Senior Associate Director of Alumni & Parent Engagement, Travel Programs

Attention Current Lewis & Clark College Employees: In order to apply for posted positions, please apply internally in Workday in the Jobs Hub.

Working at Lewis & Clark College

The campus is located on 137 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Portland’s southwest hills. Our strong commitment to sustainability is reinforced through recycling programs, energy conservation, alternative transportation options, and farm to fork initiatives. For benefit-eligible positions, we offer a competitivebenefits package that includes options for health, dental, vision, tuition, life insurance, retirement and more.

Lewis & Clark College is committed to achieving a diverse workforce. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or age.

PRIMARY PURPOSE 

The Senior Associate Director of Alumni & Parent Engagement, Travel Programs within Alumni & Parent Engagement reports directly to the Director of Alumni & Parent Engagement. This role is primarily responsible for leading the design, administration, and execution of the L&C Travel program, including developing travel offerings, cultivating partnerships with tour providers and campus collaborators, selecting and coordinating trip staffing, overseeing program finances and communications, and resolving issues that arise during travel programs. The role also provides limited support for Alumni & Parent Engagement events, programs, and volunteer engagement. The ideal candidate will possess strong experience in travel program administration, event planning, relationship management, financial oversight, marketing communications, and constituent engagement. To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at managing complex programs, building collaborative relationships, exercising sound judgment, and delivering engaging experiences that connect alumni, parents, and travelers with Lewis & Clark.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Travel Program Strategy and Operations

• Lead, plan, and execute the annual L&C Travel program schedule, delivering at least eight high-quality tours each year that intentionally connect travelers with institutional priorities.
• Generate a minimum of $110,000 in annual revenue through travel bookings, and grow that revenue by at least 3% year over year.
• Develop and test curated affinity travel itineraries to assess constituent interest and market demand.
• Select and coordinate faculty leaders, staff trip hosts, and other program representatives for individual travel programs.
• Manage complex travel logistics and respond effectively to program issues that arise before, during, or following travel experiences.
• Evaluate participant feedback, program outcomes, and industry practices to continuously strengthen travel offerings.

Partnerships and Constituent Engagement

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with travel providers, tour operators, external vendors, faculty leaders, alumni, parents, travelers, and campus partners.
• Negotiate and manage vendor and tour operator agreements to support program quality and protect institutional interests.
• Partner with Advancement colleagues to position travel experiences as opportunities for donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Integrate faculty experts, alumni hosts, researchers, campus leadership, and other institutional connections into travel experiences.
• Serve as a key liaison to alumni constituencies and groups, including the Board of Alumni.

Marketing, Data, and Financial Management

• Develop and distribute targeted travel and event communications through email campaigns, website content, direct mail, alumni publications, and other appropriate channels.
• Use Slate Customer Relationship Management (CRM) to manage registration information, support event logistics, maintain revenue data, and inform future program planning.
• Monitor program operations, revenue goals, expenses, and other financial measures to support responsible program management.
• Analyze registration patterns, participant feedback, financial information, and program outcomes to inform future offerings and marketing strategies.

Engagement

• Support Alumni & Parent Engagement colleagues with regional, on-campus, and virtual programs, including small gatherings, signature institutional celebrations, Alumni Weekend, Homecoming, and milestone events.
• Collaborate with the Director of Alumni & Parent Engagement to strengthen alumni volunteer networks.
• Recruit, engage, and support event and chapter volunteers.
• Track volunteer participation and contributions to support departmental planning and goals.

Other Duties as Assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS

• Superior knowledge of curated travel program administration, itinerary development, and hospitality practices.
• Proficient in tour operator, vendor, and contract relationship management.
• Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills when working with alumni, parents, donors, faculty, volunteers, travelers, and external partners.
• Superior judgment and problem-solving skills in complex, time-sensitive, and changing environments.
• Excellent event planning, organizational, and project management skills.
• Proficient in budget management, financial tracking, revenue analysis, and program assessment.
• Proficient in Customer Relationship Management systems, including Slate, and digital communication platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across in-person, digital, and virtual settings.
• Extremely detail-oriented, with strong prioritization skills when managing multiple programs and competing deadlines.
• Strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment in which people with varied backgrounds, identities, perspectives, and experiences are respected and supported.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience..
• Four years of experience in travel program management, hospitality, constituent relations, or customer-facing operations.
• Three years of experience in event planning and project execution.

PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Experience managing affinity travel programs.
• Experience partnering with fundraising, advancement, or donor development teams.
• Experience developing marketing communications and constituent outreach.
• Experience supporting or managing volunteer networks.
• Experience working in higher education settings.
• Preferred Tech: Slate Customer Relationship Management (CRM); Google Workspace.

WORK SCHEDULE

• Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
• Schedule: 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours as needed for events and travel programs.
• Benefit Eligible: Yes
• Travel: Periodic domestic and international travel is required to host L&C Travel programs and support select regional alumni engagement events.
• Hybrid/Remote: This position is primarily in person with hybrid flexibility based on departmental needs and College policy.

PAY RATE

• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Starting at $75,000 per year, with consideration for experience

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• General office environment with regular use of a computer and other standard office technology.
• Regular communication by phone, email, online meetings, and in person.
• Periods of sitting or remaining in a stationary position while performing computer-based work.
• Occasional movement and transport of event materials and equipment weighing up to 15 pounds.
• Occasional participation in outdoor events in varying weather conditions.
• Travel programs may involve extended periods of standing or walking and navigating stairs, gangways, ships, unpaved terrain, and other conditions associated with domestic and international travel.
• Periodic participation in moderate-impact activities associated with specific travel itineraries, such as trekking or navigating varied terrain, with reasonable accommodations considered as appropriate.

Directions for Cover Letter

Please include a cover letter describing your interest in joining Lewis & Clark and the ways you can contribute to a culture of inclusion on our campus.

Lewis & Clark College adheres to a nondiscriminatory policy with respect to educational programs, activities, employment, and admission.  We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, age, marital status, national origin, the presence of any physical or sensory disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and local laws.  The Associate Vice President of Human Resources has been designated to handle inquiries regarding employment- and disability-related non-discrimination policies.  Title IX inquiries may be directed to the Title IX coordinator or deputy Title IX coordinators

(https://www.lclark.edu/about/title_ix_compliance). 

Reasonable Accommodation

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. 

Background Check

Lewis & Clark College will conduct a background check on the finalist, which will include a criminal record check. If a conviction is discovered, a determination will be made whether the conviction is related to the position for which the individual is applying or would present safety or security risks before an employment decision is made. A criminal conviction does not necessarily automatically bar an applicant from employment.

Eligibility to Work

In order to comply with US Homeland Security Department regulations, all employees must complete an I-9 form in Workday prior to or no later than the first day of work and bring originals (no photocopies) of their supporting documentation to Human Resources no later than the 3rd business day of employment. Failure to have a completed I-9 form on file with the College will result in immediate termination of employment.