Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving Director

Drury-University; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Free tuition for family

Free tickets to events

Health benefits

Onsite fitness center

Discounted meals

Job summary

Drury University in Springfield, MO seeks a strategic Director of Engagement and Annual Giving to lead programs that deepen lifelong ties with alumni, families, donors, volunteers, and community partners.

You will oversee annual giving, events, volunteer leadership, and multi‑channel communications, collaborating with Marketing and Advancement. A Bachelor’s degree and at least five years in advancement or related fields are required; a master’s is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in advancement, alumni relations, annual giving, engagement, higher education, nonprofit leadership, or related field.
• Experience with Raiser's Edge and donor relations management systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive engagement strategy that supports the University's mission, strategic plan, and Advancement priorities.
• Lead engagement efforts for alumni, parents, families, friends, donors, volunteers, and community partners through meaningful programs, communications, and volunteer opportunities.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Alumni Council, and other volunteer leadership groups; recruit, develop, recognize, and support volunteer leaders.
• Coordinate annual giving and manage the University's relationship with campaigns and digital campaigns, segmentation, and performance evaluation.
• Lead annual giving initiatives designed to increase donor participation, donor retention, and unrestricted support through multi-channel campaigns and events.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute Advancement-sponsored engagement events including Homecoming, Distinguished Alumni Awards, regional events, and other activities.
• Develop annual engagement, communications, annual giving, and events calendars; collaborate with Marketing & Communications on content and campaigns.
• Collaborate with University Marketing & Communications to develop engagement communications including email campaigns, newsletters, digital content, social media, and print materials.
• Develop engagement opportunities that encourage lifelong involvement, mentoring, career networking, and philanthropy.
• Establish measurable goals and evaluate program effectiveness using participation, attendance, volunteer involvement, annual giving, and ROI metrics.
• Prepare reports, recommendations, and strategic assessments for Advancement leadership.
• Represent University Advancement professionally at campus, community, and regional events.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Project management

Communication skills

Data analysis

Relationship management

Travel willingness

Team collaboration

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Microsoft Office

Job description

Drury University in Springfield, MO seeks a strategic Director of Engagement and Annual Giving to lead programs that deepen lifelong ties with alumni, families, donors, volunteers, and community partners.

You will oversee annual giving, events, volunteer leadership, and multi‑channel communications, collaborating with Marketing and Advancement. A Bachelor’s degree and at least five years in advancement or related fields are required; a master’s is preferred.