Associate Director of Student Philanthropy

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking an Associate Director of Student Philanthropy to lead engagement and education initiatives that build lifelong relationships with the university and boost giving participation among undergraduates and alumni. The role focuses on Senior Class Gift, Student Alumni Associates, Homecoming, and Giving Day programs, with collaboration across colleges and advancement units.

The successful candidate will partner with Student Affairs and other university teams to set strategies,

Qualifications

• Master’s or Bachelor’s with relevant experience in philanthropy, events, or alumni programs.
• Experience planning events and fundraising, with education programming or student outreach experience.
• Ability to work independently and with a team to meet institutional goals.
• Understanding of alumni engagement and boosting constituent participation.

Responsibilities

• Lead engagement and education initiatives to build lifelong ties to the university.
• Develop and drive Senior Class Gift, Student Alumni Associates, Homecoming programs, and Giving Day efforts.
• Collaborate with colleges, alumni teams, and university departments to set strategies and action plans.
• Engage with students, alumni, and university staff, including evening/weekend events.

Skills

Event planning

Fundraising

Educational programming

Alumni activities

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Public speaking

Education

Master’s degree

Bachelor’s degree with experience

Job description

Job Description

Under direction from the Director of Student Engagement and Philanthropy, the Associate Director of Student Philanthropy will serve as an integral member of the Student and Young Alumni Engagement team, spearheading engagement and education initiatives that lead to a lifelong relationship with the university and increase giving participation of undergraduate students and alumni.

The Associate Director of Student Philanthropy will be a key relationship-builder, identifying and creating opportunities to drive philanthropic support for causes around which current students and undergraduate alumni are most passionate. This role will focus on three critical areas: Senior Class Gift, Student Alumni Associates, inclusive of the week-long student Homecoming Program and Homecoming Court, and Virginia Tech Giving Day and student philanthropy initiatives. Collaboration is central to this position. The Associate Director will work closely with colleagues in colleges, the Young Alumni Team, Reunions Team, Office of Annual Giving, and other University Advancement units. They will also partner with the Division of Student Affairs to set strategies, develop action plans, and define goals - using fresh outreach methods and guiding student-facing engagement efforts. Occasionally, this role may support other university events and affinity groups.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Bachelor’s with experience equating to an advanced degree.


• Experience in event planning, fundraising, educational programming, and/or alumni activities; admissions and/or student recruitment activity, as well as working with high school and college personnel.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment to achieve institutional goals.


• Demonstrated understanding of Alumni engagement including planning events to enhance constituent participation and philanthropic support.


• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with strong group presentation skills.


• Experience to working closely and effectively with alumni, university administrators and faculty members throughout the organization.


• Experience working successfully in a large complex, sometimes ambiguous environment.


• Must be willing to work evenings/weekends and travel as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in advising undergraduate students in a university setting.


• Demonstrated experience in training and motivating volunteers.


• Demonstrated experience in organizing and completing multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.


• Demonstrated experience developing effective strategies for planning events to enhance philanthropic support.


• Working knowledge of social media and experience using it to engage target populations with segmentation and tailoring of messages.


• Demonstrated experience developing and managing content for communications including electronic communications and mass emails, web content, invitations, letters, for distribution to constituent base, or related communications experience.


• Candidate must possess strong strategic skills and data-driven approach to launch new activities and track and measure progress.


• Strong project management skills and ability to deliver on multiple projects in face-paced, team environment.


• Demonstrated experience working with vendors and arranging contracted services.


• Knowledge of Virginia Tech and its programs.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$58,000 - $63,000

Hours per week

40+

Review Date

August 16th, 2026, open until filled

Additional Information

Ability to work nights and weekends, and participation in college or university programs when possible.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Advancement HR at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.