Edwards Waters
Overview
Job Title:
Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Engagement Location:
Edward Waters University, Jacksonville, FL Department:
Advancement & External Relations Position Type:
Full-Time, Exempt About Edward Waters University:
Edward Waters University (EWU) is a historically Black university (HBCU) committed to academic excellence, community service, and the holistic development of students. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, EWU is dedicated to fostering a vibrant learning environment that supports academic success, cultural enrichment, and the development of responsible leadership. Position Overview:
The Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Engagement is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing a comprehensive annual giving program and alumni engagement strategy for Edward Waters University. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement, this position will work closely with the University Advancement team, faculty, staff, and leadership to cultivate strong relationships with alumni, donors, and the community to drive participation, loyalty, and philanthropic support to the university. This is a leadership position with significant responsibility for growing the base of annual donors and fostering an engaged, loyal alumni network. Responsibilities Annual Giving Program: Develop and execute a strategic annual giving plan, including fundraising goals, strategies, and timelines to increase donor participation and revenue. Manage and execute the universitys annual giving campaigns, including direct mail, digital giving, and telefund programs. Monitor and evaluate campaign effectiveness, providing reports and analysis to leadership to ensure continuous improvement. Oversee the stewardship of annual donors, ensuring they feel appreciated and informed about the impact of their contributions. Identify and cultivate prospective new donors through targeted outreach and engagement efforts.
Alumni Engagement:
Develop and implement a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy to strengthen the connection between EWU and its alumni community. Organize and execute alumni events, both in-person and virtual, to foster community among alumni and encourage ongoing engagement with the university. Build and maintain strong relationships with key alumni, influencers, and volunteers, creating pathways for alumni to get involved with EWU in meaningful ways. Collaborate with other university departments to engage alumni through career services, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities.
Donor Relations & Stewardship:
Develop and implement a stewardship plan to acknowledge and recognize annual donors, ensuring that they feel valued and informed about the impact of their gifts. Work with the Advancement team to create donor engagement opportunities such as exclusive events, recognition societies, and impact reports.
Leadership & Collaboration:
Work closely with the Assistant Vice President of University Advancement, senior leadership, faculty, and staff to align annual giving and alumni engagement strategies with the universitys mission and goals. Supervise and mentor staff, volunteers, and student interns involved in annual giving and alumni relations activities. Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to ensure alignment of messaging and branding in all fundraising and alumni engagement materials.
Other Duties as Assigned
Qualifications
Bachelors degree in a relevant field required; advanced degree preferred. Preferred 3-7 years of experience in annual giving, alumni relations, fundraising, or related roles. Proven track record of successfully managing annual giving programs and alumni engagement initiatives preferred. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders. Experience in strategic planning, goal setting, and performance metrics. Knowledge of fundraising best practices and alumni relations trends. Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail and deadlines. Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively within a team. Passion for higher education and the mission of Edward Waters University.
Additional Information
Occasional travel may be required for alumni events and fundraising initiatives. Must be able to work some evenings and weekends as needed to support events and donor engagement activities.
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Job Title:
Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Engagement Location:
Edward Waters University, Jacksonville, FL Department:
Advancement & External Relations Position Type:
Full-Time, Exempt About Edward Waters University:
Edward Waters University (EWU) is a historically Black university (HBCU) committed to academic excellence, community service, and the holistic development of students. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, EWU is dedicated to fostering a vibrant learning environment that supports academic success, cultural enrichment, and the development of responsible leadership. Position Overview:
The Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Engagement is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing a comprehensive annual giving program and alumni engagement strategy for Edward Waters University. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement, this position will work closely with the University Advancement team, faculty, staff, and leadership to cultivate strong relationships with alumni, donors, and the community to drive participation, loyalty, and philanthropic support to the university. This is a leadership position with significant responsibility for growing the base of annual donors and fostering an engaged, loyal alumni network. Responsibilities Annual Giving Program: Develop and execute a strategic annual giving plan, including fundraising goals, strategies, and timelines to increase donor participation and revenue. Manage and execute the universitys annual giving campaigns, including direct mail, digital giving, and telefund programs. Monitor and evaluate campaign effectiveness, providing reports and analysis to leadership to ensure continuous improvement. Oversee the stewardship of annual donors, ensuring they feel appreciated and informed about the impact of their contributions. Identify and cultivate prospective new donors through targeted outreach and engagement efforts.
Alumni Engagement:
Develop and implement a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy to strengthen the connection between EWU and its alumni community. Organize and execute alumni events, both in-person and virtual, to foster community among alumni and encourage ongoing engagement with the university. Build and maintain strong relationships with key alumni, influencers, and volunteers, creating pathways for alumni to get involved with EWU in meaningful ways. Collaborate with other university departments to engage alumni through career services, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities.
Donor Relations & Stewardship:
Develop and implement a stewardship plan to acknowledge and recognize annual donors, ensuring that they feel valued and informed about the impact of their gifts. Work with the Advancement team to create donor engagement opportunities such as exclusive events, recognition societies, and impact reports.
Leadership & Collaboration:
Work closely with the Assistant Vice President of University Advancement, senior leadership, faculty, and staff to align annual giving and alumni engagement strategies with the universitys mission and goals. Supervise and mentor staff, volunteers, and student interns involved in annual giving and alumni relations activities. Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to ensure alignment of messaging and branding in all fundraising and alumni engagement materials.
Other Duties as Assigned
Qualifications
Bachelors degree in a relevant field required; advanced degree preferred. Preferred 3-7 years of experience in annual giving, alumni relations, fundraising, or related roles. Proven track record of successfully managing annual giving programs and alumni engagement initiatives preferred. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders. Experience in strategic planning, goal setting, and performance metrics. Knowledge of fundraising best practices and alumni relations trends. Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail and deadlines. Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively within a team. Passion for higher education and the mission of Edward Waters University.
Additional Information
Occasional travel may be required for alumni events and fundraising initiatives. Must be able to work some evenings and weekends as needed to support events and donor engagement activities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr