Director of Development and Alumni Engagement

The Director of Development and Alumni Engagement will be a dynamic and effective front-line fundraiser, building and nurturing relationships with alumni, donors, and friends of Park University. This individual will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors to foster a deep sense of connection and commitment to the University’s mission and strategic goals. By creating meaningful opportunities for engagement and collaboration, the Director will inspire alumni and supporters to contribute their time, talent, and resources to advance the University’s programs, scholarships, and initiatives.

Position Accountabilities

• Effectively communicate Park University’s needs and values through proposals, presentations, and engagement materials.
• Identify, cultivate, and manage a pipeline of prospective donors and volunteers for immediate and long-term opportunities.
• Oversee a portfolio of top prospects, executing solicitation strategies to secure charitable gifts.
• Develop, with the Chief Advancement Officer, and achieve annual goals, plans, and budgets for personal fundraising and engagement initiatives.
• Lead the planning and execution of fundraising campaigns, initiatives, and special projects aligned with Advancement and Alumni Relations goals.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, alumni, and external constituents to drive philanthropic contributions.
• Design and implement a strategic alumni engagement plan to strengthen relationships and increase participation.
• Manage and lead the strategic direction of the Alumni Association and Council.
• Serve as the primary contact for external constituents reaching out to the Alumni Relations Office.
• Foster partnerships with alumni to support career networking, mentorship, and philanthropy.
• Plan and oversee alumni events such as reunions, homecoming, and giving initiatives while expanding regional outreach efforts.
• Recruit, guide, and manage volunteer committees and pipelines, ensuring meaningful engagement opportunities.
• Collaborate with communications and advancement teams to develop and enhance alumni engagement materials, including email and the Impact Report.
• Align alumni and donor activities with university priorities through collaboration across departments.
• Analyze engagement and fundraising trends, monitor progress, and generate data-driven reports using Raiser’s Edge NXT.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience with demonstrated success in fundraising, alumni relations, or related fields, preferably in higher education.
• Proven track record of securing donor gifts and managing donor portfolios.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse constituencies.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Proficiency in fundraising and CRM software, such as Raiser’s Edge or similar systems.
• Ability to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Founded in 1875, Park University is a private, liberal arts university. Park’s flagship campus is located in the Kansas City suburb of Parkville, Missouri, on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River. We offer an excellent benefits package including health, dental, and life insurance, retirement plan, and tuition-paid undergraduate classes for employees and dependents. Park University is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from women and minorities.

Qualified applicants must upload a resume and cover letter that includes salary requirements.