What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving position at Elmhurst University?
The Associate Director, Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, is responsible for aiding in the development, implementation, and assessment of a comprehensive program strategically designed to engage and solicit Elmhurst University alumni, parents, students, and friends across the country and beyond. The Associate Director is a key staff liaison with certain Alumni Committees of the Alumni Association Board of Directors (Alumni Board). The Associate Director works with the Philanthropy team, the Office of the President, and key campus partners to increase alumni, parents, students, and friends giving, event, and volunteer participation.
Salary Range $57,000 - $68,000. This is the expected salary range for this position. The actual salary offered will depend on a candidate's experience and education, and departmental budget. Essential Functions
- Leads, organizes, implements, and evaluates the University’s signature alumni and friends events across the country including but not limited to Homecoming, Giving Day, regional alumni events, and stewardship events.
- Cultivates and builds relationships with alumni, parents, students, and friends through events, communication campaigns, programs, and other initiatives to ensure their continued engagement with the University.
- Manages a portfolio of University and Reunion volunteers, annual donors, and President’s Circle donors to maintain and/or increase philanthropic and/or volunteer engagement.
- Provides staff leadership to the Philanthropy, Recognition and Engagement Committees of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, working closely with their respective volunteer vice presidents to align their strategies and goals to the Office of Institutional Advancement’s strategies and goals and schedule, set up, and staff meetings.
- Assists the Senior Director, Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving in planning and staffing of Alumni Association Board of Directors quarterly meetings.
- Strengthens the University’s Reunion Program, working closely with the Senior Director, Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving, Philanthropy team, and Reunion Class Committees to implement events and a robust reunion giving program through a multi-channel approach.
- Coordinates and manages alumni volunteer programs, working closely with departments and centers on campus who utilize alumni volunteers.
- Works with the Coordinator, Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving, and Advancement Services team to ensure accurate records of actions, visit notes, contact updates, membership, and other data entry into Institutional Advancement databases.
- Supports mission, vision and values of Elmhurst University.
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
- Performs other duties and completes special projects as assigned.
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- 3-5 years in alumni engagement role and/or annual giving position.
- A strong work ethic with an ability to work alone and within a larger team.
- Ability to support and represent Elmhurst University’s mission and core values.
- A desire and ability to collaborate within the Office of Institutional Advancement and across various academic and administrative departments.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as well as travel overnight for several days at a time, when required.
- Experience with an advancement database.
- Experience with the Raiser’s Edge database.
The essential functions of this position are primarily performed in an indoor setting with limited exposure to outdoor weather conditions. Work is often sedentary in nature and requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods. Required abilities include speaking and hearing for in-person and virtual communication, using close and distance vision when reading documents or viewing screens, and performing tasks with repetitive fine motor skills. Work may require occasional lifting, bending, carrying, or otherwise moving objects weighing up to 15 pounds. Qualified applicants who can perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations will be considered.
Work Hours Posting Date 11/13/2025 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
An overview of Elmhurst University benefits is available here.
Elmhurst University is a leading four-year institution of higher education that seamlessly blends a liberal arts education and professional preparation to help students acquire knowledge and skills for enduring success. Founded in 1871, Elmhurst now offers more than 70 undergraduate programs of study, more than 20 graduate and certificate programs in flexible formats, and the Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy for young adults with differing abilities. Elmhurst University ranks among the top 10 best regional colleges and universities in the Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a critical component of the University’s mission, vision and core values. Our commitment stems from the belief that an institution of higher learning is enriched by the presence of diversity. Elmhurst University is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a critical component of the University’s mission, vision and core values. Our commitment stems from the belief that an institution of higher learning is enriched by the presence of diversity. Elmhurst University is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Salary : $57,000 - $68,000
