Role Introduction

The OEA is seeking a dynamic and talented individual to take the lead on developing and implementing strategies to engage and build strong relationships with the alumni community.

Reporting to the Vice-Provost and the Chairman of the OEA, the Director of the Old Etonian Association will lead a team based within Eton College with the purpose of leading the evolution of the Old Etonian Association and further strengthening its membership. The Director will provide leadership and oversight in planning and executing the vision and strategy for the OEA, implementing best practice in alumni relations, delivering a tech-enabled community and increasing engagement for one of the world’s leading alumni bodies.

The Association is an independent organisation with the responsibility for providing 21st-century alumni programmes. The Director will develop the OEA as an online and ‘in-person’ community befitting its most recent alumni at the same time as retaining the traditional strengths on which the Association was established and which are much cherished by its older members.

Crucially, the Director will also support a motivated team of OE volunteers running other Clubs and Societies under the OEA umbrella. The Director will work closely with the Eton College Engagement Team to help facilitate excellent relations between Old Etonians and their old school whilst supporting the College in its engagement activities.

An understanding of the independent schools sector in the UK would be of benefit but is not essential; however, candidates should be supportive of independent education in general and the values and ethos of the OEA and Eton College specifically. The role requires occasional work outside of normal office hours and at weekends.

All applications should be made via RSAcademics at https://www.rsacademics.com/current-vacancies/director-oea/

If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, please contact Jonathan Barnes, Head of Operations (Leadership Appointments) at applications@rsacademics.com. Jonathan can also be reached by calling their Head Office on +44 (0)1858 383163

The process is as follows:

All applications will be acknowledged by email. If you have not received acknowledgement that your application has been received within two working days of sending it, please contact our Head Office by telephone. 

Preliminary interviews will take place with RSAcademics via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd April 2024.

Longlist interviews will take place via Teams on Tuesday 9th April 2024.

Shortlist interviews will take place at Eton College on Thursday 18th April 2024

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Main Duties

STRATEGY AND DEVELOPMENT 

• Responsible for developing, directing and evaluating the strategy for enhancing and expanding alumni engagement worldwide. 
• Using an evidence-based approach, build and deliver an ongoing programme of data-driven events and communications.
• Propose, plan and implement a digital strategy to offer a richer programme of alumni benefits and a sense of community among alumni.

COMMUNITY AND ALUMNI RELATIONS

• Foster a vibrant community of Old Etonians by overseeing the development of:

- an effective online network

- in-person events

- printed and digital publications and social media

• Oversee the effective delivery of OEA events, sometimes (but not limited to) in collaboration with the school.
• Support the OE Societies, Clubs and overseas representatives.
• Build a network of OE volunteer opportunities, career networking and/or mentoring opportunities to benefit membership.
• Plan, organise, and engage alumni based on industry communities and interest groups via events and digital networks.
• Oversee coordination and outreach initiatives to keep OEs informed of organisational updates, events and opportunities for involvement.

ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS 

• Facilitate timely, relevant and effective communication and engagement between the OEA and its members and within the membership itself. 
• Oversee prompt handling of incoming communications from alumni.
• Implement the production and distribution of an engaging and well-designed publications programme for members, such as is currently provided by the Annual Review and newsletters.
• Utilise database insights to tailor communication and engagement strategies to different segments of the OE population.
• Recruit, support and manage alumni volunteers for various initiatives, including mentorship programmes, clubs, societies and events.

MANAGEMENT, DATA, ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

• Manage the OEA office and build the team.
• Provide the essential administrative and financial services to underpin the smooth operation of the OEA.
• Support the OEA Committee in the governance of the organisation and provide or manage the provision of clerking services to the Committee and its Sub-Committees.
• Report to the OEA Committee quarterly on agreed KPIs for community interaction and engagement.
• Propose and manage an annual operating budget, including the effective operation of the online merchandise store.
• Maintain the OEA risk register and manage mitigation measures.

LIAISON WITH ETON COLLEGE 

• Work closely with Eton College in the provision and oversight of the database for membership, ensuring GDPR and data protection compliance.
• Partner with departments and colleagues across Eton College to provide programming, events, and resources for alumni.
• Work closely with Eton College in its work to strengthen the ties between Old Etonians and the school.  
• Work closely with the school to ensure good relationships, consistency of communication, efficient administration and delivery of the OEA’s obligations.
• Commitment and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion;
• All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including but not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.

The Ideal Candidate

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE 

• Demonstrable experience developing measurably successful strategies, especially those associated with alumni or membership engagement goals.
• Experience of building, growing and nurturing a tech-enabled community.
• Proficiency in database management and familiarity with CRM databases and/or alumni engagement platforms.  
• In-depth experience of communications, including digital and social media.  High-level and strategic event management and planning experience. 
• Experience working with a range of stakeholders at all levels across a diverse community, where the positive management of relationships is central to success.
• Ability to recruit and support high-level volunteers, fostering long-term engagement and commitment. 
• Budget management experience with commercial and financial acumen.
• Knowledge of the regulatory framework for GDPR and charities.

SKILLS, ABILITIES & PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES 

• Passion for building and maintaining relationships with alumni and advancing the mission of an organisation. 
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills with the ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders with empathy, tact and diplomacy. 
• High level of organisational and project management skills, including managing competing and possibly conflicting priorities.
•  Ability to think strategically, with attention to detail and strong programme management skills.
• Ability to act independently and decisively when the situation demands it. Good judgment and the ability to acquire the knowledge necessary to support the task at hand in a timely manner.
• Excellent presentation and networking skills.
• Digitally savvy.
•  A diplomatic and talented relationship builder. 
• A collaborative team player.
• Self-motivated, organised and creative.
• Values and promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. 
• A clear commitment to delivering best practice in safeguarding.

Benefits

• Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly. 

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form.  Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.

Eton College