An Alumni Relations Manager manages and maintains communication, interest, and financial support from graduates and alumni of a college or university. Creates and broadens alumni programs and plans events like alumni reunions or homecomings.
The Director of Advancement Performance is a strategic, hands-on advancement professional responsible for managing a portfolio of major and leadership gift prospects while overseeing the execution of core fundraising programs. This role bridges frontline fundraising, annual giving, and general development outreach to drive philanthropic results and ensure efficient, data-informed advancement practices.
Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:
Manage a portfolio of approximately 75 prospects, focusing on identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship Develop and execute individualized strategies to secure gifts at the $1,000+ level and aligned with organizational priorities Prepare compelling proposals, reports, and major gift communications Partner with leadership and communications staff to design and execute annual fund campaigns across multiple channels, including direct mail, email, and digital giving Contribute to annual giving and planned giving segmentation strategy and messaging to increase participation and retention Assist in the drafting of annual fund appeals, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities Support the execution of planned giving marketing and appeals, including the Ronnenberg Society, legacy messaging and targeted outreach to long-term donors Identify annual donors with potential for upgrade to major or planned gifts and integrate them into the prospect pipeline Collaborate on stewardship communications that reinforce annual and legacy giving impact Provide some prospect research
Required Skills & Experience:
Minimum of five years of development experience. Experience in managing a portfolio of donors. Experience in a higher education setting is preferred. Exceptional analytical, organizational, and project management abilities. Strong understanding of fundraising best practices. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills. Proficiency with constituent relationship management (CRM) systems such as Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or similar platforms. Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and drive cross-functional initiatives. Flexible and adaptable, with a demonstrated ability to lead through change and ambiguity. Unwavering commitment to confidentiality and ethical conduct. Strong customer service orientation and a genuine interest in advancing the mission of Mercy University.
