Strategic Leader: Alumni Engagement & Major Gifts

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Western Connecticut State University seeks a Director of Development & Alumni Engagement to lead fundraising and alumni programs. You will manage a portfolio of major donors, guide staff, and use data to drive strategy and solicit gifts.

You will build partnerships across campus and with foundations, donors, and volunteers, expand revenue through gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships and campaigns, and supervise professional staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred.
• Six years of progressive fundraising/alumni relations experience.
• Proven track record of closing major gifts ($25,000+) and strengthening participation.
• Background in capital campaigns and higher education advancement preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with CRM systems like Blackbaud Raiser's Edge and data-informed strategies.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of high-potential donors and alumni prospects with cultivation and major gift strategies.
• Implement data-informed fundraising, campaigns, and alumni engagement initiatives.
• Supervise staff and monitor progress toward fundraising goals and benchmarks.
• Collaborate with campus partners and volunteers to create alumni engagement opportunities.
• Diversity in donor outreach and strategic revenue diversification through gifts and foundations.

Skills

Fundraising

Alumni relations

Donor stewardship

Communication

Relationship-building

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Blackbaud Raiser's Edge

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Western Connecticut State University seeks a Director of Development & Alumni Engagement to lead fundraising and alumni programs. You will manage a portfolio of major donors, guide staff, and use data to drive strategy and solicit gifts.

You will build partnerships across campus and with foundations, donors, and volunteers, expand revenue through gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships and campaigns, and supervise professional staff.