At San Francisco Day School, we believe that when intellect and imagination are intertwined, students delight in the discovery of connection, in their academic and creative pursuits, in their relationships, and in all that they experience here.
Every day we help our students emerge as flexible and resourceful learners. Because when we do, our students light up with the call and capacity to take on the complexities of their day and of a diverse world.
Our Mission
At SF Day we ignite curiosity. We cultivate a diverse, nurturing community that encourages learners to expand their perspectives and become their true selves. Students develop as compassionate, creative problem-solvers, prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world.
SF Day Fast Facts
· Independent, co-educational, K-8 school
· Founded in 1981
· Serving 420+ students
· Located in the heart of San Francisco
Position Summary
The Alumni Relations & Events Manager is responsible for fostering strong connections for alumni and their families and managing the school’s alumni relations program. This role is also responsible for the planning and managing of advancement events at San Francisco Day School, partnering with internal departments and administration to execute smaller strategic events as needed, and recruiting, coaching, and managing the school’s alumni board.
Responsibilities
Alumni Relations
Manage the school’s Alumni Relations program to foster life-long relationships between alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, and the school.
Set annual strategy and goals for Alumni Relations program, benchmark program against peer schools, and ensure long-term sustainability and success of the program.
Establish and build relationships with a wide range of alumni, locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Plan, develop, implement, and promote meaningful events to strengthen the alumni network and engage them in the life of the school including reunions, professional networking events, community service opportunities, student assemblies, and others.
Recruit, coach, and staff Alumni council and support their leadership.
Manage comprehensive Alumni communications program to ensure Alumni are engaged in school life. Plan, create, and implement ongoing communications utilizing an array of platforms including email, social media, web presence, print, and other outlets. Remain up to date on current methods and innovations to effectively communicate with graduates and former students.
Effectively plan, track, and manage Alumni Relations budget.
Events
Plan, execute, and manage all advancement stewardship events and support other departmental events on and off-campus. This includes ordering/arranging for food & beverage, coordinating with the facilities department to manage and execute event set-up and break-down, coordinating parent volunteers, designing and following appropriate event budgets, developing run of show, event production timelines, vendor selection and management, invitation and RSVP management, event layouts, etc. Events include, but are not limited to:
Admissions: events for prospective and newly admitted families.
Advancement: stewardship receptions for lead donors, parents of alumni, alumni, and grandparents; annual spring auction; Grandparents and Special Friends Day; annual Board dinner, Board Chair luncheon and/or Founder’s Day and luncheons/dinners; Campaign dinners; and other donor stewardship events as needed; annual alumni/ae/x reunion, Pre-college brunch, 8th grade welcome to alumni association, alumni happy hours, and other events as needed to support the school’s comprehensive advancement work. Plan, manage, and execute SF Day Fest, the school’s annual fundraising gala.
Faculty, staff, and administration: Celebrations to open and close the school year including the welcome reception, annual holiday party (in coordination with Parents/Guardians Association), and retirement celebrations.
Parents/Guardians Association: Annual welcome coffee, monthly Room Parent/Guardian meetings, fall book fair, family photo night, and other events as needed.
Students & Families: Partner with the administration to plan and execute graduation, state of the school, and special all-school events as needed.
Partner with the Head of Advancement to ensure revenue goals are met for fundraising events including book fair, family photo night, and annual auction.
In partnership with Parents & Guardians Association President, recruit, coach, and manage parent volunteer teams to support events; advise and support Room Parents as needed.
Partner with the communications team to create content to support stewardship including short videos and slideshows to publicize and build excitement.
Required technology skills: Fluency in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides).
Expert attention to detail, strong writing and editorial skills, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to interact effectively with lead donors, senior administration, trustees, parent/guardian volunteers, alumni/ae/x, and school faculty/staff.
Flexibility in meeting shifting demands and priorities, problem-solver, and ability to handle last-minute event changes with grace.
Positive, team player with a willingness and ability to work varied hours, including some nights and weekends.
A personal and professional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and experience participating in an inclusive admission process.
Preferred Qualifications
2+ years in event planning and/or volunteer management for a non-profit institution.
Experience with auction software (Greater Giving and Bidding for Good) and Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge.
Experience with event management software and graphic design tools.
Experience within the San Francisco philanthropic community.
Bachelor’s degree.
Working Conditions:
80% Indoors, 20% outdoors. 100% on campus (no remote work).
Ability to move around the school, playground, and external venues to attend to event set-up, take-down, and other matters
Occasional requirement to lift more than 30 lbs
Sit and stand for an extended amount of time
At San Francisco Day School, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
SF Day is an independent, co-educational, K-8 school. SF Day educates, nurtures and inspires girls and boys of diverse backgrounds to achieve their highest academic and creative potential, to embrace ethical values and to become active contributors to their communities. San Francisco Day School welcomes and celebrates children, families, faculty, and staff that reflect the broad range of diversity in the Bay Area. The school values the strengths and accomplishments of the individuals who are part of the community and takes pride in and celebrates the diversity and special character of the community as a whole. Therefore, San Francisco Day School encourages people of color and LGBTQ+ applicants to apply.