Alumni Engagement Officer

The approximate base compensation range is posted, but the actual offer will reflect our total compensation and benefits package. The offer will be determined by a number of factors including the selected candidate’s experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, FTE, number of months worked, as well as internal equity among our team.

Job Summary

College Advancement supports The College of St. Scholastica’s mission and vision by facilitating strategic relationships with alumni, parents, friends, businesses, donors, government agencies, and private foundations.

The Alumni Engagement Officer is pivotal in cultivating a vibrant and active alumni community. This position is responsible for both high-level alumni engagement and, in collaboration with the Director of Alumni Engagement, the development, coordination, and execution of dynamic alumni events that build lifelong connections and enhance the advancement of the College.

Key Responsibilities

Alumni/Parent Engagement & Relationship Management (40%)

• Maintain an active portfolio of alumni and parents, fostering strong relationships through regular direct contact, phone calls, text messages, social media engagement, and email blasts.
• Oversee the student-to-alumni lifecycle, partnering with key stakeholders such as Admissions, Student Affairs, and the Center for Experiential Learning to ensure strategic programming with return on investment.
• Foster and maintain strong relationships with key donors, alumni/parents, and community partners, ensuring events and communications serve as a platform for ongoing engagement and relationship building.
• Support engagement goals by attending events as needed
• Commitment to Inclusive Excellence: Demonstrate a steadfast commitment to inclusive excellence, ensuring that all donor relations efforts reflect the Benedictine values and diverse community of The College of St. Scholastica.
  
  

Event Coordination (40%)

• Work closely with the Director for Alumni Engagement to evaluate past event performances, budget considerations, and feedback, ensuring future events are optimized for success.
• Based on historical data and strategic goals, determine detailed space, technology, equipment, catering, and on-site management requirements.
• Oversee and coordinate all aspects of event logistics and amenities, including:
• Venue selection and room setup
• Lighting, sound, and technical requirements
• Catering services and staffing
• On-site management to ensure smooth execution
• Manage key events such as Alumni Engagement events, including major reunion events, lighting a tradition, and geographic-specific alumni gatherings.
• In collaboration with the Director of Alumni Engagement, lead the creative direction for each event, ensuring professional execution with attention to design and decor elements.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors, facilities, and service providers, ensuring that all agreements meet quality standards and align with event objectives.
• Monitor, manage, and optimize event budgets to ensure cost-effectiveness and financial accountability.
• Conduct thorough evaluations of each event by gathering feedback and analyzing performance metrics to measure effectiveness against annual fundraising goals.
• Document lessons learned and implement process improvements for future events.
  

Communications and Content Creation (20%)

• Lead the creation, writing, and editing of alumni communications across various channels (digital, social media, magazine, print), including the Impact donor relations newsletter.
• Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to develop compelling content that enhances alumni connection and highlights their impact.
• Prepare and format all submitted class notes, birth, death, and sympathy announcements, and photos for CSS Magazine
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Exceptional project management skills; ability to handle multiple complex projects.
• Good planning and execution skills; excellent attention to detail.
• Collaborative work style and ability to interact with staff at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent critical and strategic thinking and execution skills.
• Experience cultivating and developing positive relations with individuals, organizations, and businesses.
• Driver's license.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse communities and cultures.
• Flexibility to work a non-traditional schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and, on occasion, internationally.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience in events management and donor stewardship OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience with or knowledge of various event and fundraising models and strategies.
• Experience with advancement software such as Raiser's Edge, Slate, or similar platforms
• Experience working in a non-profit fundraising environment OR higher education
• Alumna/us of The College of St. Scholastica.