Strategic Director of Development & Alumni Engagement

Belleville News Democrat; Northern, Danbury (KY, CT); Hybrid; USD 104,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Western Connecticut State University is seeking a Director of Development & Alumni Engagement to lead fundraising and alumni relations initiatives that advance priorities and secure philanthropic support.

The role oversees a portfolio of high-potential donors, guides staff, and uses data-driven strategies to grow engagement, with a focus across alumni relations, events, and partnerships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred.
• Six years of progressive, successful experience in fundraising or alumni relations.
• Proven track record of closing major gifts ($25,000+) and strengthening alumni participation.

Responsibilities

• Manages a portfolio of high-potential donors and alumni prospects and develops tailored cultivation and major gift strategies.
• Leads data-informed fundraising, campaign and alumni engagement strategies to boost donor engagement and revenue.
• Supervises development staff and monitors activity toward fundraising goals and benchmarks.
• Prepares briefs for the President and supports donor and alumni engagements with coordination across units.

Skills

Communication

Relationship-building

Event planning

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Blackbaud Raiser's Edge

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Western Connecticut State University is seeking a Director of Development & Alumni Engagement to lead fundraising and alumni relations initiatives that advance priorities and secure philanthropic support.

The role oversees a portfolio of high-potential donors, guides staff, and uses data-driven strategies to grow engagement, with a focus across alumni relations, events, and partnerships.