Director of Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving

Job Description

Job Description

Basic Purpose

To foster and strengthen the relationship between Thomas More University and its alumni. This is accomplished by strategically organizing events, programs, and activities that meet both University and alumni needs; enhance the University’s reputation and brand position; and support the University’s mission and strategic plan.

Core Competencies

Strong creative, strategic, analytical and organizational skills. Demonstrated strength of written and oral communication skills. Ability to handle multiple projects at a time. Commitment to working with shared leadership and in cross-functional teams. Understanding of NCAA compliance as it relates to donor/boosters engagement and responsibilities.

Principle Duties & Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Supervision
  • Provide strategic leadership for alumni engagement and annual giving initiatives through both short‑ and long‑range planning.
  • Develop, implement, and oversee programs designed to increase alumni affinity, involvement, and connection to the University.
  • Ensure alumni engagement and annual giving efforts align with the University’s mission, strategic plan, and Institutional Advancement goals.
  • Oversee Institutional Advancement events, projects, and initiatives related to alumni engagement and annual giving.
  • Recruit, supervise, and support the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
  • Serve as the primary liaison to the Alumni Association Board, including agenda development, reporting, and meeting coordination.
  • Manage alumni volunteer committees and leadership participation.
  • Supervise Alumni Engagement staff and provide guidance, coaching, and performance oversight.
  • Collaborate closely with Advancement Services and other Institutional Advancement staff to support coordinated engagement, fundraising, and stewardship efforts.
• Alumni Engagement, Donor Stewardship, and Relationship Building
  • Plan, develop, and promote alumni events and engagement experiences, both on‑ and off‑campus.
  • Build and sustain strong relationships with alumni to strengthen long‑term affinity for Thomas More University.
  • Represent the University at events and in settings that connect alumni, donors, and supporters.
  • Support the cultivation of alumni as donors through meaningful engagement and strategic stewardship.
  • Plan and manage donor recognition and appreciation events.
  • Coordinate donor stewardship communications, collateral, and recognition efforts.
  • Steward donors through timely gratitude, engagement opportunities, and meaningful experiences.
  • Collaborate with gift officers to support coordinated donor stewardship and engagement plans.
• Annual Giving Strategy
  • Lead and/or support annual donor acquisition and retention strategies in alignment with institutional priorities.
  • Set and work toward annual giving goals aligned with institutional benchmarks and capital campaign priorities.
  • Coordinate targeted fundraising efforts that integrate alumni engagement with philanthropic outcomes.
  • Support leadership‑level giving societies and engagement pipelines.
  • Personally solicit annual and leadership‑level gifts, as appropriate, to support annual giving goals.
• Donor and Alumni Communications
  • Conduct alumni and donor outreach through email, mail, letters, and digital communications using the University’s CRM system.
  • Partner with Marketing and Communications to develop promotional materials and messaging for alumni and donor events.
  • Ensure accuracy and timeliness of alumni event and engagement information across University web pages and social media platforms.