Director of Annual Giving and Alumni/Friends Engagement

Description:

Lourdes University, rooted in Catholic and Franciscan traditions, provides a values-centered education that enriches lives and advances academic excellence through the integration of the liberal arts and professional studies. Established in 1958 and accredited by nine national and regional educational organizations, the robust liberal arts education and Franciscan-inspired charism of service learning ensures students receive a holistic education that prepares them for professional and personal success.

Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement, the Director of Annual Giving and Alumni / Friends Engagement develops and implements programs and services that engage the constituency of Lourdes University creating a culture of volunteerism and philanthropy. This role is charged with increasing annual giving and strengthening alumni and friends ties to the University.

By improving existing programs, the Director will grow the annual fund, apply best practices and further engage the alumni and friends community, faculty, staff, students and University leadership in advancing the mission of the University. The Director is further charged with growing, soliciting, and stewarding segments of the broader donor pool. The Director also works closely with advancement and communications / marketing colleagues in the creation and implementation of alumni communications, including digital and social media.

Responsibilities

• Lead and innovate a comprehensive annual giving and alumni / friends engagement program
• Develop and refine the alumni and friends event portfolio to support annual support, volunteerism, student recruitment and overall engagement
• Lead and collaborate with development team members to increase leadership annual support through the Lourdes Society
• Work with the advancement team to develop pathways for leadership annual fund donors to major, and planned gifts
• Lead the development and implementation of annual fund outreach through direct mail solicitations, electronic solicitations, social media, giving day, faculty/staff giving and other channels.
• Develop thematic messaging to engage various segments of alumni and deliver this messaging via website, e-mail, social media, and print communications as per approved strategy.
• Collaborate with the development staff to assure that assigned prospects are personally solicited for the annual fund each year as appropriate
• Oversee the planning and implementation of strategic events that engage alumni and friends in support of University goals.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Lourdes University Alumni Association Board and its committees.
• In partnership with the Office of Communications and Marketing, develop and manage alumni and donor communications including direct mail, E-newsletter, social media, web presence and alumni magazine.
• In collaboration with the University Advancement leadership team, develop and execute a multi-year strategic plan for alumni giving, outreach and engagement.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement matching, vacation/sick hours, holiday hours, tuition remission/exchange and much more
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• A supportive and collaborative work environment
• The chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of prospective students

Requirements:

Preferred Education / Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two years' experience in annual giving and constituent relations, preferably in higher education.

Required Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Excellent interpersonal, conversational, and telephone skill.
• Strong project management skills for event and annual fund management
• Proficiency with database software and email marketing platforms
• Familiarity with online and other giving platforms and partner organizations
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, work independently and take initiative
• Ability to develop relationships, build partnerships and collaborate
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels within the internal and external communities
• Strategize and conceptualize new ideas and be able to translate these ideas into specific action

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