Director of Alumni Engagement and Donor Stewardship

Angola, Indiana

Summary

Trine University is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as the Director of Alumni Engagement and Donor Stewardship within the Advancement Office. This individual will play a critical role in fostering meaningful relationships with alumni and donors, strengthening their lifelong connection to the university, and enhancing the overall philanthropic culture.

The position provides leadership to the Alumni Association Board of Directors, oversees regional alumni and friends’ event planning, and develops strategic stewardship programs to recognize and retain key university supporters. Additionally, this role will assist with signature university events such as Homecoming, the Scholarship Gala, the Scholarship Golf Outing, and other Advancement-hosted engagements.

Essential Responsibilities

Alumni Relations & Engagement

• Develop and implement comprehensive alumni engagement strategies that strengthen alumni ties to Trine University.
• Serve as the primary liaison for the Alumni Association Board of Directors, coordinating board meetings, initiatives, and strategic planning.
• Plan and execute regional alumni and friends’ events that enhance engagement and foster university pride.
• Oversee alumni communications, including digital outreach, social media, newsletters, and affinity-based engagement.
• Partner with Student Life and Career Services to build a culture of engagement with students, ensuring alumni involvement in mentoring, networking, and professional development programs.

Donor Stewardship & Recognition

• Develop and execute a comprehensive stewardship program that recognizes and cultivates donors at all levels.
• Oversee donor appreciation initiatives, including impact reports, personalized recognition, and special acknowledgments.
• Collaborate with advancement colleagues to strengthen relationships with donors and alumni through strategic engagement.
• Partner with university leadership to facilitate opportunities for donors to see the impact of their contributions firsthand.
• Assist in the planning and execution of donor recognition events that celebrate alumni and philanthropic generosity.

Event Planning & Institutional Support

• Support major university events such as Homecoming, the Scholarship Gala, the Scholarship Golf Outing, regional alumni gatherings, and other special engagements.
• Assist in the development of engagement and stewardship experiences that align with institutional goals and donor priorities.
• Work cross-functionally with the Advancement, Marketing, and Event Services teams to ensure a cohesive approach to alumni and donor engagement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in alumni relations, stewardship, advancement, or a related field.
• Strong leadership and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Experience planning and executing events, managing boards or committees, and overseeing engagement programs.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to travel regionally and work occasional evenings/weekends as needed.

• Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of best practices in alumni relations and stewardship.
  • Experience in higher education advancement or a nonprofit setting.
  • Familiarity with CRM or advancement databases for tracking engagement metrics.

Benefits

Trine University offers a comprehensive benefit package designed to provide a variety of choices to best fit your needs and the needs of your family. Benefits offered include:

• Health – medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs, flex spending or HSA accounts
• Retirement – after one year of full-time service you are eligible for employer contribution of 5% and up to an additional 5% employer match
• Life Insurance – a variety of voluntary life options are available along with employee life insurance (1½ times annual salary)
• Education – after 6 months of full-time service education benefits are available for employee, spouse, and dependent children
• Vacation and Sick Pay – in accordance with Trine's policy

Salary

The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Trine University is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, genetic information, citizenship status, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law, unless such basis constitutes a bona fide occupational qualification. Trine will comply with its legal obligation to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for religious beliefs.