Senior Executive Director of Alumni & Donor Relations

Rutgers Foundation; Boise (ID); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university foundation seeks a Senior Executive Director of Alumni & Donor Relations. This role commands broad authority and involves overseeing alumni engagement strategies, managing philanthropy, and collaborating with university partners to enhance donor relations. Ideal candidates will have extensive leadership experience, a master’s degree, and a proven track record in managing successful donor engagement programs.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in higher education or nonprofit management.
• Minimum of 8 years in a supervisory role.
• Expertise in managing alumni and donor relations programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Alumni and Donor Relations program with significant authority.
• Oversee budgeting, event planning, and volunteer engagement.
• Drive efforts to deepen donor loyalty and expand the university’s alumni network.

Skills

Leadership

Relationship Building

Strategic Planning

Event Planning

Fundraising

Education

Master’s degree in business, communications, marketing or a related field

Job description

Boise State University Foundation

Senior Executive Director of Alumni & Donor Relations

Bryant Group continues our partnership with Boise State University Foundation to recruit the Senior Executive Director of Alumni & Donor Relations.

This executive-level role commands broad authority and autonomy, directing a diverse portfolio of strategic programs that influence university-wide reputation, philanthropic growth and external relations. With oversight of significant human, financial and operational resources, this leader shapes the long-term vision for alumni and donor engagement, aligning it with the Foundation’s mission and Boise State’s bold institutional priorities.

The Senior Executive Director of Alumni & Donor Relations leads a dynamic, fully integrated Alumni and Donor Relations program, driving efforts across signature events, regional and affinity-based engagement, stewardship strategy and national volunteer networks. The Senior Executive Director is instrumental in deepening donor loyalty through meaningful recognition, impact reporting and sustained relationship-building. As the key liaison to the Boise State University Alumni Association, this leader partners closely with its board and university stakeholders to expand Boise State’s reach, build lifelong connections and amplify the influence of its alumni community. This is a career-defining opportunity to lead with purpose, innovation and institutional impact.

The ideal candidate is a strategic and experienced leader with a master’s degree in business, communications, marketing or a related field, and at least 10 years of relevant experience—preferably in higher education, alumni relations, donor engagement or nonprofit management—with a minimum of eight years in a supervisory role. They bring deep expertise in managing comprehensive alumni and donor relations programs, including budgeting, event planning, stewardship and volunteer engagement. The ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate with university partners are essential, as is the ability to represent the university with professionalism and build lasting, meaningful relationships with donors and alumni.

About Boise State University

Known for its vibrant community and its “blue turf thinking”, Boise State is the largest university in Idaho, providing an innovative, transformative and equitable educational environment that prepares students for success and advances Idaho and the world. Serving more than 32,000 students annually, Boise State is proud to be powered by creativity and innovation, receiving national recognition as one of the most innovative universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Located in Idaho’s capital city, the university has a growing research agenda and plays a crucial role in the region’s knowledge economy and famed quality of life. In the past 10 years, the university has quadrupled the number of doctoral degrees and doubled its master's degree offerings.

About Boise State University Foundation

A nonprofit Idaho organization, the Boise State University Foundation was established in 1964 for the benefit of Boise State University. The Foundation works to inspire, generate and prudently manage private support for the university. The Foundation works to build relationships and support for student success, including the university’s mission as a metropolitan research university of distinction. The Foundation focuses on telling the University’s story, developing and nurturing donor-centered relationships and helping ensure the stewardship of gifts made to support Boise State.

For more information, visit: Boise State University.

To submit your name for confidential consideration or to nominate a colleague: email Bryant Group.

Priority will be given to application materials received by July 25, 2025