Alumni & Donor Events Strategist

Lindenwood University; Saint Charles (AR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits

Tuition discounts

Comprehensive benefits

Paid holidays

Free lunch Fridays

Professional development

Job summary

Lindenwood University in Saint Charles, MO, seeks an experienced Manager of Advancement Events to lead the planning, promotion, and execution of alumni, donor, and constituent events on campus, locally, and online.

This role collaborates with Advancement leadership and campus partners to deliver high‑quality events, manage budgets and vendors, oversee invitations and logistics, and analyze outcomes to support fundraising initiatives and strengthen University relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, communications, hospitality management or related field
• Minimum of 4 years experience working in event planning, alumni relations, nonprofit management, hospitality, or a related field
• Demonstrated success in conceptualizing, planning, and executing engagement, stewardship, or fundraising events from conception to completion
• Experience managing budgets and vendor relationships
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as event schedules require
• Occasional travel to regional events may be required
• Experience with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT or similar CRM or event management software preferred

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with advancement and unit colleagues to plan and execute events that support the institution’s advancement priorities, including fundraising, stewardship, and constituent engagement
• Designs and executes a comprehensive calendar of alumni and donor events, including campaign events, homecoming events such as the annual gala, class and affinity reunions, regional engagement events, donor events, scholarship receptions, and online events, that tell the Lindenwood story and are aligned with institutional advancement priorities and campaign milestones
• Develops a complete strategic plan for events, including but not limited to budget development and adherence, procurement, invitation strategies, event design and timeline, and post-event reporting and analysis
• Oversees all event logistics, including venue selection, invitations, catering, décor, entertainment, transportation, registration, seating charts, attendee reports, technology and audiovisual needs, invitations, signage, guest management, speaker remarks, setup, and teardown
• Ensures all event data is properly recorded in Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT
• Researches and analyzes venues and vendors to ensure competitive services and pricing
• Establishes data-driven KPIs and event-specific benchmarks, leveraging analytical oversight to balance donor experience with organizational advancement goals
• Partners closely with advancement colleagues, including strategic engagement, development officers, prospect research, and communications teams to ensure alignment of strategic priorities as well as seamless integration between advancement functional areas
• Ensures compliance with University policies related to contracts, purchasing, insurance, risk management, and event safety
• Serves on University committees, such as the homecoming committee

Job description

Lindenwood University in Saint Charles, MO, seeks an experienced Manager of Advancement Events to lead the planning, promotion, and execution of alumni, donor, and constituent events on campus, locally, and online.

This role collaborates with Advancement leadership and campus partners to deliver high‑quality events, manage budgets and vendors, oversee invitations and logistics, and analyze outcomes to support fundraising initiatives and strengthen University relationships.