Director of Alumni and Donor Engagement

Robert Morris University; Moon (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Robert Morris University is seeking a Director of Alumni and Donor Engagement to lead a comprehensive alumni program and expand donor stewardship. This role drives connection with RMU alumni, strengthens the donor pipeline, and aligns engagement with fundraising goals.

The position oversees events, communications, and cross-campus collaboration, while measuring outcomes against CASE standards and improving programs through data-driven insights.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in higher education advancement with emphasis on alumni relations and fundraising.
• Proven success in developing and implementing strategic plans for alumni engagement.
• Experience with donor databases (Raiser’s Edge or similar CRM) and fundraising software.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans for alumni engagement and donor relations.
• Proven leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to mentor a high-performing team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships with alumni and donors.
• Strong written and verbal communication, including public speaking.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy, planning, and execution of alumni programming and regional networks.
• Design, implement, and manage donor recognition and stewardship programs.
• Develop integrated communications plans across alumni channels and events.
• Collaborate with Career Center, Admissions, and other departments on engagement opportunities.
• Track engagement metrics, supervise staff, and manage event budgets.

Skills

Alumni relations

Donor engagement

Leadership

Fundraising strategy

Public speaking

Data analysis

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

CRM software

Donor databases

Job description

Position Department

University Advancement

Position Type

Staff Full-Time

Overview

The Director of Alumni and Donor Engagement is a key leader within University Advancement responsible for planning, executing, and measuring a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy while actively expanding donor stewardship and cultivation initiatives. This role builds meaningful connections with RMU alumni, strengthens the donor pipeline, and stewards positive relationships with top philanthropic prospects and contributors to advance the University’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Alumni Engagement & Volunteer Leadership: Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of all local, regional, and national alumni programming, including signature events (e.g., Homecoming Weekend, reunions, and affinity group gatherings). Establish and manage regional Alumni Network chapters, leading the identification of target regions, recruitment of network leaders, and management of local activities.
• Donor Engagement, Cultivation & Stewardship: Partner with the Executive Director to design, implement, and manage innovative donor recognition and stewardship programs aimed at retaining and elevating top prospects. Execute major prospect and donor events, including national tour stops, intimate cultivation gatherings, and specialized donor appreciation experiences. Collaborate closely with Leadership Gift Officers and the development team to identify alumni leadership prospects, map out pathways converting active alumni into donors, and integrate them into fundraising campaigns. Maintain strong partnerships across university units to ensure full compliance with donor intent and institutional policies.
• Strategic Communications & Marketing: Develop and execute integrated communication plans in collaboration with the Office of University Brand across the alumni website, social channels, e-newsletters, direct mail, and virtual platforms. Drive messaging that highlights volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and student, university, and alumni/donor impact stories.
• Cross-Campus Collaboration: Partner with the Career Center and relevant departments to establish alumni mentorship programs for current students. Work with Admissions, Student Affairs, Academic Deans, and faculty to create targeted alumni interaction opportunities with legacy families, prospective students, and academic departments.
• Operations, Analytics & Supervision Establish, track, and evaluate quantitative engagement alumni metrics, based on CASE standards, to continuously optimize programs. Supervise, mentor, and evaluate student staff members. Oversee event budgets and perform operational duties as needed, including traveling or driving on behalf of the university when required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in higher education advancement, with a strong
• emphasis on alumni relations, donor engagement, and fundraising.
• Proven success in developing and implementing strategic plans for alumni
• engagement, including volunteer recruitment and management, event planning, and communications.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and supervising staff.
• Experience with donor databases (preferably Raiser’s Edge or a similar CRM) and
• fundraising software.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans for alumni engagement and donor
• relations that align with the institution’s overall mission and fundraising goals.
• Proven leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to motivate, mentor, and
• manage a high-performing team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build and maintain
• strong relationships with alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and
• presentation skills.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles and best practices, including donor segmentation,
• cultivation strategies, and stewardship plans.
• Ability to plan, organize, and execute successful alumni and donor events, volunteer
• programs, and other engagement initiatives.
• Ability to analyze data, track progress toward goals, and prepare reports on alumni
• engagement and fundraising activities.
• Proficiency with donor databases, CRM systems, and other relevant software
• applications.
• Experience with data analysis and reporting tools.
• Valid drivers license or the ability to have reliable transportation to travel on behalf of the university.

Exemption Status

Exempt

Act 153 Clearance Required

No

Required To Pass a Motor Vehicle Report Check (If driving on behalf of the University)

No

Required to Pass a Credit Check

Yes

Commitment to Diversity

RMU complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please email [e-mail] or call us at [phone] if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job.