Director of Alumni Relations

OUR SCHOOL 

Shawnigan Lake School is a leading independent co-educational boarding school for ages grades 8-12) on Canada's beautiful west coast. Our world-class facilities situated on a stunning 270-acre campus include ten boarding houses, a theatre, film lab, an observatory, salmon hatchery, rowing crew house on the lake, dance studio, state of the art Learning Commons and Library, recording studio, and robotics lab. Our diverse, inter-disciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.

Director of Alumni Relations

Employment Type: Permanent, Part-time (0.5 FTE)

Position Start Date: January 2026

Application Close Date: 4pm (PST) Monday, November 17, 2025

To apply, please submit a copy of your resume/CV and cover letter to the attention of Joanna Robinson, Executive Director of Advancement and Community Engagement, via the apply for this job button on this page.

Shawnigan Lake School offers a nurturing, family-friendly workplace. The annual salary range for this role is $55,000 to $62, FTE).

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Director of Alumni Relations designs and delivers a dynamic engagement program that deepens lifelong connections with Shawnigan Lake School. As a key member of the Advancement & Community Engagement (ACE) team, this role supports fundraising and community initiatives among alumni, parents, past parents, staff, and friends of the School.

Serving as an ambassador for the alumni community, the Director fosters pathways for alumni to contribute professionally, socially, and financially, while inspiring volunteerism and philanthropy. This role works collaboratively with departments across the School, including Admissions, Communications, Guidance, Athletics and the Head's Office, to create opportunities for alumni involvement that advance Shawnigan's mission and strategic goals.

Championing the School's values of Curiosity, Compassion, Community and Courage, the Director develops inclusive strategies to engage a diverse alumni base across ages, genders, cultures, and backgrounds. Through meaningful connections and shared experiences, the Director inspires lifelong engagement and extends the Shawnigan Journey for generations to come.

Shawnigan Lake School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff (and volunteers) to share this commitment. Candidates will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with previous employers and a vulnerable sector criminal record check.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement and Community Engagement, the Director of Alumni Relations is responsible for:

Strategy and Planning

• Partner with the Advancement & Community Engagement team to refine, finalize and execute an External Engagement Strategy aligned with the School's strategic goals such as:
  • Identify key stages of the Shawnigan Journey for our alumni beyond graduation
  • Strengthen our communications
  • Enhance our Admissions Strategy to support legacy enrolment
  • Develop our Engagement Strategy on campus and off campus
  • Grow our partnerships and expectations with motivated alumni
  • Strengthen our use of data to guide us
  • Develop our approach to fundraising through engagement as part of the Shawnigan Journey
• Develop and implement strategy to educate and engage the Grade 12 grad class in the important role of philanthropy at Shawnigan, and educate graduating students about alumni benefits and engage them in programs
• Update and set goals regularly, implement strategies to meet goals, and evaluate outcomes and effectiveness

Alumni Relationship Management and Communications

• Build and nurture relationships with alumni locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally through direct contact, email, web, and print communications
• Manage content for alumni-focused online platforms and social media to boost engagement
• Maintain accurate alumni database records and assist with alumni surveys
• Develop approaches and initiatives to reconnect with lost alumni

Program and Events Engagement

• Plan and oversee events that meaningfully engage alumni (e.g., Golf Tournament, Fishing Derby, Reunions, Pub Nights, Memorial Services) and attend key gatherings on and off campus
• Develop, implement, and promote alumni programs (e.g., Ambassadors, Class Captains, Mentors, Affinity Groups) aligned with the School's strategic plan and campaign goals

Fundraising and Stewardship

• Work closely with Advancement colleagues to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward alumni donors; document strategic interactions in Raiser's Edge; and participate in prospect management
• Increase philanthropic support and legacy gifts from alumni
• Support fundraising efforts for special projects and events in partnership with Advancement team members

REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Education, Business, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Non-Profit Management or related discipline
  
  

Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience with increasing responsibility in alumni relations, development, advancement, fundraising, or community engagement, preferably in an independent/private school, higher education, or nonprofit setting
• Experience planning and executing events, reunions or campaigns that engage diverse alumni populations, preferred
• Experience developing and executing alumni engagement strategies and programs, preferred
• Strong background in communication and relationship-building with various constituencies, including alumni, parents, faculty/staff, and donors
• Demonstrated ability to work with CRM/donor databases (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Blackbaud, Salesforce, etc.), preferred
  
  

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal); ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, alumni, parents, faculty, donors, and community members
• Strong relationship-building and constituency management skills, with proven ability to manage multiple connections and responsibilities
• Strategic thinker, able to work independently and as part of a team
• High professional and ethical standards for handling confidential information
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and grow engagement programs and activities, motivating staff and volunteers
• Flexible, creative, and comfortable implementing new programs and initiatives
• Strong planning, project management, and organizational skills, with attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines
• Proficient in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office; familiarity with email marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp) and social media platforms a plus

Shawnigan Lake School is an equal opportunity employer committed to establishing an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or any other basis protected by
applicable law.

We express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest in this position, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.