Director of Alumni Relations

Aurora University (AU) is committed to the transformative power of learning by creating a student-centered environment and an equity of experience and opportunity, to ensure that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome and included. Our culture of collaboration, generosity, and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty, and staff.

Find out if this opportunity is a good fit by reading all of the information that follows below.

AU is grounded in the transformative opportunity it provides to a diverse student body. As a private university with a public mission and a commitment to making a difference in peoples’ lives, AU has a long history of resilience and of providing access to an education that values innovation, focuses on continuous improvement, and has a positive impact on the communities we serve. We are proud of our service to and economic impact on the state of Illinois, where over 80% of our students stay to live and work, where 90% of our students come from, and where we foster strong community partnerships to develop the workforce in areas such as nursing, education, business, technology, and social work.

We are looking for passionate and purposeful individuals who represent the full diversity of Aurora and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, identity, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at AU, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative, and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice requiring broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

Position Purpose :

The Director of Alumni Relations plays a pivotal role in fostering meaningful and strategic connections, strengthening alumni networks and relationships to advance the university’s mission. In addition, the Director will increase alumni engagement through events and initiatives with the intent of extending relationships with alumni, as well as cultivating philanthropic support. The Director will have a forward-thinking approach, strong communication and relationship building skills, and a passion for alumni engagement. The director will manage a diverse portfolio of alumni donors and prospects.

Essential Job Functions :

• Create, execute, and evaluate a thoughtful and strategic engagement plan to connect with alumni and encourage participation in various programs to enhance relationships, boost engagement, and foster a sense of community.
• Manage a portfolio of alumni donors, cultivate relationships, solicit annual gifts, and steward donors to ensure continued support for the university.
• Oversee alumni programs, events, reunions, and networking opportunities to build and strengthen affinity with the university, and where appropriate, work with campus colleagues to build connections with current students.
• Communicate regularly with alumni through various channels including social media, newsletters, and personal outreach to keep alumni informed and engaged.
• Collaborate with the development team to track alumni engagement metrics, fundraising outcomes, and identify opportunities for further engagement and cultivation.
• Perform other duties as requested, delegated, or assigned.

Core Competencies :

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Benefit-eligible positions offer excellent benefits including health, dental, life, vision, long term disability, a 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA, and tuition remission.

To apply, please send resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references including name, telephone, and email address.

Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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