Assistant Director, Advancement and Alumni Relations

Spertus Institute; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3 weeks of vacation

Competitive Benefits Package (health, vision, dental, 403(b))

Jewish holidays and select federal holidays

Job summary

Spertus Institute is seeking an Assistant Director, Advancement and Alumni Relations in Chicago, IL. This full-time hybrid position drives alumni engagement and advancement initiatives, requiring experience in fundraising and strong communication skills. The ideal candidate has at least five years in alumni relations or fundraising. Salary ranges from $65,000 to $85,000, featuring competitive benefits and vacation. Join Spertus in fostering Jewish education and leadership through impactful alumni programming.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience in a fundraising or alumni relations role.
• Experience in higher education and/or Jewish community settings.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects.
• Develop and implement innovative alumni programming.
• Conduct alumni visits nationally to deepen relationships.

Skills

Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills

Project management

Organizational skills

Experience with donor management systems

Knowledge of diverse fundraising strategies

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master’s preferred

Tools

LGL donor management software

Job description

Title: Assistant Director, Advancement and Alumni Relations

Location: Chicago, IL

Department: Strategic Communications and Advancement

Reports To: Director of Strategic Communications and Advancement

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

Position Summary

Spertus Institute is seeking a passionate, results-oriented Assistant Director, Advancement and Alumni Relations to join our growing Strategic Communications and Advancement team. This individual will play a critical role in supporting and shaping our alumni network and executing advancement initiatives that further Spertus Institute’s mission and vision.

The Assistant Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations is a key member of the advancement team, responsible for planning and executing strategic initiatives to deepen alumni engagement and increase philanthropic support. This individual will lead donor cultivation efforts, manage alumni relations programs, and work closely with leadership, faculty and volunteers to support Spertus Institute’s mission and goals.

The ideal candidate is a mid-career advancement professional with a strong background in fundraising and alumni engagement, excellent communication and relationship-building skills, and a passion for Jewish learning and leadership.

This is a hybrid position with at least three days per week spent onsite at Spertus Institute’s award-winning downtown Chicago facility.

Key Responsibilities

Advancement (65%)

• Manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects, developing personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies
• Identify and qualify new donor prospects, including alumni, community members, and other stakeholders
• Collaborate with the Director of Strategic Communications and Advancement to design and execute annual giving campaigns, including direct mail, email, and digital outreach
• Contribute to grant proposals and reports
• Manage and implement gift acknowledgement process
• Support the individual fundraising efforts of the trustees
• Maintain data on alumni and donors, including research and updates
• Conduct regular reporting on advancement efforts
• Analyze data and metrics to assess the effectiveness of engagement and fundraising strategies
• Contribute to the development of advancement plans and budgets

Alumni Relations (35%)

• Manage the day-to-day operations of alumni engagement efforts across Spertus’ degree and professional programs
• Develop and implement innovative alumni programming that fosters ongoing connection, learning, and leadership
• Create and manage communications tailored for the alumni audience
• Collaborate with program faculty and alumni leaders to strengthen professional networks and affinity groups
• Collect and share stories of alumni impact
• Empower and partner with an Alumni Committee to support engagement and programmatic outreach to broader alumni community
• Conduct alumni visits nationally to deepen relationships and foster connections to Spertus Institute
• Oversee alumni fundraising campaign, including peer engagement efforts

Key Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (Master’s preferred)
• Five or more years of experience in a fundraising or alumni relations role, with demonstrated success
• Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills
• Experience partnering with volunteer committees
• Grant writing and reporting experience preferred
• Experience working with alumni populations, preferably in a graduate or professional education setting
• Experience in higher education and/or Jewish community settings a plus

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences
• Experience with donor management systems (LGL preferred)
• Knowledge of diverse fundraising strategies, including annual giving, online campaigns, major gifts, grants, and events
• Comfort with direct solicitation
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to travel domestically

Personal Attributes

• Passion for Spertus Institute’s mission and a commitment to advancing Jewish education and leadership
• Strategic, proactive, and results-oriented with a collaborative mindset
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work independently
• Entrepreneurial and creative

Salary and Benefits

• Salary Range: $65-85,000
• 3 weeks of vacation
• Competitive Benefits Package (health, vision, dental, 403(b))
• Jewish holidays and select federal holidays
• Plenty of grey and orange Spertus swag

Spertus Institute is committed to its employees’ growth and professional development, including encouraging personal learning plans, mentors, coaching, and access to graduate degree programs.

About Spertus Institute

Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership is a dynamic, forward-thinking institution located in Chicago with a growing national audience. Spertus graduate degree, certificate, and public programs serve a diverse array of students in Chicago and North America. Students gain knowledge, understanding, and skills to shape a stronger future, within and beyond their Jewish communities. Our mission is to advance Jewish learning, inspire leadership, and foster connections across generations, cultures, and traditions.