Executive Director of Annual Fund and Alumni Relations

Executive Director of Annual Fund and Alumni Relations

The Executive Director of Annual Fund and Alumni Relations provides strategic leadership for the Ivy Tech Foundation's statewide annual giving and alumni engagement efforts. This role is responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive, data-informed strategy that grows philanthropic participation, strengthens alumni affinity, and advances a culture of philanthropy across all campuses.

Reporting to the Vice President of Philanthropy, the Executive Director works collaboratively with campus development teams, marketing and communications, and institutional leadership to align efforts, maximize impact, and ensure a consistent and coordinated approach to donor and alumni engagement across the state.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and lead a unified, statewide strategy for annual fund and alumni relations that increases donor participation, retention, and pipeline development for major gifts.
• Establish clear goals and metrics tied to annual fund growth and alumni engagement outcomes.
• Collaborate with campus-based teams to ensure alignment in messaging, timing, and execution across all initiatives.
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert on annual giving, alumni engagement, and participation-based fundraising strategies.

Annual Fund Program Management

• Design and oversee a comprehensive, multi-channel annual giving program, including digital campaigns, direct mail, and targeted solicitations.
• Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of Ivy Tech's annual day of giving (Ivy Tech Day), driving statewide participation, donor acquisition, and engagement.
• Implement segmented strategies that engage diverse donor audiences, including alumni, first-time donors, recurring donors, and event participants.
• Drive innovation in donor acquisition, retention, and upgrade strategies to increase participation and overall giving.
• Utilize data and analytics to assess performance and continuously refine annual fund strategies.

Alumni Relations and Engagement

• Develop and execute a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy that fosters lifelong connection to Ivy Tech and supports philanthropic participation.
• Partner with campus leadership to strengthen alumni engagement across local communities while maintaining a consistent statewide approach.
• Integrate alumni engagement efforts with annual fund strategies to enhance donor pipeline development and long-term engagement.

Events and Engagement Initiatives

• Provide strategic leadership for the Foundation's statewide events strategy, ensuring alignment with annual fund and alumni engagement priorities.
• Oversee the planning and execution of key statewide events, including the Annual Distinguished Alumni and Benefactor event, ensuring a high-quality, mission-driven experience.
• Guide campus and system teams in leveraging events to drive engagement, stewardship, and philanthropic participation.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight for affinity groups, such as Circle of Ivy, ensuring meaningful volunteer engagement and alignment with fundraising goals.
• Ensure that engagement initiatives and events are coordinated, intentional, and deliver measurable outcomes tied to participation and giving.

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise and develop one direct report, providing clear expectations, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture that supports shared ownership of statewide results.
• Serve as a connector across teams, encouraging shared best practices and consistency in approach.

Supervision Received: Vice President for Philanthropy

Supervision Given: Director of Annual Giving and Events

Hiring Range: $80,000 - $90,000

Qualifications & Key Competencies

• Bachelor's degree, preference for a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience in advancement, annual giving, alumni relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success leading multi-channel fundraising programs and alumni engagement strategies.
• Experience working across complex, multi-location organizations and aligning diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills and experience using data to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills.
• High ethical standards and commitment to Ivy Tech's mission.
• Must be able to build consensus among diverse campus groups and influence without direct authority for the overall success of the organization.
• Must demonstrate ability to promote an inclusive environment that reflects the broad diversity and backgrounds represented by Ivy Tech students, employees, and donors, in which every individual feels respected and valued.

Benefits

Ivy Tech is committed to supporting the well-being, growth, and financial security of our full-time faculty and staff. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

Health & Wellness

• Multiple medical plan options paired with a Health Savings Account with a generous employer contribution
• Dental plan with no-cost preventive services and coverage for orthodontia
• Vision plan with low-cost exams and allowances for glasses or contact lenses
• Employee Assistance Program offering no-cost confidential counseling sessions, legal consultations, financial planning consultations, and other resources
• Wellness program with opportunities to earn $250 in Wellness Rewards
• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare (limited purpose) and dependent care

Retirement & Financial Security

• 10% employer retirement contribution, fully vested after two years
• Basic life insurance equal to annual salary paid by the College, with optional supplemental coverage
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits

Educational Benefits

• Fee remission for employees, spouses, and dependent children
• Tuition assistance for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs
• Paid professional development opportunities

Work‑Life Balance

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, and winter recess
• Flexible work arrangements where available
• Paid childbirth recovery leave (8 weeks)
• Paid parental leave (4 weeks)

Additional Perks

• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Additional discounts on gym memberships, transportation, and various retail services

Ivy Tech is proud to offer benefits that support your health, your family, and your future—because when our employees thrive, our students and communities thrive too. For more information on Ivy Tech Benefits, visit

Note: Employees who re-hire with the College within 180 days of leaving a full-time position with the College may be eligible for additional benefits depending on their bridged seniority date.

Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College's Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.