Alumni Relations Manager

St. Mary's College High School; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Mary's College High School seeks an Alumni Relations Manager who will play a pivotal role in fundraising and alumni engagement. This position involves managing donor relationships, planning events such as reunions, and advancing the school’s mission through community engagement.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree, at least 3 years of relevant experience, and strong interpersonal and communication skills. The role requires event management capabilities and a commitment to Catholic education.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in development or fundraising.
• Experience in nonprofit advancement work, preferably in a Catholic or independent school.
• Highly organized and creative individual capable of managing multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and manage the Annual Fund and other giving programs.
• Organize alumni programs and events, including reunions and networking initiatives.
• Manage key fundraising events including the annual gala and Day of Giving.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Event management

Budget management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree or CFRE preferred

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

DonorPerfect

Salesforce

Job description

Founded in 1863 by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Saint Mary’s College High School is one of the oldest Lasallian Catholic secondary schools in the western United States. Located on its historic Peralta Park campus in Albany, California, Saint Mary’s continues the educational vision of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, providing a holistic, college-preparatory education that fosters intellectual growth, spiritual awareness, and social responsibility. A ministry of the De La Salle Christian Brothers of the District of San Francisco New Orleans, Saint Mary’s is rooted in the Lasallian Core Principles of faith in the presence of God, concern for the poor and social justice, respect for all persons, quality education, and inclusive community. The school’s educational philosophy is expressed through the Lasallian Educational Outcomes, which guide students to grow spiritually, intellectually, physically, emotionally, communally, and integrally as compassionate leaders prepared to contribute to a diverse and changing world.

Mission Statement

As a Christ-centered community striving to live the mission of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, Saint Mary’s College High School is a Lasallian Catholic school where diversity and inclusion are essential, and quality education of the whole person is our active ministry. With community support and faith grounded in love, we teach one another to pursue a life of virtue, scholarship, and service.

Position Summary

The Alumni Relations Manager is a member of the Advancement team and plays a direct role in fundraising, donor stewardship, alumni engagement, and mission-centered events that support Saint Mary’s College High School's advancement goals. The Manager advances the Lasallian Catholic mission of Saint Mary’s by fostering meaningful relationships that inspire generosity, engagement, and lifelong connection. Working closely with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and the President, this position supports annual giving, develops strategies to increase alumni participation, strengthens donor and community relationships, and helps advance the school’s values of Virtue, Scholarship, and Service.

Primary Responsibilities

Fundraising & Annual Giving

• Plan, implement, and manage the Annual Fund and other giving programs for alumni, parents, and friends.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors in collaboration with the Vice President and President.
• Partner with the advancement team to produce appeals, campaign materials, and impact stories.
• Maintain accurate records of all gifts and pledges in coordination with the advancement team.
• Partner with the advancement team on producing acknowledgment letters and stewardship communications that express gratitude and demonstrate impact.

Alumni Engagement

• Plan and execute alumni programs and events, including reunions, regional gatherings, career panels, and networking initiatives.
• Develop strategies to increase alumni participation in giving, volunteering, and on-campus programming.
• Build and support a network of class representatives and alumni volunteers to strengthen communication and community.
• Collaborate with the advancement team to highlight alumni success stories and promote events through email, social media, and print channels.
• Maintain updated alumni contact information and participation records.

Special Events & Stewardship

• Plan and manage key fundraising and community events, including the annual gala, golf tournament, and Day of Giving.
• Oversee event timelines, budgets, sponsorship solicitations, vendor relations, and on-site logistics.
• Coordinate donor recognition events and leadership receptions that advance the mission and gratitude culture of Saint Mary’s.
• Recruit alumni and alumni parent volunteers for advancement and school events.

Collaboration & Mission Integration

• Work closely with Admissions and Outreach teams to connect alumni and community partners to prospective student initiatives.
• Partner with the Director of Finance on gift tracking and event budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Participate in school liturgies, community events, and celebrations to strengthen relationships and model Lasallian hospitality.
• Represent the school professionally in the community and support efforts that advance institutional visibility and philanthropy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in development, fundraising, alumni relations, event management, or related nonprofit advancement work, preferably in a Catholic or independent school.
• Proficiency with donor databases (Raiser’s Edge, DonorPerfect, Salesforce, or similar CRM).
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to build relationships across constituencies.
• Experience managing budgets, vendors, and volunteers for complex events.
• Highly organized, creative, and self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends for major events.
• Demonstrated commitment to Catholic education and the Lasallian Core Principles.
• Practicing Catholic preferred; all candidates must demonstrate support for the mission and values of Catholic education and the Lasallian Core Principles.

Core Competencies

• Mission-driven professional who models integrity, gratitude, and hospitality.
• Strategic and detail-oriented planner with strong follow-through.
• Collaborative team member who builds community and advances institutional goals.
• Creative event planner and relationship builder with a growth mindset.
• Comfortable supporting fundraising goals through relationship-building, donor stewardship, alumni engagement, and mission-centered events.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are those an employee must meet to perform the essential job functions successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers to handle or feel, as well as talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to stand and walk. The employee may lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Saint Mary’s College High School is an equal opportunity employer.

Saint Mary’s College High School will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background investigation. Saint Mary’s College High School will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment.

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

The statements herein describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to this position and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so assigned.