Career Center

Harvard-Westlake School seeks a strategic, mission-driven, collaborative, organized, creative, energetic, and detail-oriented individual to be the leader of the alumni relations program and integral member of the advancement team at one of the nation’s top independent day schools. This is a full-time, on-site position.

As the leader of the Harvard-Westlake Alumni Relations Team, this person will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of a growth-oriented alumni program (engagement, giving, and communications) with special focus on developing alumni giving strategies while enthusiastically serving as ambassador and advocate for alumni within the Harvard-Westlake community. The qualified candidate should have a commitment to the philanthropy profession and the skills to interact with a diverse community of alumni, students, parents, trustees, and colleagues. This position will report to the Head of Advancement.

Team Leader

• Supervise two alumni relations team members
• Create strategic plan for alumni program and manage Alumni Relations Team and its meeting
• Represent alumni interests in various meetings such as Advancement All Office, Annual Giving Team, Major Gifts Team, School Leadership, and other team discussions

Alumni Giving, Relations, and Engagement

• Coordinate and manage alumni giving strategies including annual solicitation calendar and stewardship plan for all segments of the alumni community and reunion giving program
• Recruit and train alumni callers and manage volunteers and use of online giving portal HW Connect
• Engage Harvard-Westlake Student Alumni Association in philanthropic activities including senior class gift
• Create strategies to grow alumni giving program in both participation and dollars and customize along alumni donor life cycle
• Analyze metrics to identify growth opportunities, measure success of alumni giving program, the effectiveness of alumni events and engagement across alumni populations
• In collaboration with the Director of Major and Planned Giving, create and execute strategies to identify, cultivate, and solicit alumni major gifts prospects, including managing a small Major Gifts portfolio
• Oversee major annual alumni events such as the Homecoming Alumni Reception and Reunion Days
• Oversee organic events including regional receptions, affinity group events, and donor recognition events
• Oversee management of affinity group leaders and committee members and reunion day volunteers
• Manage Harvard-Westlake Alumni Association Board and its volunteers, activities, and meetings
• Monitor and facilitate professional networking and mentorship opportunities through individual alumni referrals and effective use of HW Works platform

Communications and Events

• Oversee and edit content for the monthly alumni e-newsletter, bi-annual alumni magazine, Annual Report, alumni social media platforms and alumni webpages
• Manage and ensure effective use of alumni apps and engagement tools
• Assist with operations including mailings, event logistics, and response to emails and phone calls
• Attend and support all-advancement events, office retreats, general school functions, and conferences

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven leadership and effectiveness at establishing strategic vision
• Demonstrated ability to manage staff and volunteers and work diplomatically within a diverse community
• High energy and enthusiasm to promote Harvard-Westlake and serve as its ambassador to the alumni community
• Understanding of the fundraising cycle and eagerness in soliciting gifts and discussing philanthropy
• Dynamic interpersonal skills and ability to synthesize information and think creatively to engage alumni and find connections to other members of the Harvard-Westlake community
• Eagerness to work hard as both leader and team member
• Proactive approach and can-do spirit toward complex and dynamic responsibilities
• Flexibility and energy to work evenings and weekends
• Absolute confidentiality, professionalism, and discretion with highest ethical standards
• Familiarity with independent school environment and specific knowledge of Harvard-Westlake a plus

Harvard-Westlake School is an independent, co-educational college preparatory day school consisting of two campuses located in Los Angeles, California, with approximately 1,600 students enrolled in grades seven through twelve.

Harvard-Westlake actively strives to be a diverse and inclusive community in its educational, admission, and employment practices. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, or any other characteristic. We seek candidates who demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and understanding of the diverse backgrounds of community members; have an ability to work flexibly, independently, and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with individuals from a diverse set of backgrounds; and have a capacity to serve as a model of openness, generosity, and acceptance.

Compensation: Competitive, commensurate with experience

Benefits: 

• Top tier medical, dental, and vision coverage with zero to low premium contributions
• 403(b) Retirement with a 10% match and immediate vesting
• Cafeteria allowance – lunch is on us!
• Professional development support including continuing education
• Personal Growth grants
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee affinity groups
• Mental wellness resources and workshops
• Partially subsidized employee housing (subject to availability)
• Tickets to local sporting and entertainment events
• Discount at school bookstore (get your HW swag!)
• Paid Holidays, including time off for Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring break plus vacation!