About Buffalo Seminary

Founded in 1851, Buffalo Seminary (SEM) is one of the oldest independent day and boarding schools for girls in the United States. For nearly 175 years, SEM has prepared girls from across Western New York, the United States, and the world to live and lead with honor, courage, and confidence in order to shape society. In 2025, SEM was recognized as the #1 best private high school in Western New York. As a school and team, we are dedicated to supporting girls in becoming their best authentic and fearless selves individually and in a community of exceptional students, faculty, and staff. 

Position Description

For 175 years, Buffalo Seminary has empowered young women to think boldly and lead confidently. The Director of Alumnae Relations is a key leadership role within the advancement team, responsible for nurturing the lifelong bond between SEM and its graduates. This individual will plan and implement programs, projects, and events that strategically engage alumnae with the institution, celebrating the strength of every generation of SEM women—past, present, and future. This role serves as the primary liaison between the school and its graduates, working to increase participation in school life and foster a culture of lifelong loyalty and philanthropic support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Strategic Engagement and Relationship Management

• Design and lead a comprehensive alumnae engagement plan that honors SEM’s 175-year history and mission.
• Serve as the primary liaison for the Alumnae Association and its committees, providing guidance for their initiatives and ensuring alignment with the school’s strategic goals.
• Build and maintain strong personal relationships with a diverse range of alumnae across various generations and geographic locations, from the most senior graduates to the newest alumnae.
• Identify, recruit, and manage alumnae volunteers for various roles, including class agents, reunion/event chairs, and other alumnae leadership opportunities.

2. Event Planning and Traditions

• Lead the planning and execution of major alumnae events, including Reunion Weekend and regional gatherings.
• Manage the Alumnae Hornet/Jacket Cup competition, utilizing this storied tradition to drive engagement, school spirit, and participation.
• Coordinate alumnae participation in school-wide events, such as graduation and guest speaking opportunities.

3. Communications and Storytelling

• Manage all alumnae-specific communications, including newsletters, magazine contributions, and dedicated social media channels.
• Lead the alumnae story telling initiative by collecting and sharing alumnae testimonials and stories to be used in marketing, social media, and development materials.
• Maintain a robust online presence through alumnae portals or networking platforms to facilitate peer-to-peer connection and facilitate student-alumnae mentorship.

4. Development and Philanthropic Collaboration

• As a member of the advancement team, identify and steward alumnae with the potential for major giving.
• In partnership with the Coordinator of Annual Giving support SEM Day, the annual virtual day of giving, by mobilizing alumnae volunteers and securing class-based participation.
• Support annual giving and other initiatives, ensuring alumnae understand the impact of their investment in the next generation of leaders.

5. Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date alumnae records in the institutional database.
• Track and report on engagement metrics, such as event attendance, volunteer hours, and communication open rates, to measure the effectiveness of alumnae programs.

Buffalo Seminary is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. 

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience: 5+ years of experience in alumnae relations, development, event planning, or a related field, preferably within an independent school or women’s organization.

Communication Skills: Exceptional storytelling, writing, and interpersonal skills; ability to speak effectively in front of large groups and connect with individuals from different eras.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in CRM/database management and social media platforms.

Spirit: A deep commitment to all-girls education and the empowerment of young women.

Required Attributes:

• High degree of emotional intelligence and the ability to navigate the nuances of a historic institution.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with high attention to detail.
• A collaborative spirit and the ability to work effectively across departments.
• Flexibility to travel occasionally for regional events and work evenings or weekends as required.

At Buffalo Seminary, we celebrate our diverse identities and perspectives. We embrace diversity as necessary for our collective growth and achievement. To fulfill this purpose, we welcome and seek students, families, and employees who contribute to the richness of our diverse community. And we work every day to ensure that all who come within our walls have what they need to realize their potential and to participate fully in school life.

About Buffalo Seminary

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