Fairfield University
Director of Alumni Engagement, Fairfield Prep
Fairfield University, Southport, Connecticut, United States, 06490
Director of Alumni Engagement, Fairfield College Preparatory School
This role serves as the strategic architect of programming initiatives that strengthen the bonds between alumni while supporting Fairfield Prep's Jesuit mission of forming "Men for Others." It offers an opportunity to join a dynamic Advancement team at a critical point in the Prep's monumental $90 million campaign, Go Forth: The Campaign for Fairfield Prep, working to strengthen Prep's legacy through fostering lifelong, cross-generational connections. Key Responsibilities: Lead a renowned alumni engagement program, fostering community and connection among one of the most active and spirited Jesuit high school alumni networks. Serving as the primary liaison and leader of the President's Alumni Advisory Council (PAAC), recruit, train, and steward alumni volunteers across various school initiatives and committees. Develop a sustainable volunteer pipeline, identifying and cultivating alumni for leadership volunteer roles among boards, advisory committees, and special projects. Collaborate with engagement team members as needed in the planning and execution of marquee events that celebrate and enhance our vibrant Prep network, including but not limited to: Partnering with the director of events on Reunion, Latin Scholars, Golf Tournament, and Athletic Hall of Fame preparation and execution. Working with the assistant director of student and family engagement on the identification and cultivation of alumni volunteers for the Prep for Success career preparedness program. Plan and coordinate regional Jesuits on Tap programming and events to reach graduates across diverse geographic locations. Develop and implement data-driven engagement strategies tailored to different alumni generations and life stages, from recent graduates to milestone reunion years, as well as continually assess and improve upon alumni outreach efforts. Collaborate strategically with Advancement colleagues to support fundraising initiatives, including Go Forth: The Campaign for Fairfield Prep, Giving Day, and more. Assist in prospect identification and relationship building, supporting major gift cultivation through targeted programming. Work closely with the director of communications and senior director of annual giving to develop and execute a comprehensive, alumni-focused communications strategy that aligns with broader institutional messaging and mission. What Makes You Exceptional: Highly motivated and dedicated to the goals of advancing secondary education, with a genuine appreciation for the Jesuit, Catholic mission and values of Fairfield College Preparatory School. Strategic vision for creating engagement pathways that inspire participation across generations. Natural relationship-builder with the ability to connect authentically with diverse stakeholders. Expertise in creating meaningful experiences that drive involvement and support. Experience & Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in alumni relations, advancement, or related fields, preferably in educational settings. Prior success collaborating to support fundraising goals through engagement programming. Strong project management capabilities, including the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously, and a proven track record of successful program development and implementation, using measurable outcomes. Exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail in both planning and execution. Proficiency with database management and engagement metrics tracking systems. Salary: Commensurate with experience. Application: Cover letter strongly encouraged.
This role serves as the strategic architect of programming initiatives that strengthen the bonds between alumni while supporting Fairfield Prep's Jesuit mission of forming "Men for Others." It offers an opportunity to join a dynamic Advancement team at a critical point in the Prep's monumental $90 million campaign, Go Forth: The Campaign for Fairfield Prep, working to strengthen Prep's legacy through fostering lifelong, cross-generational connections. Key Responsibilities: Lead a renowned alumni engagement program, fostering community and connection among one of the most active and spirited Jesuit high school alumni networks. Serving as the primary liaison and leader of the President's Alumni Advisory Council (PAAC), recruit, train, and steward alumni volunteers across various school initiatives and committees. Develop a sustainable volunteer pipeline, identifying and cultivating alumni for leadership volunteer roles among boards, advisory committees, and special projects. Collaborate with engagement team members as needed in the planning and execution of marquee events that celebrate and enhance our vibrant Prep network, including but not limited to: Partnering with the director of events on Reunion, Latin Scholars, Golf Tournament, and Athletic Hall of Fame preparation and execution. Working with the assistant director of student and family engagement on the identification and cultivation of alumni volunteers for the Prep for Success career preparedness program. Plan and coordinate regional Jesuits on Tap programming and events to reach graduates across diverse geographic locations. Develop and implement data-driven engagement strategies tailored to different alumni generations and life stages, from recent graduates to milestone reunion years, as well as continually assess and improve upon alumni outreach efforts. Collaborate strategically with Advancement colleagues to support fundraising initiatives, including Go Forth: The Campaign for Fairfield Prep, Giving Day, and more. Assist in prospect identification and relationship building, supporting major gift cultivation through targeted programming. Work closely with the director of communications and senior director of annual giving to develop and execute a comprehensive, alumni-focused communications strategy that aligns with broader institutional messaging and mission. What Makes You Exceptional: Highly motivated and dedicated to the goals of advancing secondary education, with a genuine appreciation for the Jesuit, Catholic mission and values of Fairfield College Preparatory School. Strategic vision for creating engagement pathways that inspire participation across generations. Natural relationship-builder with the ability to connect authentically with diverse stakeholders. Expertise in creating meaningful experiences that drive involvement and support. Experience & Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in alumni relations, advancement, or related fields, preferably in educational settings. Prior success collaborating to support fundraising goals through engagement programming. Strong project management capabilities, including the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously, and a proven track record of successful program development and implementation, using measurable outcomes. Exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail in both planning and execution. Proficiency with database management and engagement metrics tracking systems. Salary: Commensurate with experience. Application: Cover letter strongly encouraged.