Home   |   About   |   Employment  |   Assistant Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement

Assistant Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement

McKendree University is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement. This is a full-time, benefit eligible position located in Lebanon, Illinois. 

 

The Assistant Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement is responsible for working closely with numerous constituencies to enhance McKendree University’s relationship with its 21,000+ alumni through an integrated affinity strategy that relies heavily on volunteer recruitment and management as well as cross campus collaborations. Under the direction of the Director, Annual Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement, this position participates in strategic planning sessions, incorporates emerging trends into current efforts, and effectively manages multiple ongoing projects. This position supports lifelong connections among alumni and engages them in advancing McKendree University toward its goals.  This position works with campus partners in academics, student life, the Hett Center for the Arts, and athletics. 

 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of social media strategies to connect with alumni and potential donors to enhance engagement and philanthropy.
  • Create/deliver engaging content for alumni communications, e-solicitation appeals and online giving opportunities; maintain existing web content on alumni/annual giving site and online community.
  • Assist with drafting and editing of annual giving communications as needed for all channels.
  • Assists the Director with planning/staffing events including, but not limited to: Founders Week, William McKendree Society, Homecoming, Regional Alumni Events, and others as assigned. This may include full end-to-end planning of on and off campus events as directed by the supervisor.
  • Provides leadership and serves as liaison for alumni career networks and other affinity groups
  • Oversee student philanthropy initiatives, including “senior gift” program.
  • Assist with developing strategy to increase faculty/staff and parent/family giving to the university.
  • Technology: works with university advancement software platforms.
  • Provide support for annual giving days and take a lead role on crowdfunding campaigns.
  • Will be required to work evenings and weekends as needed for various events and activities.
  • Research and stay up to date on trends in the field of higher education advancement, annual giving, and philanthropy.
  • As needed, contribute to the overall success of the Office by stepping up in key moments to assist on special projects whilestill performing the main responsibilities of the role

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A Bachelor's degree is required.
  • One year of experience in annual giving, development, marketing, communications, or related field. Internships or other professional experience within higher education field will be considered.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Knowledge of and experience with various social media platforms in a professional setting
  • Enthusiasm for fundraising and the mission of higher education
  • Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
  • Basic understanding of higher education advancement and development, annual giving, and alumni relations.
  • Organizational skills, attention to details, and ability to assume responsibility for completing projects efficiently
  • Ability to develop rapport with a wide variety of donors, alumni, and potential donors

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience copywriting and/or creative design.
  • Experience in alumni engagement and/or annual giving in higher education.
  • Experience with advancement technology platforms such as GiveSmart, Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT or related platforms. 
  • Broad knowledge of the principles of fundraising and the ability to participate in all aspects of the gift cycle
  • Volunteer management experience preferred; proven ability to collaborate with, inspire, and motivate diverse constituencies.
  • Experience with planning both small and large-scaled events from end to end.

WORK HOURS/CONDITIONS:

  • Office environment with routine walking to other campus buildings and offices
  • Normal business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; occasional evenings and weekend commitments for events and other activities.
  • Occasional travel within the region for events and programming.
  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.

McKendree University, Illinois’ first and finest, is a private university in Lebanon, IL, just 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis, home of the 11-time World Series champs (St. Louis Cardinals) and the 2019 Stanley Cup winner (St. Louis Blues). St. Louis also boasts a wonderful zoo, a first-rate botanical garden, a vibrant art scene (both performing and visual), and a plethora of top-notch restaurants. 

Interviews will begin immediately. Qualified candidates should complete and submit the McKendree Employment Application and send a letter of interest referencing job #ADE58 with a resume/CV to the Department of Human Resources at hr@mckendree.edu.           

McKendree is an ADA/EEO/Vet/Disabled employer committed to enhancing the cultural and gender diversity of the campus. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.