Assistant Director, Young Affinity Group Engagement

Position Summary:

The Assistant Director, Affinity Group Engagement (AD) is responsible for managing all engagement & fundraising strategies that broaden SJU’s annual engaged and donor base and support the University’s engagement & fundraising goals. 

The AD will do this through direct management of a comprehensive engagement, solicitation and stewardship plan for multiple segments (e.g. Regional and Affinity based alumni chapters).

Goals for this position will focus on overall engagement as well as a specific donor engagement goal.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement volunteer and event attendance opportunities for assigned segments
• Working with SJU’s National Alumni Board, create and implement an annual events calendar that engages a wide array of alumni in targeted regions. Collaborate with chapter leadership to oversee execution of these individual events while working with SJU alumni, Advancement colleagues, and University Communications to track participation and meet current engagement metrics
• Manage segments with planning and execution of signature events, marketing/communications, board management, and member recruitment.
• Collaborate with program opportunities (e.g. career, diversity, athletics, service) to provide value to segments.

• Develop and implement solicitation and stewardship plans targeting students and young alumni, utilizing multi-channel (phone, digital, email, mail, etc) outreach. 
  • Learn/build upon knowledge of industry best practices to incorporate into strategy 
  • Analyze past results and other data to inform strategy 
  • Include specific plans for each unique segment that will incorporate crowdfunding, day of giving, and other annual giving campaigns
  • Present concepts and messaging to internal staff and key stakeholders for their edits and approval at the beginning of each semester
  • Collaborate with Advancement staff to ensure solicitations and other outreach fit into the larger communication schedule 
  • Monitor solicitation outcomes
  • Manage fundraising volunteers from segments
  • Facilitate leadership annual gifts from segments by both managing a small portfolio (10 – 20) and working with a major gift officers assigned to segments

• Understand and Utilize engagement tools for effective engagement of constituents within segment
  • Email Communication tools
  • Event Registration tools
  • Communicate engagement tools for data collection
  • Website content management tools

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Support other Alumni Relations and Annual Giving programs and initiatives that require team involvement
• Assist with the supervision of student workers as needed
• Participate in and support divisional special events and programs

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:

• Standing and moderate lifting may be required
• Evening/weekend hours required regularly (especially during academic year)
• Ability to sit for long periods at personal computer performing related functions 

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of one (1) year experience working in higher education, alumni relations, fundraising or related field 
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines 
• Strong attention to detail and highest commitment to accuracy and quality of work
• Strong analytical skills 
• Knowledge of engagement and fundraising process and ability to articulate “case for support”
• Computer literacy and strong skills in Microsoft software and programs
• Command of the English language and the ability to write, proofread and edit compelling fundraising appeals
• Ability to cultivate and maintain positive relationships with both external and internal constituents, including vendors
• Ability to exercise good judgment in handling of confidential information
• Independent initiative as well an ability to work collaboratively as part of a team 
• Understanding of and ability to use social media properties strategically 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing students 
• Project management experience 
• Previous experience working within an alumni relations or annual fund program
• Experience working with Banner 
• Experience working with iModules or a similar platform
• Strong desire to build a career in higher education 

On-line applications only. Please provide a letter of application/interest and resume.  For a complete description of position responsibilities, qualifications, and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.sju.edu/postings/18814.

Saint Joseph's University is a private, Catholic, and Jesuit institution and expects members of its community to be knowledgeable about its mission and make positive contributions to that mission. Saint Joseph's is an equal opportunity employer that seeks to recruit, develop and retain a talented and diverse workforce.

EOE M/F/D/V