Director of Alumni Relations

Description

Battle Ground Academy seeks a proven Director of Alumni Relations to join its staff in 2026-2027. The Director of Alumni Relations is integral to the Advancement Office and advancing the mission of Battle Ground Academy. This professional will report to the Assistant Head of School for Advancement and oversee the daily programs and initiatives of the Development Office aimed at growing support for Battle Ground Academy.

Founded in 1889, BGA is a PreK-12th grade college preparatory school located in Franklin, TN. Serving a diverse student population from the surrounding counties, the school embodies the core values of character, scholarship, and excellence in all facets of campus life.

BGA is the oldest school in Franklin, a remarkable city located just 20 miles south of Nashville. It has been referred to as “a small-town gem” by the New York Times. The downtown is filled with locally-owned shops, and restaurants, and Main Street is home to iconic venues such as the Franklin Theater. Franklin features an abundance of historical sites and parks appealing to those who enjoy history and/or the outdoors. Quaint and welcoming, Franklin is truly a wonderful place to call home.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Alumni Engagement

• Visionary Leadership: Design and implement a comprehensive, multi-generational alumni engagement strategy that aligns with the Academy’s strategic plan.
• Relationship Architecture: Build and maintain deep-rooted relationships with alumni through one-on-one outreach and personal networking.
• Collaborative Programming: Work with BGA faculty and administration to integrate alumni into the daily life of the school (e.g., student mentorship, guest speaking, and possible employee pipelines).
• Communication & Brand: Partner with the communications team to curate alumni-specific content for newsletters and social media that highlights the achievements of our graduates.

Board Governance & Recognition

• Alumni Board Management: Serve as the primary liaison and strategic advisor to the BGA Alumni Association and Alumni Board, ensuring adherence to by-laws and guiding the selection of new leadership.
• Recognition Programs: Manage the prestigious nomination, selection, and notification process for the BGA Hall of Fame and other alumni awards.
• Event Excellence: Direct and oversee high-impact "friend-raising" events, including Homecoming, Reunion Weekend, regional chapter gatherings, and local networking mixers.

Data & Infrastructure

• Database Stewardship: Oversee the accuracy of alumni records within the donor management system, ensuring high-quality data for outreach and historical tracking.
• Performance Analysis: Provide regular reports on alumni engagement metrics, event attendance, and the health of the alumni network.

Core Skills / Dispositions

• Loves working with students and alumni and is a natural relationship builder.
• Enjoys connecting people and creating community.
• Is organized and energized by planning programs or events.

Requirements

General Job Requirements

• Actively support and assist with achieving all goals set forth by the Office of Advancement.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison for the BGA Alumni Association and Alumni Board.
• Manage the Alumni Board to ensure they adhere to their by-laws.
• Manage the process of nominations to the Alumni Board.
• Manage the nomination, selection, and notification of Hall of Fame inductees.
• Potentially solicit alumni, current parents, and other constituents for the BGA Fund.  
• Speak with and educate alumni and other constituents about the mission and goals of the school.
• Collaborate with the Office of Advancement staff to organize, promote, and run Alumni fundraising and friend-raising events.  
• Network and create long-lasting relationships through budget-appropriate lunches, coffees, and being present at important events with alumni, current parents, and other constituents.

Qualifications

• Ability to achieve goals, organize and establish priorities effectively and work collaboratively with a high level of motivation
• Ability to think creatively and strategically and manage multiple areas of activity simultaneously
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge or comparable donor management database preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with all the school’s constituents while maintaining absolute confidentiality and professionalism in appearance, attitude, and presentation
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in business, communications, marketing, or a related field
• Minimum of three year’s experience in Advancement at independent schools preferred
• Strong data management skills, including use of Blackbaud, word processing, and spreadsheets
• Proficient in the use of computer applications (email, calendars, etc.) as required.
• Ability to work independently