Title: Director of Annual Fund & Alumni Relations

VP Area: Advancement & Alumni Relations

Department: Advancement & Alumni Relations

Published Salary Range: $50,000.00

Job Summary/Basic Function:

ANNUAL FUND LEADERSHIP

• Plan and execute the university’s annual fund campaign, including direct mail, email, and digital fundraising efforts.
• Set goals, track progress, and evaluate the effectiveness of annual fund initiatives.
• Develop strategies to increase donor participation, with a focus on alumni, parents, and community members.
• Lead the hiring, training, and supervision of the student telemarketing team.

ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

• Develop and implement a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy to foster strong, long-term relationships with graduates.
• Plan and execute alumni events, reunions, and networking opportunities to increase engagement.
• Maintain and update the alumni database; track engagement metrics and analyze trends to inform targeted outreach.

COLLABORATION & OUTREACH

• Collaborate with university departments to identify funding needs and priorities, and partner with faculty and staff to develop proposals.
• Produce Laker Log (online alumni magazine) three times per year, including story development, writing, editing, layout in WordPress, and distribution.
• Produce Laker Effect (monthly alumni newsletter), including writing, editing, layout in Constant Contact, and distribution.
• Serve as a liaison between the university and alumni, donors, foundations, and community organizations.
• Represent the university at external meetings, conferences, and events to promote fundraising and alumni engagement efforts.
• Develop and oversee the Student Alumni/University Ambassadors program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in fundraising, alumni/public relations, sales, or a related area, with a proven track record of leading successful annual fund/sales campaigns.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency in donor and alumni database systems (e.g., Banner Advancement) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Comfortable serving as a highly visible, forward-facing representative of the university, with a natural ability to connect with and engage a wide range of people.
• Strong leadership skills, with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset and a willingness to take direction, learn, and adapt.
• Knowledge of higher education advancement, fundraising practices, and alumni engagement strategies.
• Passion for higher education and the mission of Lake Superior State University.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to perform standard office functions, including prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and written and verbal communication, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Hours: 

Monday - Friday, some nights and weekends