Advancement & Alumni Relations Program Manager (Hybrid)

Job Description

Job Description

Position Information:

NWHSU is seeking an Advancement and Alumni Relations Program Manager to partner with our VP of Advancement and Marketing to develop strategy, annual plans, and budgets for Alumni Relations and Advancement Departments. They work as part of an Advancement Team consisting of the VP of Marketing and Advancement, as well as communications, events and support staff members in fulfilling the annual plan focused on deepening alumni's attachment and pride in the institution, event participation, student referrals and fundraising results. The Program Manager works closely with departments across the university to foster a culture that celebrates alumni engagement and philanthropy, including stewarding alumni, donors and charitable funds in support of mission.

Work Location: Bloomington, MN with flexibility to work 1-2 days per week remotely; must live local and be able to come to campus as needed

Duties:

• Manage and implement annual fundraising initiatives, including annual giving campaigns, donor appeals, and stewardship activities to achieve fundraising, donor participation, and alumni engagement goals.
• Support the University's major gift strategy by conducting prospect research, maintaining donor relationship data, tracking cultivation activities, and coordinating stewardship efforts for individual, corporate, and planned giving.
• Collaborate with University leadership to develop and implement advancement policies, procedures, and operational best practices.
• Lead implementation of the University's alumni engagement strategy to strengthen relationships with alumni through networking opportunities, communications, events, and engagement.
• Plan, coordinate, and represent the University at alumni events, regional gatherings, trade shows, and professional conferences.
• Partner with departments across the University to strengthen alumni outreach, communications, and engagement initiatives through digital platforms and relationship-building activities.
• Oversee donor stewardship programs by ensuring timely donor recognition, stewardship reporting, scholarship donor engagement, and ongoing communication.
• Maintain accurate records within the University's CRM system, documenting donor, alumni, and prospect interactions while supporting data integrity and reporting.
• Coordinate scholarship stewardship activities, including donor communications, student recognition, and tracking scholarship funds, pledges, and distributions.
• Support and manage alumni boards, referral programs, and engagement initiatives that foster alumni participation, student recruitment, and philanthropic support.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned in support of the University's Advancement and Alumni Relations goals.

What you need to have?

• Bachelor's degree, required
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in advancement, development, alumni relations or a related role
• Demonstrated success in the implementation and execution of annual giving and fundraising initiatives and events
• Knowledge of advancement, development, and alumni engagement best practices, trends, and relationship management strategies
• Proficiency with CRM and donor management systems; experience with Raiser's Edge, preferred
• Strong database management, reporting, and data integrity skills
• Strong organizational, project management, and event planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to build and maintain positive and meaningful relationships with alumni, donors, students, faculty, and other stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets and resources effectively
• Ability to travel approximately six weekends annually, to support alumni events and professional conferences

Does this sound like the type of role you could excel in? Where your background and experience may contribute to the growth of our organization? A role where you can add your passion and enthusiasm, and make a difference? If you believe you have the education and experience to meet the qualifications for this role, we'd value talking to you. Non-traditional backgrounds are welcome.

Compensation:

$54,000 - $67,000 annually.

The hiring rate is determined by a combination of education, related professional experience, and internal equity considerations and may exceed the posted range. NWHSU is committed to fair and equitable pay practices and does not base compensation decisions on gender or any other protected status.

Our Benefits:

NWHSU is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to meet your current needs and anticipate your future needs. Our generous time away helps you enjoy a healthy work life rhythm.

• Paid Time Off (earn 22 days per year)
• Holiday (16 days in 2026)
• 403(b) Plan
• Medical, dental, vision
• Discounted and free on-site clinic services for you and your family
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Life insurance
• EAP and other wellness benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement for external programs
• Tuition Reduction for internal programs (includes family members)
• Employee discount at our campus store
• On-site fitness center

NWHSU is a nonprofit organization and full-time employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) through the U.S. Department of Education. For further information please click on this link.

Why NWHSU?

When you join NWHSU you're not simply doing a job, you're making a difference. You'll see passion for our mission, our work, and our future growth opportunities all around you. Culture is extremely important to us. We're a small enough organization that you'll get to know everyone, have a voice, make an impact, and feel the enthusiasm of everyone you work with. Yet we're large enough to offer exceptional benefits including a university contribution to our 403(b), generous PTO and a flexible environment. It's all part of our person-centered philosophy- and it's an ideal blend and a superb organization to expand your career.

What can you expect?

The person-centered approach we take to healthcare education and practice extends to our NWHSU team. That means:

• Every role and individual contributes to our success. No matter what department you work in, you'll see passion for our work and respect for one another.
• Belonging is important to us - we all bring different backgrounds, perspectives, and value to the organization. And that makes us stronger.
• We're committed and engaged. You'll see that in every meeting, every discussion and everything we do. It shows and we're proud of it.
• We don't simply say we have a team environment - we live it. Your ideas and suggestions matter. We listen to one another and when something makes sense, we do it.
• We've still got that entrepreneurial spirit, even though we've been around for 80+ years. And we like that.
• We build in flexibility in roles whenever we can. We work in a hybrid environment. Each manager works with their team members to ensure there is a healthy work-life balance.
• Your personal and professional work opportunities are important to us - we provide these benefits so you can continue to excel in your career.

Our goal? Preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to deliver and advance healthcare.

NWHSU Overview:

Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) based in Bloomington, MN, has been a national leader in person-centered healthcare education for over 80 years. The University has more than 10,000 graduates throughout the U.S. and in 21 countries. For more information, please visit nwhealth.edu.

We offer a diverse range of evidence-informed programs and experiences including: Doctor of Chiropractic, Doctor of Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Functional and Integrative Nutrition, and Integrative Care, and undergraduate offerings in massage therapy, health sciences, and allied health professions – medical laboratory science, medical laboratory technology, radiation therapy, and radiologic technology. We are a mission- and vision- driven university leading the way in person-centered care.

How to Apply:

Complete our online application and attach your cover letter and resume.

If you have any questions submitting your application, please contact View email address on ziprecruiter.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Northwestern Health Sciences University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values the diversity of its employees and does not discriminate against any employee or candidate. Further, NWHSU prohibits all forms of discrimination is any education program or activity that it operates. The Notice of Non-Discrimination is located on our website. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Please refer to our website for further information.