Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations

Description

The Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations reports to the Associate Director of Development and is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a dynamic alumni and donor relations program that fosters meaningful connections, encourages giving, and strengthens lifelong engagement with the School. This role involves strategically supporting initiatives that drive alumni engagement, enhance donor stewardship, and promote financial support through annual giving campaigns. By executing targeted engagement, communication, and fundraising strategies, the Assistant Director will ensure consistent and impactful experience for both alumni and donors, contributing to the long-term success and growth of the school’s alumni engagement and annual giving program.

Principle Responsibilities:

· Create, envision, plan and measure the effectiveness of various programs, communication strategies, and events for alumni. These opportunities should foster engagement, participation, and financial resources.

· Assist in the planning and execution of the School's annual giving strategy.

· Implement annual fund solicitations across multiple channels, including direct mail, email, phone, social media, and personal outreach.

· Develop compelling fundraising messages and donor communications that align with institutional priorities.

· Track annual fund performance, participation rates, retention, and campaign results.

· Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward annual fund donors.

· Support strategic giving initiatives such as Giving Day, reunion fundraising, challenge campaigns, and parent participation efforts.

· Monitor donor trends and recommend strategies to increase participation and philanthropic support.

· Create a strategic pathway to work with internal constituents, campus departments, and alumni groups to request support with affinity events, communications, and fundraising initiatives.

· Develop, implement, and provide reporting for Annual Giving initiatives (e.g. Crowdfunding).

· With input and approval from the Associate Director of Development and in collaboration with the Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, propose, plan, develop and lead school programs including, but not limited to, reunions, homecoming, recognition/award programs, crowdfunding, regional alumni events, digital engagement, affinity groups, and alumni admissions partnerships.

· Support the execution of development and community events.

· Partner with colleagues to coordinate alumni and parent engagement activities.

· Recruit, train, and support volunteers who assist with fundraising and constituent outreach.

· Manage alumni communications, event invitations, website updates and electronic communications and social media.

· Create and manage event registrations. Build and monitor donation forms and campaign pages.

· Create, schedule, send, and evaluate mass emails to alumni.

· Maintain the highest standard of confidentiality in handling information.

· Maintain accurate donor and constituent records in the school's Veracross database.

· Generate reports and analyze fundraising and engagement metrics.

· Utilize data to identify prospects, evaluate program effectiveness, and guide decision-making.

· Assist with planning and execution of advancement and community events.

· Attend selected school events, including evenings and weekends, as needed.

· Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

· Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.

· Two or more years of similar work experience.

· Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office. 

· Direct experience with alumni relations, annual giving, public relations, event planning, volunteer management, or a related field in which the candidate can demonstrate a successful track record.

· Experience in community networking and/or building relationships with a wide range of alumni – locally, regionally and nationally. 

· Ability to self-initiate problem solving through the identification and exploration of issues.

· Outstanding written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.

· Ability and commitment to travel and attend evening and weekend events as required.

· High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Collaborative work style and comfort working with the development team, board members, parents, alumni, and school staff, faculty, and students from diverse cultures.

Preferred Qualifications

· Familiarity with Landon School, its community, or similar independent school environment

· Experience with CRM systems and related communication tools 

· Direct experience with alumni relations and annual giving in independent schools

· Working knowledge of Veracross and GiveCampus