To apply for any of the positions listed on this page, please send a cover letter and resume to utsjobs@uts.columbia.edu and please indicate the specific job title in the subject line.
Union Theological Seminary is an Equal Opportunity Employer and acts in accordance with applicable laws in all of our hiring and employment practices. Union considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, ability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor under federal, state, or local law.
Questions?
Please contact Chief Human Resources Officer, Diana Torres-Petrilli | (212) 678-8011
Current Job Openings
Assistant Director for Alum Relations
Position Description
The Assistant Director for Alum Relations is an in-person Development position responsible for creating robust programming for Union graduates highlighting the various program areas at the Seminary; creating experiences that intersect with Professional Education and Lifelong Learning, Buddhist Studies, Episcopal Divinity School at Union, as examples; and working with faculty members who span and offer a wide and diverse scholarship to include at least 24 faith traditions. The AD of AR is an integral team member who will actively participate in comprehensive capital campaign planning and create strategies to engage alums and alum adjacent constituents. This role reports to the Sr. Director for Development & Planned Giving.
Job Duties:
- Increase alum participation in all facets of the Seminary.
- Participate and recommend alum engagement opportunities in activities such as Convocation, Commencement, Chapel, Admissions recruitment events, as well as donor cultivation events.
- Prepare graduating students for their role as engaged alums as they move from students to alums.
- Plan and coordinate all logistics for alum events and programs with building management, catering, facilities operations, and grounds, the respective campus departments, faculty and staff, and any vendors.
- Coordinate and execute events that welcome, educate, and begin to develop relationships with our current students, Union’s future alum; some of the activities include alum mentoring, meaningful interactions between students and alums; partnering with scholarship students, and host a reception for students at Orientation.
- Develop and implement an annual calendar of in-person and virtual engagement opportunities in New York City, in areas where there are regional programs, across the country (and internationally*) in key locations where there are conferences, the President is traveling, or where regional programs may want to be established.
- Oversee the hiring, training, and managing of student volunteers.
- Work closely with Sr. Dir of Dev & Planned Giving, Manager of Annual Fund, and the Office of Communications to create marketing materials and electronic postings for all events and programs, and determine the best approach to reach our community.
- Work with the Sr. Director in planning, executing, and overseeing all alum relations events which include Ceremony of Light, Scholarship Luncheon, and ReUnion (with at least 4 milestone class celebrations who have fundraising goals.)
- Develop an annual plan for the Trailblazers, including a dinner that has been hosted during ReUnion.
- Supervise and organize volunteers, colleagues, and others who assist throughout ReUnion, other events, and programs.
- Create and submit to the VP and Sr. Director, budgets for all events and programs, and ensure all necessary purchases are made for the implementation of each activity. Work with Sr. Director to track actual vs. budgeted costs for each event and program.
- Work with the entire Development team, Center for Community Engagement & Social Justice, and Communications to implement the strategic plan for marketing and communicating with alums.
- Develop, promote, and maintain traditions, new programs, and services designed to generate and maintain alum interest and support for the seminary.
- Key stakeholder in overseeing digital communications, including Alum Relations portal, newsletter, and social media platforms.
- Attend Alum council board and committee meetings and assist with board and committee recruitment, meetings and events.
- Represent the Development Office in strategic initiatives such as the Justice, Equity, and Inclusion and any others as they arise.
*While there may not be international travel involved, you may be coordinating international gatherings and supporting the President and VP of Development in different time zones.
Qualifications
In addition to fulfilling the above duties, successful candidates will:
- Thrive in a busy, fast-paced environment, are adept at juggling many projects at once, and are able to meet aggressive deadlines and can effectively cope with the unexpected.
- Possess an interest in providing a platform for social justice and a strong drive to work towards a more just and equitable society.
Education, Computer Skills, and Attendance Requirements
- A minimum of five years programmatic and event management experience, with an alum and/or constituency relations background, and fundraising knowledge. • Bachelor’s Degree in communication, business administration, marketing, public relations, nonprofit management, or a closely related field. Master’s degree is a plus. • Strong computer skills and ability to adapt—facility with Microsoft 365 products, Raiser’s Edge, GiveCampus, and DropBox.
- Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours, which includes evenings and weekends, when needed.
- Ability to travel, valid driver’s license.
Interdepartmental and Communication Skills
- Must have proven track record of being team-oriented, and be able to relate to and communicate with a wide variety of constituencies including, but not limited to, administration, faculty, religious leaders, volunteer groups, support staff, and students.
- Strong written and oral communications and presentation skills, including the ability to deploy tact and diplomacy in pursuit of results.
- Must be self-motivated, have strong communication skills (both written and oral), excellent organizational abilities and interpersonal skills, and demonstrated supervisory experience.
- Ability to develop content for various social media platforms, to include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
- Ability to market the seminary and increase alum engagement.
- Demonstrated ability to use computers, internet, and email and contemporary computer software.
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Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills are required. Public speaking experience is a plus.
The salary range for this position is $70,000 – $75,000, with considerations based on experience. For confidential consideration, please submit your cover letter, resume, to: utsjobs@uts.columbia.edu and be sure indicate the specific job title in the subject line.
No phone calls, please. Those whose candidacy is being considered will be contacted.
Union Theological Seminary is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor under federal, state, or local law.
Associate Director of Communications | Center for Earth Ethics
The Center for Earth Ethics (CEE) at Union Theological Seminary in New York is seeking applications for the newly created position of associate director of communications. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to climate advocacy and environmental justice as well as strong communications skills. The associate director will be a key member of our small team, playing a central role in enhancing the visibility and awareness of CEE, its areas of focus and senior leaders, and CEE’s work confronting the climate crisis. This individual will be a skillful communicator, with a desire to build on their experience in social media, website design and maintenance, media relations, and digital/multimedia storytelling.
Responsibilities
- Post CEE and earth ethics news on website and across multiple social media platforms
- Develop and write original content for CEE website and external media outlets
- Design, implement, and manage print and digital communications, including newsletters, press releases, digital marketing campaigns, reports and white papers, and advancement appeals
- Develop and produce multimedia content for a multitude of platforms
- Build and maintain database/network of journalists, thought leaders, and media outlets
- Perform general website maintenance as needed, ensuring website is maintained, up to date, and functional, with attention to SEO
- Maintain consistent communications in alignment with visual identity as well as culturally aware principles and practices
- Grow, organize, and maintain a database of photo and video assets
- Support in-person and virtual events
- Work occasionally in the evening and on weekends, as needed
- Other duties as required
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, such as social ethics, climate justice, environmental science, religion, sociology, or communications
- At least two (2) years relevant work experience in communications, climate advocacy, environmental justice, not-for-profit administration, or higher education
Preferred Experience
- Master’s degree in relevant field, such as climate justice, environmental science, social ethics, religion, sociology, or communications
- 3-5 years relevant work experience in communications, climate advocacy, environmental justice, not-for-profit administration, or higher education
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills, problem-solving skills, and cultural competency
- Excellent computer skills, including knowledge of WordPress, Mailchimp, Microsoft Office Suite, and G-Suite programs
- Social media savvy with an understanding of various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube
- Ability to disseminate news and information to diverse audiences, including members of Indigenous communities
- Strong interpersonal skills with the capacity to communicate and collaborate with various stakeholders (e.g., staff, faculty, administration, thought leaders, community advocates and organizers), including Indigenous groups and other communities impacted by the climate crisis
- Ability to think strategically and analytically about communications and best practices
- Initiative, sound judgment, and ability to respond calmly and effectively to evolving tasks and priorities
- Ability to work both independently and on a team
- Strong willingness to learn and assist in a variety of capacities as needed
Additional Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of AP and Chicago styles
- Experience with Photoshop, Canva, or other graphic design software
This is a full-time position based in New York City, with flexibility to work remotely.
About the Center for Earth Ethics
The Center for Earth Ethics (https://centerforearthethics.org) works to change the dominant value system from one based on short-term material gain to one based on the long-term health of the whole community of life. We work through education, advocacy, and movement-building to raise public consciousness as well as to shift policy and culture. We connect individuals and groups through four areas of focus: sustainability and global affairs; environmental justice and civic engagement; Indigenous wisdom, values, and rights; and ecology, spirituality, and faith. We use our unique convening capacity to tackle pressing issues, not only to speak truth to power but also to amplify the voices of those building a different kind of power, often along the margins.
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation is $65,000 per year, with a competitive benefits package (including medical, dental, and vision).
How To Apply
If you have the qualifications we are looking for and are interested in joining a small, collegial team, we want to hear from you! Please submit (1) a cover letter, (2) a resume, and (3) two writing samples to tcross@centerforearthethics.org.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until a candidate is hired. Select candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in next steps in the selection process.
