La Roche University is seeking candidates for Senior Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations who will be a key member of La Roche University’s Advancement team, responsible for inspiring alumni, parents, and friends to engage meaningfully with the University and support its mission through annual giving.
This position provides leadership for both annual giving initiatives and alumni engagement programs, fostering a strong culture of philanthropy rooted in the University’s Catholic heritage, commitment to social justice, and transformative education. The Senior Director will develop and execute data-informed strategies that strengthen alumni loyalty, increase participation, and grow annual philanthropic support to advance the mission of La Roche University.
Key Responsibilities
Annual Giving Program Management
- Develop and implement a comprehensive annual giving strategy to achieve participation and revenue goals.
- Design and oversee multi-channel campaigns (direct mail, email, digital, and phone) targeting alumni, parents, faculty/staff, and friends.
- Partner with Marketing & Media to ensure cohesive messaging, storytelling, and brand alignment in all solicitations.
- Analyze giving trends, donor retention, and acquisition data to refine strategies and improve results.
- Lead initiatives such as Day of Giving, reunion giving, senior class gifts, and affinity-based fundraising efforts.
Alumni Relations
- Create and execute a robust alumni engagement plan that fosters pride, volunteerism, and advocacy.
- Plan and oversee signature events including Red, White, and You, regional gatherings, and milestone reunions.
- Strengthen and support the Alumni Association Board, empowering members as ambassadors and advocates for La Roche.
- Partner with departments such as Admissions, Career Development, and Student Life to promote alumni involvement in mentorship, recruitment, and experiential learning.
Donor Stewardship and Cultivation
- Design programs that recognize and celebrate annual donors at all levels.
- Collaborate with the Vice President for University Advancement and Major Gifts team to identify, qualify, and cultivate potential leadership-level annual donors.
- Personally manage a small portfolio of prospects to encourage consistent and increased giving.
Leadership and Collaboration
- Provide supervision and mentorship to the Manager of Stewardship and Donor Experience, ensuring synergy between annual giving and alumni initiatives.
- Serve as a strategic partner within the Advancement leadership team, contributing to division-wide fundraising and engagement objectives.
- Foster a culture of collaboration with faculty, staff, and campus partners to align alumni and donor initiatives with institutional priorities.
Data Management and Reporting
- Ensure the accuracy and integrity of alumni and donor data within the University’s CRM system.
- Track and analyze key performance indicators, including donor participation, gift revenue, and engagement metrics.
- Use data insights to drive decision-making and enhance the impact of annual giving and alumni programs.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in annual giving, alumni relations, or related advancement fields, preferably in higher education.
- Demonstrated success in developing and executing multi-channel fundraising campaigns and alumni engagement initiatives.
- Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to build authentic relationships across diverse constituencies.
- Experience managing staff or volunteers in a results-driven environment.
- Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge NXT) and data-driven decision-making.
- Commitment to the mission, values, and Catholic identity of La Roche University.
Personal Attributes
- Creative and strategic thinker who can inspire generosity and connection.
- Collaborative team player with a strong sense of accountability and initiative.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adept at managing multiple priorities.
- Enthusiastic ambassador for La Roche University and its transformative impact.
In order for applications to be fully processed, a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three professional references must accompany a completed application. Candidates subject to background clearances. Review of applicants will begin immediately; position open until filled.
Qualified applicants can complete an online application by clicking on the following link:
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work in the United States. LRU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.
It is the policy of La Roche University to promote equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color creed, age, religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, non-job-related disability or medical condition, or any other legally protected status.