Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Carleton also offers a robust suite of benefits including: A generous 403(b) retirement plan with a 10% employer contribution and 2% employee contribution. Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance. Paid time-off, including 20 vacation days, 8 paid holidays, 3, floating holidays, 2 weather days, and extra days at the end of the calendar year to make a continuous week off before New Year’s. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees. A dependent tuition program after six years of service.

Founded in 1866, Carleton College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college of roughly 2,000 students located in the historic river town of Northfield, Minnesota. Carleton College occupies more than 1,000 scenic acres of campus, arboretum, over 100 campus buildings, and athletic fields. Located 40 miles south of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Carleton offers access to the cultural advantages of a major metropolitan area.