Program Assistant

The Classes and Communities Program Assistant will support the Reunion and Affinity Networks teams (Classes and Communities) in DAR through program logistics, volunteer support, day-to-day operations and execution, and supporting alumni communications. 

The Classes and Communities Team – comprised of Reunion and Affinity Networks - partners with volunteers to strengthen lifelong connections among alumni and with Vanderbilt. We recruit, build and activate volunteer networks, partner across Vanderbilt to execute an elevated alumni experience, create meaningful traditions and experiences, and drive a spirit of Vanderbilt for Life. Through a year-long undergrad Reunion planning process, our nearly 400 volunteers inspire thousands of classmates to come back and give back to Vanderbilt, driving a deeper, lifelong connection. The team also serves four alumni affinity networks through volunteer stewardship, communications and events: AVBA - Association of Vanderbilt Black Alumni, AAVA - APIDA Association of Vanderbilt Alumni, LAVA - LGBTQIA+ Association of Vanderbilt Alumni, and VAHLA - Vanderbilt Association of Hispanic and Latinx Alumni.

The Classes and Communities team is a highly collaborative team, comprised of a Senior Director, two Directors, four Associate Directors and an Assistant Director and Program Assistant.

About the Work Unit:

The Department of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) assists Vanderbilt University in securing the resources, both human and financial, that are required to achieve its mission and goals. The Department is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose charitable objectives are consistent with those of Vanderbilt University’s teaching and research programs.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

1. Programming

• Execute standard event preparation and setup including logistics, vendor management, communications, and registration tasks for virtual or in person events such as Reunion, Homecoming, and Affinity Network programs using approved timelines, templates, and procedures.

• Day-of contact for events including materials packing and final logistics to ensure events are executed with excellence.

• Attends alumni events as needed.

1. Volunteer & Relationship Management

• Volunteer management support such as maintaining active rosters, facilitating committee updates, preparing materials, executing mailings, partnering on volunteer recruitment, tracking updates for volunteer recruitment and giving campaigns, and attending board meetings and volunteer meetings virtually and in-person as appropriate.