Strategic Fundraising & Alumni Engagement Leader

Western-Connecticut-State-University; Germantown (CT); On-site; USD 104,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Connecticut State University is seeking a Director of Development & Alumni Engagement to lead fundraising and alumni relations strategy. The role includes managing high-potential donor portfolios, guiding staff, and leveraging data to inform campaigns and engagement.

The position drives diversified revenue through major gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships, and foundations, while supervising staff and reporting progress to university leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s preferred.
• Six (6) years of progressive fundraising or alumni engagement experience.
• Proven track record of closing major gifts and increasing donor participation.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for fundraising and alumni relations initiatives.
• Manage a portfolio of high-potential donors and alumni prospects.
• Guide staff to achieve fundraising goals and use data to inform strategy.
• Lead comprehensive alumni relations programs and donor stewardship.
• Develop diversified revenue strategies through major gifts, gifts planning, and partnerships.
• Establish and monitor fundraising performance metrics and provide strategic adjustments.

Skills

Major gifts

Alumni relations

Donor stewardship

Communication

Project management

Relationship-building

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's preferred

Tools

Blackbaud Raiser's Edge

CRM systems

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Western Connecticut State University is seeking a Director of Development & Alumni Engagement to lead fundraising and alumni relations strategy. The role includes managing high-potential donor portfolios, guiding staff, and leveraging data to inform campaigns and engagement.

The position drives diversified revenue through major gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships, and foundations, while supervising staff and reporting progress to university leadership.