Alumni + Donor Relations Manager

Alumni + Donor Relations Manager Laguna College of Art + Design Laguna Beach, CA Job Details Full-time $75,460 - $90,552 a year 2 hours ago Benefits AD&D insurance Paid holidays Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance 403(b) Life insurance Qualifications Google Workspace Databases Driver's License Graphic design software CRM system proficiency Productivity software Grammar Experience Donor and alumni database management Stakeholder relationship building Full Job Description Laguna College of Art + Design is seeking a full-time experienced Alumni + Donor Relations Manager. The College is located in an internationally recognized arts colony in Laguna Beach, California and offers a diversity of majors in Animation, Graphic Design and Digital Media, Fine Art, Game Development, Illustration, and Entertainment Design.

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Vice President (VP) of Advancement, the Alumni + Donor Relations Manager is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with Laguna College of Art + Design (LCAD) Alumni while assisting in the development and execution of advancement operations. This includes, but is not limited to, identifying, informing, cultivating, soliciting, and securing gifts from LCAD Alumni, as well as renewing and stewarding donors and managing all alumni special events. Additionally, the Alumni + Donor Relations Manager works with the Associate Director of Advancement in developing and achieving annual goals and plans. This individual provides administrative support to the Office of Advancement as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Leads and manages the alumni relations program, including events, exhibitions, reunions, and networking opportunities to increase active participation and support of the College. Designs and executes innovative alumni engagement initiatives to foster deeper institutional connections. Builds and manages a structured alumni volunteer network, including class representatives for each graduating class and ambassadors. Develops and manages strategic plans to increase alumni giving to the College via the Alumni Fund (supporting the Annual Fund, Special/Capital Projects, Artists Scholars or Endowment Fund). Works with the VP of Advancement and Associate Director of Advancement to identify, cultivate, and establish plans to solicit donors from the pool of alumni and alumni family members. Curates and implements programs to engage and orient current students as future alumni, and works with current students to build alumni fundraising support for the College (e.g., alumni telefunding and the Senior Gift). Serves as an effective LCAD ambassador to the alumni community. Manages a portfolio of alumni and constituent donors, overseeing all stages of the donor lifecycle. Leads and supports Annual Fund campaigns, including appeals, digital outreach, and participation strategies. Identifies and qualifies prospective donors to build a strong donor pipeline. Collaborates with Advancement leadership to develop major gift strategies and campaign initiatives, specifically identifying capital/endowment prospects among current and future alumni to facilitate targeted cultivation and solicitation. Develops and executes comprehensive alumni and donor communication plans across email, social media, print, and digital channels. Creates targeted messaging to increase engagement, giving, and long-term loyalty to the College. Maintains regular contact with alumni and donors to gather updates, highlight achievements, and strengthen relationships. In coordination with the Advancement team, plans and executes alumni and donor events, ensuring alignment with engagement and fundraising goals. Leverages events as cultivation and stewardship opportunities to increase philanthropic support. Enters alumni and donor data and gifts into CRM system (Raiser's Edge), ensuring accuracy and integrity. Prepares regular reports on alumni participation, donor activity, and fundraising outcomes. Executes Annual Fund direct mail appeals. Prepares donor recognition and acknowledgment letters, as well as donation and charitable receipts.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Position Requirements, Experience, and Education:

This individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This individual must have a desire to work in a team-oriented environment that serves a diverse population. Education Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Business, or commensurate education and experience required. Experience Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in alumni relations, development, fundraising, or related field required. Minimum of two (2) years of special event experience preferred. Proven ability to support or lead fundraising efforts required. Licenses Must have a valid U.S. driver's license and carry automobile insurance coverage. Automobile insurance coverage must meet minimum liability insurance requirements for private passenger vehicles. Although not required, it is recommended to have the following insurance limits: bodily injury liability insurance coverage of at least $50,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and property damage liability of $5,000 per accident. Supervisory Responsibility This individual supervises Advancement student workers as needed. Position Requirements Proficiency within Microsoft Office and Google Workspace required. Proficiency within Adobe Creative Cloud required. Proficiency within Raiser's Edge database or other fundraising database software required. Ability to develop strong relationships with all levels of employees, Trustees, management, alumni, donors, faculty, students, and community members required. Demonstrated experience in event planning, alumni engagement, and/or donor relations required. Demonstrated effectiveness as a culturally competent professional with broad experience interacting with and supporting the needs of a diverse student population and/or staff and faculty required. Excellent listening, written, and verbal communication and interpersonal skills required. Ability to work independently as well as part of a team required. Excellent organizational skills required. Must be self-motivated, focused, and proactive. Excellent spelling, grammar, and editing skills required. Must have the ability to multi-task and work in fast-paced, demanding environment. Experience in higher education or nonprofit organizations required. Must be able to drive personal vehicle for business purposes and must pass DMV background check and have minimum insurance requirements as set by LCAD. This individual will also be able to perform the following essential functions: Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude an individual from retaining employment. Take and follow directions. Work cooperatively with others. Receive and respond appropriately to constructive criticism. Display a positive attitude. Balance multiple tasks and priorities. Performs other essential duties and tasks specific to the position.

Physical Essential Functions:

Sitting, typing, and moving from one place to another. This position takes place indoors in an office environment sitting at a desk and working in front of a computer. Occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and lifting of up to 25 lbs.

Business Hours:

Regular business hours for the College are Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Regular hours may vary based on the College's needs and type of position. Weekend and evening hours may be required. Travel will be required.

Classification and Status:

This is an exempt position. This is a regular, full-time position. This is a benefits-eligible position.

Anticipated Hiring Range:

$75,460 - $90,552 per year The posted salary range reflects the College's anticipated hiring salary range, but the final salary range is subject to negotiation and additional factors, such as the candidate's background, experience, and alignment with institutional needs.

Background Check:

This individual will be required to undergo a job-related background check, inclusive of employment and education verification. Some positions may require successful completion of a post-offer agility test. Employment is contingent on satisfactory results of the aforementioned, in addition to compliance with requirements cited in this job description.

At-Will Employment:

Employment with the College is "at-will" meaning that the terms of employment may be changed with or without notice, with or without cause, including but not limited to termination, demotion, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, duties, and location of work. There is no agreement expressed or implied between the College and you for continuing or long-term employment. While the College has every hope that employment relationships will be mutually beneficial and rewarding, employees and the College retain the right to terminate the employment relationship at will, at any time, with or without cause. The President is the only person who can modify or alter the at-will employment relationship.

Benefits if applicable:

Medical, dental, and vision healthcare benefits, 403(b) retirement savings plan, paid vacation, paid sick and paid holidays, life insurance/AD&D, long term disability, LCAD tuition benefit, among other benefits. Waiting period may apply. Full time position; salary commensurate with experience. Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to . Laguna College of Art + Design is an

Equal Opportunity Employer:

All applicants and employees have equal employment opportunities with Laguna College of Art + Design ("LCAD") regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniform service member status, military or veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, physical or mental disability, genetic characteristics, political affiliation status, domestic violence victim status, reproductive health decision making, medical leave or other types of protected leave, use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace for California employees, any combination of the foregoing characteristics, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Employment shall be based solely on LCAD's needs and the individual's qualifications.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$75,460.00 - $90,552.00 per year

Work Location:

In person