Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations

Eastern Illinois University invites applications for Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement. This position, reporting directly to the Vice President for University Advancement (VPUA) and serving on the EIU Advancement leadership team, develops, organizes and implements a comprehensive and integrated alumni and constituent engagement program, inclusive of alumni and donor engagement, stewardship, advocacy, and recognition for alumni, donors, and other university constituents. They and their team will create, implement and manage strategic initiatives focused on increasing alumni and constituent engagement and affinity and supporting a culture of philanthropy that motivates giving. The Director also acts as the Executive Director of the EIU Alumni Association, with a focus on membership growth, increased engagement, alumni recognition, and advocacy for and support of EIU.

Located in Charleston, Illinois, Eastern Illinois University is a regional comprehensive institution, and we are committed to offering all students an exceptional, accessible, and affordable education. In fact, EIU offers the lowest cost of attendance of any public university in Illinois. Our picturesque campus offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and 36 graduate degree programs. It's an exciting time to join EIU as a member of the advancement team. Guided by the work of Plan 2028, EIU's strategic plan, we are preparing for a comprehensive fundraising campaign. We have immense opportunity to build driven philanthropic opportunities for donors in areas such as scholarships, experiential learning support, student success and persistence, student life and experiences, innovative spaces and technologies, and more.

This position is responsible for the development and execution of comprehensive and integrated strategic constituent engagement initiatives with a focus on increased and sustained engagement for all advancement constituents, including but not limited to alumni, volunteers, donors, foundations, and more. This position is also responsible for supporting the goals and objectives of the EIU Alumni Association board, including but not limited to membership growth, unique engagement growth, affinity and travel program management, and strengthened connectedness of EIU alumni with EIU.

Job Duties Include:

• In conjunction with the VP for University Advancement, develop and implement engagement strategies, events, and activities that create a meaningful and memorable experience for key constituents (donor, volunteers, alumni), from first engagement to first gift, to major gift, to planned gift. Activities will be focused on reinforcing lifelong relationships with EIU, deepening connections and commitment, and communicating return on constituents’ investments (philanthropic, volunteer, and experiences)
• With the approval of the EIU Alumni Association board, serve as the Executive Director of the EIU Alumni Association, an ex-officio position on the EIU Alumni Association board’s Executive Committee that serves as the primary business and volunteer manager for the association
• In collaboration with the EIU Alumni Association board of directors, develop and administer board policies and programs, provide committee oversight, manage and grow affinity and travel programs, and establish and provide support for regional and affinity clubs
• Oversee implementation of all relevant alumni and constituent events and activities for the EIU Office of Advancement as well as EIU’s upcoming comprehensive campaign
• Work in collaboration with advancement colleagues on the creation and implementation of a strategic, comprehensive communications plan that promotes increased engagement, inspires philanthropic support, and highlights alumni and donor impact
• Provide strategic oversight and support for college-level alumni relations and constituent engagement activities
• In collaboration with the Director of Advancement Operations, create and utilize new data-driven constituency groups to be utilized in the establishment of new strategic engagement activities
• In collaboration with the EIU Foundation’s Executive Officer and Director of Donor and Board Relations, oversee the development of donor-specific engagement events and activities
• Maintain and manage an engagement portfolio of key constituents
• Provide budgetary oversight for the EIU Advancement’s constituent engagement office as well as the EIU Alumni Association
• Supervise full-time staff as well as student employees

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited post-secondary institution
• A minimum of six years of relevant experience with demonstrated increases in scope and breadth of alumni relations and advancement responsibilities or the equivalent
• Experience building, refining, and measuring new engagement strategies and processes
• A sound knowledge of business administration principles, including budgeting, project management, process improvement and strategic planning
• Proven work experience leading programming, events, services, and communications programs
• Proven experience growing alumni engagement or volunteerism pipelines or equivalent experience
• Volunteer management experience
• Supervisory experience
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities
• Experience working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and experience promoting inclusive excellence

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree
• Proficiency with Raiser's Edge, Blackbaud, or other CRM software
• Higher education advancement experience
• Comprehensive campaign experience
• Experience in stewardship and donor relations
• Alumni and advancement data coordination or management experience
• Virtual engagement experience
• Experience in affinity-based engagement
• Experience overseeing association clubs
• Experience managing association affinity and travel programs
• Demonstrated ability to positively represent EIU in visits with alumni, donors and constituents

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated understanding of the role of strategic alumni and constituent engagement in an advancement organization The ability to develop and communicate goals in support of EIU’s vision and mission, while managing, leading, and enabling the process of change and transition
• Sound understanding of engagement pipeline growth and management
• Ability to develop, sponsor or support the introduction of new and improved engagement activities, technologies, and processes
• Strong active listening and communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exhibit exceptional judgement

Application Instructions

A complete application will include a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references. Application materials must be submitted to Interfolio

For questions regarding this search, please contact the screening committee chair Lauren Bennet at lmbennett3@eiu.edu.

COMPENSATION: $80,004 - $86,004

BENEFITS OVERVIEW: Eastern Illinois University is proud to offer an excellent benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being and career goals. For complete information on our employee benefit programs for this specific position, please visit http://www.eiu.edu/humanres/benefits/newemployees.php.

This position is eligible for the following benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options.
• Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.
• Dental Insurance: Dental plans available to meet your needs.
• Retirement Benefits: Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.
• Tuition Waivers: Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children after vesting period.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time.

Diversity and Inclusion: Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equality of opportunity in all areas of campus life, and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University.

The University and Community: Eastern Illinois University takes pride in creating a warm, welcoming environment for all faculty, staff, and students. Established in 1895, EIU boasts a rich, 125-year tradition of preparing students for their personal and professional goals. A traditional regional residential institution, EIU offers a superior education at a relatively low cost while consistently earning high rankings and distinctions for its affordability, academic program quality, career placement rates, campus safety, online degree options, student support, and sustainability initiatives. EIU focuses on individualized attention and superior student relationships and has earned recognition as the highest- ranking independent public regional university in Illinois and a place among the Midwest's top public regional universities according to U.S. News and World Report. EIU hosts more than 175 student organizations on campus, and offers a variety of cultural events, NCAA Division I athletics, and active research opportunities for its students to enjoy and to thrive. EIU has become recognized for providing the resources of a large institution while creating the kinds of individual relationships that support student and alumni success.

Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, Illinois - a comfortable and safe east central town within a two-to three-hour drive of three major metropolitan areas - Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis.

Eastern Illinois University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer minority/female/disability/veteran - committed to achieving a diverse community.