Alumni and Development Coordinator

Overview: 

Kodaikanal International School is a 124-year-old dynamic international school with a rich history of holistic education, offering the IB continuum of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP) to our learners. Our beautiful school and community are nestled in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, South India.

At KIS, we empower our students to navigate through life’s challenges to achieve their true potential. We follow an inquiry-based approach that promotes critical thinking, learner agency and a dedication to serving others. We recognize the importance of a meaningful, relevant and engaging curriculum that connects students to real-world contexts for their learning. We are keenly aware of the need to adapt our teaching and learning model to respond to the needs of our students in a world of fast-paced change.

Role:

The Alumni and Development Coordinator at Kodaikanal International School (KIS) is responsible for advancing the school's mission through alumni engagement, strategic fundraising and partnership development. This is an Institutional Advancement role which will involve establishing critical partnerships and networks, setting up effective systems and processes, and above all, raising the resources needed to secure financial support for KIS’ strategic goals.

About Kodaikanal International School

KIS Vision Statement: We strive to be a school the world needs: Our graduates will be transformative leaders, caring humans and thoughtful ambassadors for a just, sustainable and peaceful world.

KIS Mission Statement: Kodaikanal International School (KIS) is committed to empowering young people from diverse backgrounds with vision, knowledge, compassion and cross-cultural understanding. We are a community that welcomes everyone and seeks our purpose in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

KIS Values: Accountability, Appreciation, Concern for Others, Consistency, Context, Cooperation, Integrity, Openness, Performance, and Reverence.

Safeguarding Statement

KIS is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our care. We support the rights of the child and will act without hesitation to ensure a child-safe environment. We also support the rights and wellbeing of our staff and volunteers and encourage their active participation in building and maintaining a secure environment for all participants. Teachers at KIS must follow the guidelines of the school’s protective behavior policies and protocols, including reporting any situation that might constitute a health and/or safety hazard to students or school employees.

Qualifications & Experiences

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 10 years of relevant experience, of which at least 5 years should be be in Alumni Relations, Marketing or Resource development at a leadership level
• A Master’s degree in Management or any other related field

Preferred Hard Skills and Competencies:

• Market knowledge and in-depth understanding of the best practices of fund-raising within India.
• Clear understanding of taxation laws and regulations related to fund-raising, CSR and donations.

Preferred Soft Skills and Dispositions:

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written with the ability to make compelling presentations to potential donors and donor segments
• An ability to interact effectively and build rapport with industry leaders, HNIs and other reputed personalities across sectors and disciplines
• Strong research skills, rigour, resilience, persistence and a keen eye for detail
• The ability to make decisions, multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a dynamic and challenging environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Sales Force and other relevant software tools
• An understanding of digital and social media, and how they can be leveraged to achieve objectives.
• The ability to travel extensively, and at short notice, within India (and occasionally overseas)

Reports to: Director of Marketing, Admissions and Development
Coordinates with: Senior Management Team (SMT), KIS Departments
Time Period: Initial 2-year contract, with possibility to reapply for the position

Responsibilities

Leadership

• Charting the Development roadmap in line with the strategic aims and operational requirements of KIS
• Defining and implementing an effective fund-raising strategy for KIS
• Leading an Alumni Development function that is capable of successfully delivering Operational, Scholarship and Capital resource mobilization against agreed targets

Fundraising within India

• Establishing and nurturing KIS’ relationships with diverse donor segments including UHNIs, HNIs, Foundations, Corporates, CSR Trusts, Philanthropists and Philanthropic Foundations
• Creating and building an ongoing pipeline of prospects through regular and directed research and engagement
• Driving the development of persuasive and innovative proposals, case studies, and other collateral as relevant to specific donor segments, in collaboration with the Marketing Office, and relevant KIS departments

Alumni Engagement

• Strengthen and broaden the base of KIS relationships with alumni and parents – both current and former
• Maintain and develop a strong alumni & donor database which includes updating the information submitted by class reps, chapter presidents and visitor guestbook entries
• Use Technology to segment the Alumni database and use segment specific value propositions to foster personal and targeted engagement with the Top 10% of donor alumni
• Actively participate in alumni gatherings, both large and small, to stay in touch with Class Representatives, Chapter Representatives, and affinity groups
• Develop and implement alumni engagement strategies
• Develop a positive rapport with alumni and communicate on a daily basis with the alumni community
• Act as the community first point of contact and provide relevant guidance and support to help the group deliver on their initiatives
• Build networking opportunities and sustain global alumni relationships to strengthen the existing networks. This includes the development of programs and events for alumni members (reunions, networking events, special events etc.)
• Identify and develop KIS brand ambassadors
• Maintain and manage the alumni website and online platforms to assist with the development of communities
• Development of content for alumni communications (including Alumni Newsletters and annual school Magazine)
• Promote Alumni community to current students
• Welcoming all alumni and alumni-related visitors to KIS, conduct campus tours and maintain a photo journal of all visitors

Operations and Compliance

• Holding overall operational and budgetary responsibility for the Alumni and Development Office
• Working closely with different Program Heads at KIS to support their strategic planning and business development initiatives
• Working closely with the Finance & Legal team to ensure adherence to all regulatory frameworks and compliance norms
• Establishing a process of due diligence and screening of potential partners and donors to ensure strategic clearance for engagement
• Regularly reporting to the KIS Leadership and Council on Resource development status, activities, achievements, and plans
• Ensuring the sharing of regular updates and other institutional communication, as appropriate, with all Donors

Professional Growth

• Building and maintaining cutting-edge knowledge of evolving resource development trends, strategies and practices.

Application Process:

1. Download Application Form >> KIS Administrative Position Application Form
2. Fill-in the required information
3. Use the form below to submit your application along with your resume

Please note that applications that do not include the application form and a resume will not be considered.