Strategic Development & Alumni Engagement Lead

The Charlotte Observer Publishing Company; Northern, Danbury (KY, CT); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Connecticut State University in Danbury (Office of Institutional Advancement) seeks a Director of Development & Alumni Engagement to provide strategic leadership for fundraising and alumni relations, manage a portfolio of high-potential donors, and guide staff toward ambitious goals.

The role emphasizes data-informed strategies, donor stewardship, and diversified revenue through major gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships, and campaigns.

Qualifications

• Six years of progressive fundraising and alumni relations experience.
• Proven track record of closing major gifts ($25,000+) and increasing alumni participation.
• Experience with capital campaigns and higher education advancement preferred.
• Ability to create donor-centric cases for support.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, event planning, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of high-potential donors and alumni prospects.
• Develop individualized cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and major gift strategies.
• Lead data-informed fundraising, campaign, and alumni engagement strategies.
• Supervise staff and report progress toward fundraising goals.
• Collaborate with campus partners to create engagement opportunities.
• Prepare briefs for the President for donor and alumni engagements.

Skills

Donor relations

Alumni engagement

Fundraising

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Event planning

Data-informed strategies

CRM systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Blackbaud Raiser's Edge

Microsoft Outlook

AI-based fundraising tools

Job description

Western Connecticut State University in Danbury (Office of Institutional Advancement) seeks a Director of Development & Alumni Engagement to provide strategic leadership for fundraising and alumni relations, manage a portfolio of high-potential donors, and guide staff toward ambitious goals.

The role emphasizes data-informed strategies, donor stewardship, and diversified revenue through major gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships, and campaigns.