Director of Alumni and Community Engagement

St. Norbert College (SNC), a nationally-ranked, private, Catholic, liberal arts college invites applications for the Director of Alumni Relations and Community Engagement. This position plays a crucial role in fostering strong connections between the College and its alumni and the surrounding community. By implementing strategic initiatives, organizing events, and maintaining effective communication channels, the Director of Alumni Relations and Community Engagement ensures the continued engagement and support of alumni and community members.

This position requires strong leadership, networking, and organizational skills, as well as a passion for building and nurturing relationships. The individual must be efficient at collaborating with colleagues in administrative offices such as Admissions and Student Affairs, and with faculty to create and maintain pathways for alumni participation that advance the College's strategic plan; partnering with frontline fundraisers to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward alumni giving; and serving as a liaison between the Alumni Board and the College's academic and administrative leadership. The Director of Alumni Relations reports to the Vice President of Advancement.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive alumni relations program that effectively engages and cultivates relationships with alumni.

• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date alumni database, ensuring that contact information, employment details, and other relevant data are properly recorded.

• Create and distribute regular communications, such as newsletters and email updates, to keep alumni informed about news, events, and opportunities related to the organization.

• Plan and coordinate a variety of events and activities, such as alumni reunions, networking events, career fairs, and social gatherings, to foster connections among alumni and between alumni and the organization. 

• Collaborate with other departments, such as fundraising and communication marketing, to integrate alumni engagement initiatives into broader institutional goals and campaigns.

• Collaborate with academic departments and other campus units to facilitate alumni involvement in student mentorship programs, guest speaking opportunities, and career development initiatives.

• Track and evaluate the success of alumni engagement efforts through metrics such as event attendance, participation rates, and alumni feedback using ROI and KPI indicators. 

• Develop and implement strategies to solicit alumni support, including volunteering, mentoring, and financial contributions.

• Coordinate and support regional alumni chapters or affinity groups, providing leadership and guidance to ensure their activities align with the college's mission and goals.

• Manage the alumni relations budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources to support engagement activities and initiatives.

Supervision Exercised Over: 

• Associate Director for Alumni Engagement

• Associate Director of Business and Community Engagement

• Director of Business Engagement and Community Engagement

• 1-2 student workers

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as communications, marketing, or public relations. A master's degree is preferred.

• Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing staff, volunteers, or committees.

• At least 5 years of experience in alumni relations, fundraising, or related fields, with a track record of success in developing and executing strategic initiatives.

• Knowledge of higher education or nonprofit environments, including an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in engaging alumni and community members within these contexts.

• Familiarity with alumni relations software and CRM systems, such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce.

• Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends as necessary for events and activities

• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse campus environment or commitment to do so as an employee 

• Valid Driver’s License

• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to connect and communicate effectively with a diverse range of individuals, including alumni, staff, faculty, and volunteers.

• Strong event planning and project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple events and initiatives simultaneously within given timelines and budgets.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft engaging and compelling con