Position Information
| Position Title |
Program Specialist 2 |
| Working Title |
Alumni Engagement and Strategic Events Officer |
| Location |
Olympia |
| EEO Statement |
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or status as a protected veteran. For more information regarding Evergreen's non-discrimination policies or to report discrimination, please visit the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity webpage at www.evergreen.edu/equalopportunity or contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Officer at (360) 867-5371, Room 3102 Library Building, 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW, Olympia, WA 98505. |
| Union Represented |
Yes |
| Overtime Eligible |
Yes |
| Monthly FTE |
1.0 |
| Salary Step (minimum monthly amount) |
$3,787.00 |
| Salary Step (maximum monthly amount) |
$5,060.00 |
| Cyclic Position |
No |
| Cyclic Details |
n/a |
| Project Position |
No |
| End Date |
n/a |
| Special Note |
This is a full-time, overtime eligible position in Advancement on the Olympia campus of The Evergreen State College. |
| Position Purpose |
This position coordinates high-impact, purpose-driven programs and events that advance Evergreen's fundraising and engagement goals. This role strengthens lifelong relationships with more than 48,000 alumni, donors, and friends by serving as a key connector between alumni and the campus community. Through strategic outreach and meaningful programming, the incumbent fosters a culture of engagement that inspires giving, volunteerism, advocacy, and ambassadorship. |
| Nature and Scope |
Reporting to the Associate Director of Alumni Engagement and Strategic Events, this position works under general supervision and is responsible for coordinating, implementing, and assessing alumni programs and strategic events from inception to completion. The position ensures an excellent, inclusive experience for constituents and strong collaboration with campus partners. This role works closely with alumni, donors, volunteers, Advancement staff, the President's Office, and campus units, applying industry best practices in alumni relations, events, and fundraising to support institutional priorities. The incumbent may lead student, temporary, and/or volunteer workers, perform others duties as assigned, and serve as a designee for the Associate Director as needed. |
| Essential Functions |
Alumni and Donor Engagement (35%)
- With leadership from the Associate Director, assist in planning, promoting, delivering, and assessing monthly and annual alumni programs, services, and events that build connections between alumni and the College.
- Support alumni locally and nationally in building relationships with one another and with the Alumni Office; serve as a liaison between alumni and the College by facilitating connections among alumni, students, faculty, and staff.
- Track alumni information in a relational database (Raiser's Edge), including regular input, updates, and data extraction.
- Respond to alumni inquiries and requests via phone, email, and other channels.
- Assist alumni in accessing College services, such as registration and records, the library, and the Recreation Center.
- Support the Community Giving team in achieving annual stewardship and solicitation goals by making phone calls, sending personalized notes and emails, and updating constituent records; build rapport using provided contact information and scripts, gather demographic updates, and secure small gifts for Annual Giving campaigns, referring donors to appropriate staff as needed.
- In collaboration with colleagues, maintain the alumni web presence as a dynamic, engaging, and valuable tool for connecting alumni with the College and each other.
- Prepare presentations and represent Alumni Programs and Advancement in various settings.
- Promote and coordinate opportunities for alumni to volunteer in College activities, such as board service, event hosting, and campus support.
- Adhere to established policies, procedures, and operational methods.
- Hire, train, supervise, and lead student, temporary, and/or volunteer workers as needed.
Event Planning and Coordination (40%)
- Plan, coordinate, and execute a wide range of events, including alumni, development, Presidential, board, college-wide, and regional events, both on and off campus.
- Serve as a key planner for major events, such as Return to Evergreen, Commencement receptions, the Art of Giving Gala, and others.
- Assist in the planning, coordination, and evaluation of a portfolio of President's Office events, collaborating with the President's Office as needed to ensure successful execution.
- In partnership with the Associate Director, develop, coordinate, and maintain a comprehensive calendar of events.
- Build and manage detailed timelines and checklists; provide regular updates to the Associate Director and Associate Vice President for Constituent Engagement.
- Coordinate all event logistics, including printed materials, audiovisual services, interpreters, catering, permits, decorations, parking, security, entertainment, speakers, media coverage, mailings, and on-site setup.
- Manage event budgets by making purchases, seeking pre-approval for expenses above set limits, maintaining financial documentation, reconciling expenditures, and resolving billing issues.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners, including vendors, organizations, and guests to resolve issues and ensure successful, high-impact events.
- Use surveys, attendance data, and other tools to evaluate event outcomes and inform future planning; identify and recommend areas for improvement.
- Arrange logistics for speakers and special guests as needed.
- In consultation with the Associate Director, generate guest and communications lists for approval; manage invitations and track RSVPs.
- Use Raiser's Edge and web-based tools to manage event registrations, build event pages and forms, and make content updates.
- Coordinate invitations to campus events hosted by other offices.
- Run errands as needed to support event execution.
- Handle last-minute changes with professionalism and tact to ensure smooth event delivery.
Alumni and Event Communications (15%)
- Create, refine, and distribute engaging alumni and event communications, including email campaigns, social media, direct mail, presentations, impact reports, and event materials.
- Write and edit compelling alumni and event-based communications; meticulously proofread and edit communications for clarity, grammar, punctuation, and tone.
- Develop and coordinate targeted email campaigns using mass marketing platforms; monitor performance metrics (e.g., open and click-through rates) to evaluate effectiveness and improve strategies.
- On behalf of the Associate Director, submit data requests and coordinate list reviews to support promotional and outreach efforts.
- Develop and maintain webpages for the Evergreen Alumni Network and events, ensuring content accuracy, user-friendly design, and alignment with institutional branding.
- Collaborate with Advancement and Marketing and Communications teams to align messaging and achieve strategic goals.
Volunteer Engagement (approximately 10%)
- Actively identify, recruit, train, lead, and steward volunteers for various events.
- Establish expectations and write and/or maintain volunteer policies and procedures for events as needed, including briefings and other instructional documents.
- Monitor, support, and motivate volunteers; in collaboration with staff leadership, address volunteer personnel issues, as needed.
- Maintain records and submit required personnel actions.
|
| Additional Duties |
|
| Knowledge Skills and Abilities |
- Strong organizational, prioritization, and multitasking skills in dynamic environments.
- Strategic and creative thinker with the ability to align work with institutional goals and deepen constituent relationships.
- Knowledge of alumni engagement and fundraising principles, including solicitation, stewardship, and best practices.
- Ability to coordinate all aspects of events, including logistics, resources, and contingency planning.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including persuasive copywriting and editing.
- Effective problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate options, anticipate outcomes, and implement solutions.
- Ability to manage complex projects independently and collaboratively.
- Proficiency in coordinating communications across multiple platforms (email, web, social media, and print).
- Skilled in designing, implementing, and assessing programs and events.
- Ability and skill to represent Advancement in diverse settings.
- Ability to develop and adjust operational plans to meet evolving needs.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and promote an inclusive environment.
- Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills for resolving issues and building relationships.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities calmly and effectively within budget and timelines.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to track recurring events and deadlines.
- Knowledge of accessibility standards and ability to ensure event and communication compliance.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
- Technologically proficient and quick to learn new software; skilled in Microsoft 365, Raiser's Edge, project management tools, and social media platforms.
- Flexible to work evenings, weekends, remotely or in-person, and travel as needed to support off-campus events and engagement activities.
|
| Minimum Qualifications |
|
| Desired Qualifications |
- Bachelor's degree.
- Two years of experience in alumni relations, event planning, fundraising, marketing and communications or related fields.
- Experience with relational databases and event management software.
|
| Conditions of Employment |
- Must provide proof of identity and employment eligibility within three days of beginning work.
- This position is part of a bargaining unit and covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
- Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
- Prior to an official offer of employment, a Declaration Regarding Sexual Misconduct form must be submitted to the college per RCW 28B.112.080. The college will contact current and past employers to verify this information. Applicants who provide inaccurate information in their declaration will be disqualified and, if the inaccuracies are discovered after the applicant has been hired, it shall be grounds for termination.
- Must meet the eligible driver requirements: 1) Valid U.S. driver's license, 2) 18 years old or older, 3) Two or more years of fully licensed driving experience, and 4) Clean driving record with none of the following within the past 2 years: Any suspension/revocation of license for reckless driving, hit and run, leaving an accident scene, failure to appear, DUI or other vehicle-related felony; or for multiple traffic offenses (2 moving violations/infractions in 12 months/3 moving violations/infractions in 24 months) resulting in a Conditional Status driving record or subsequent suspension/revocation of license.
- Must be able to work evenings, weekends, in-person or remotely, as approved, and travel as necessary.
|
| Benefits |
A full state benefits package which includes: paid sick and vacation leave; paid campus holidays; a generous medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; optional deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts. For more information about Evergreen's excellent employee benefits, please view
https://www.evergreen.edu/payroll/benefits-package. |
Posting Detail Information
| Posting Number |
S2025-055 |
| Number of Vacancies |
1 |
| Open Date |
01/08/2026 |
| Close Date |
01/29/2026 |
| Special Instructions to Applicants |
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