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Northampton, Massachusetts, United States
Onsite
If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.
Job Summary
The Director of Development and Alumni Relations reports to the Head of School and works closely with the college’s development office to plan and oversee all Campus School fundraising operations, including the annual fund, Family School Partnership fundraising, planned giving, and alumni relations.
This position is responsible for the entirety of the advancement operations of Campus School. This position involves continuing to build an annual fund program to attract and maintain gifts to the Campus School from current and past families, alumni, staff members, and friends of the school.
Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.
Essential Functions
Development (45%)
Responsible for planning short- and long-term advancement strategy as well as designing appeals, communicating effectively with our wide range of constituents, and creating opportunities for giving and actively soliciting gifts from individuals and/or foundations to the annual fund, to support capital projects, to help fund special appeals, and through planned giving are key components of this role.
Oversee processing of all gifts, including receipts, and maintaining all giving records. Thanking and stewarding donors with personalized follow up notes, email messages, and in the case of higher potential donors, visits is critical to the success of this position.
An additional responsibility will be to occasionally write grant proposals, often in collaboration with the college, to generate funds for special projects and events.
Alumni Relations (45%)
As we celebrate our Centennial in 2026-27, continue to develop and execute a strategic approach to Alumni Relations, continuing to build our alumni database with contact information and then communicating to this important constituency and reconnecting them with the school. Research, identify, and solicit key donor prospects in coordination with the Head of School and the Smith College Alumni Relations and Development Office. Increasing and empowering the Centennial Committee to shape and execute the celebration of our 100th anniversary and raise more money, awareness and maintain connections in support of the school.
Work closely with the Family School Partnership, serving as their primary liaison with the school. In addition to setting agendas and meeting monthly with the leadership of the Family School Partnership to strategize and plan, help implement traditional school community events such as the Welcome Reception, the Fall Fair, Movie/Game Night, the Spring Soirée, Field Day, and the End-of-School Picnic
Other administrative work (10%)
Act as a key participant on the Campus School administrative team including attending administration meetings and staff meetings; serving on committees; participating in school events and programs.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School
MINIMUM REQUIRED Qualifications (education, experience, certifications, licenses, knowledge, skills)
Bachelor’s Degree and 8+ years of experience with a demonstrated track record of outstanding leadership, interpersonal, organizational, analytical, and oral/written communication skills; ability to self-direct work and collaborate with colleagues while effectively planning and executing a challenging array of program initiatives; ability to manage confidential information with appropriate discretion and tact; and strong computer skills and technical literacy.
Preferred Qualifications
Graduate Degree and 12+ years of experience with fundraising and alumni relations in independent school setting.
Demonstrated success in fundraising and alumni cultivation in an independent school or college. Knowledge of trends in fundraising and familiarity with development software and databases.
Position Type
Fixed TermPlease attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.
Review of applications will begin
October 12, 2026Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.
As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.
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