Director of Alumni Relations

Job Title: Director of Alumni Relations
Reports to: Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Participation
Location: Pasadena, CA

THE ORGANIZATION

The Fuller Foundation is an independent Christian philanthropic services organization that provides financial support for Fuller Theological Seminary through annual and endowment fundraising, gift planning, capital campaign management, and funding for restricted purposes. Founded in 1987 and located in Pasadena, CA, the Foundation also offers estate planning, charitable trust administration, donor-advised funds, endowment management, and investment management services for Fuller’s supporters. The Fuller Foundation’s purview further encompasses Fuller’s extensive alumni relations programs, serving Fuller’s more than 40,000 alumni globally.

Fuller Theological Seminary, the organization that The Fuller Foundation serves and supports, has had a global impact and rich history throughout its 75-year history. Today, its focus is to offer God’s hope and healing in the world. One of the largest multidenominational seminaries in the world, Fuller serves nearly 3,000 students and learners from 90 countries and 110 denominations. Two schools (School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy, and the School of Mission & Theology), multiple locations, and many renowned centers and institutions enable Fuller to offer a full range of master’s and doctoral programs in traditional, cohort-based, and virtual settings. Fuller further offers resources and significant formation and equipping opportunities for Christians who are not on a degree-track but are interested in deeper embodiment of their faith. From founder Charles E. Fuller’s original vision until now, Fuller Seminary’s core commitment has remained the same: equipping leaders with minds for scholarship and hearts for the unchanging, saving gospel of Jesus Christ.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Director of Alumni Relations is a key member of the Alumni and Donor Engagement Team. The Director of Alumni Relations will serve as the primary point of contact for all alumni, fostering meaningful relationships and promoting alumni engagement. This position combines leadership, strategy, and execution to strengthen alumni connections through various engagement opportunities including events, programs, communication, and philanthropy. The Director will also be responsible for strategic oversight of alumni communications, developing comprehensive alumni engagement & event programming, and leading initiatives that promote alumni giving and volunteerism. The Director will also play a vital role in enhancing the seminary’s reputation and encouraging alumni support for institutional priorities.

 JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Alumni & Community Engagement

• Serve as the direct point of contact and representative of Alumni Relations, providing exceptional customer service to all alumni and friends of the seminary.
• Identify and implement tools to understand alumni motivations, emotional connections, and reasons for supporting the seminary.
• Develop creative opportunities to recognize and celebrate alumni contributions and achievements.
• Collect and curate alumni stories to highlight their achievements and experiences, and utilize these stories for various purposes, including promotional materials, fundraising efforts, and community engagement initiatives.

Program Development & Community Building

• Design and manage alumni programs that benefit both alumni and current students, fostering mentorship, networking, and engagement opportunities.
• Develop event programming that supports institutional priorities and is informed by alumni feedback and participation trends.
• Identify, develop, and support strong geographic, interest-based, and academic alumni communities (networks) to support seminary initiatives.
• Collaborate with campus colleagues to create mutually beneficial engagement opportunities for alumni and current students.

Data Driven Engagement & Strategic Planning

• Implement and manage an annual data-driven engagement plan to guide alumni relations activities and measure effectiveness.
• Maintain accurate alumni records, including contact information, engagement history, and giving activity.
• Use data analytics to refine programs and tailor communications for alumni segments.

Volunteer Development & Management

• Foster a culture of volunteerism among alumni, encouraging active participation and leadership within alumni networks.
• Develop and implement strategies to recruit and train alumni volunteers for various engagement opportunities (ALC and ARC Members, Online Ambassadors, Mentors, Event Volunteers, Fundraising Volunteers, Content Creators, Volunteer Coordinators, etc.) facilitate their involvement in strategic initiatives, driving alumni engagement and strengthening ties with the seminary.
• Serve as the Alumni Relations liaison to Fuller’s Alumni Leadership Council (ALC); coordinate meetings, agendas, etc. in collaboration with the ALC Chair. 
• Incorporate succession planning to sustain leadership and continuity within volunteer groups
• Create and manage volunteer-driven events, programs and initiatives, ensuring measurable outcomes for success.

Fundraising & Philanthropy

• Collaborate with Development colleagues to create a culture of philanthropy and implement opportunities for alumni giving.
• Develop and execute strategies for alumni fundraising, including the support of annual giving campaigns, major gifts, and planned giving.
• Encourage alumni to contribute to seminary initiatives through stewardship, campaigns, and relationship-building.
• Cultivate relationships with alumni donors and ensure their support is acknowledged and celebrated.

Collaboration with Institutional Partners

• Identify and collaborate with faculty, staff, and administrators to develop programs and initiatives that align with the seminary’s goals and resonate with alumni.
• Build partnerships with campus colleagues to create synergies in alumni engagement and philanthropy efforts.
• Serve as a key ambassador for the seminary, enhancing its reputation and visibility among alumni and the broader community.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support the seminary’s mission and evolving priorities.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, nonprofit management, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5 years of experience in alumni relations, development, or similar roles, ideally in higher education or faith-based institutions.
• Proven experience in volunteer management and donor engagement.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect with diverse audiences.
• Expertise in developing and implementing data-driven strategies.
• Familiarity with CRM systems, database management, and digital communication platforms.
• Commitment to the seminary’s mission and values, with a deep understanding of faith-based community dynamics.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This position may require occasional evening and weekend work to support events and deadlines. A hybrid work model is available, but attendance at in-person meetings and seminary events is expected as needed.
• Local candidates are preferred; however, a remote option is available for qualified candidates.

COMMITMENT TO FOUNDATION’S VALUES

Expectations

• Share a commitment to our mission and purpose.
• Make quality service a top priority.
• Must contribute to an organizational culture based on collaboration, commitment to excellence, and curiosity.
• Be a team-player who also works independently.