Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving

Director Of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving

The University of Sioux Falls invites applications for the Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving. In addition to salary compensation, the position offers many benefit options including vacation, retirement, employer HSA contributions, tuition benefits, and health insurance for full-time employees.

The Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving is responsible for planning, developing, executing, and evaluating a comprehensive annual giving program designed to continue building the support base for the University; implement services and activities that engage alumni; plan and run special events designed for alumni, friends, and donors; and encourage participation in the life of the University of Sioux Falls, a private Christian institution. The successful candidate will be a person committed to the Christian mission of the University of Sioux Falls.

Each function listed is important to the successful performance of this job. However, this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, or efforts associated with this position. The supervisor or designee may assign additional job-related tasks or special projects.

To succeed in this position, travel is essential to support visits with annual fund prospects, alumni, and friends, and manage and participate in special events in Sioux Falls and throughout the country. Occasional evenings and weekend work will be involved.

Responsibilities include:

• Manage the annual giving program, including the "Day of Giving," faculty and staff campaign, year-end appeals, and other initiatives, in coordination with the institution's annual fund goals.
• Implement and deliver annual fund announcements, appeals, and thank you's to achieve the annual fund goals of the Office of Institutional Advancement and the overall USF strategic goals.
• Work with the prospect research coordinator to identify and research alumni and friends of the institution for annual fund support.
• Develop and implement a vibrant alumni relations program, including growing the alumni association, young alumni involvement, alumni regional events and chapters, and special events for alumni and friends at USF and nationally to help meet USF's fundraising and alumni relations goals.
• Recruit, coordinate, and manage the volunteer alumni board, keeping it vibrant, engaged, and aligned with the mission and strategic vision of USF, the University President, and the institution's fundraising arm.
• Develop a dynamic 5-year strategic plan for the annual fund and alumni relations under the supervision of the VP for Institutional Advancement and within the mission and strategic goals of the institution.
• Plan University and Institutional Development fundraising-specific special events in Sioux Falls and nationwide to support the university's strategic plan and vision and the Office of Institutional Advancement (fundraising and alumni relations), and to engage the time, talent, and resources of alumni and friends.
• Work cooperatively with other directors, departments, and colleagues on special events for departments outside of Institutional Advancement (including, but not limited to, Athletics, Office of the President, and Academics) when requested and agreed to by the area VP, University President, or designee.
• Assist the Marketing Department, where requested, with the alumni magazine, specifically with the alumni notes section, creative stories involving alumni, and other assistance like mailing lists, as needed.
• Edit, update, submit content, and work in coordination with the USF Marketing and IT departments to update and further develop the alumni relations and annual fund section of the USF website.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute successful local, regional, and national events for alumni relations and institutional advancement. Events include, but are not limited to, donor recognition events, fundraising projects, alumni reunions, alumni awards, Homecoming, reunion events, faculty and staff celebrations, scholarship dinners, and others.
• Develop new programs to enhance relations with and engage alumni, friends, and area community leaders of the University of Sioux Falls.
• Coordinate budget, mailings, facility rentals, programs, gifts, decorations, food, meetings, staffing, and set up and tear down for alumni, Institutional Advancement, and Athletic events as determined in cooperation with supervisor, designee, and area or department.
• Investigate revenue-generating programs for alumni and friends of the institution.
• Complies with all USF policies and regulations, and also with outside agencies' policies and regulations, including but not limited to Title IX, NCAA, NSIC, Department of Education, Clery Act, FERPA, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Justice.

Qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred
• Experience in event planning, communication, alumni relations, admissions, fundraising, or a similar area
• Familiarity with fundraising, higher education, alumni relations, and the University of Sioux Falls is preferred
• The commitment and ability to articulate the Christian mission of the University is a necessity of the position
• Demonstration of a strong work ethic that contributes to a strong team effort and departmental success
• Proficient with desktop computer, Microsoft Office Suite, printer/fax/copier
• Outstanding communication skills: written, oral, and listening
• Strong and engaging presentation skills
• Strong writing skills specifically for use in business letters, alumni magazines, event invitations, and marketing materials
• Demonstrated success in event planning for large and small events
• Robust planning and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated evidence of building relationships with others in areas of volunteer recruitment, event coordination, and team building
• A willingness and ability to travel; ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; successfully pass required background checks as required by USF; valid driver's license

Applications will be reviewed immediately and will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled. Applicants must submit the following to be considered for the position: applications must be complete to receive full consideration. Join Our Talent Community.

• Letter of intent/application
• Resume
• Three letters of professional recommendation

Please note that initial telephone/Zoom interviews may be conducted without all recommendations being submitted to USF, but the applicant file must otherwise be complete.

Applications will be reviewed immediately upon submission and will continue until the search is successful. A selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States. Upon hiring, official transcripts of the highest degree earned will be required.

The University of Sioux Falls is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer.