What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Alumni Relations position at Saint Ignatius College Prep?
Director of Alumni Relations
Saint Ignatius College Prep - Chicago, IL
Description: The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the “face” of the Alumni Office by cultivating alumni relationships, with a focus on those who have given at a minimal to moderate level and/or have the capacity to give at a moderate to major gift level. The Director of Alumni relations represents the Mission of Saint Ignatius College Prep and its Jesuit Catholic values, and acts as the liaison between Saint Ignatius College Prep and its alumni and affiliated societies. In addition, the Director provides support and direction for alumni events. This position collaborates with other members of the Development Office, reports to the Chief Development Officer (CDO), and works closely with the Chief Development Officer and the MGOs to ensure a harmonious, stable, and strategic partnership that leverages engagement opportunities and develops larger solicitation plans for key benefactors as needed.
Job Summary:
- Initiate and oversee the execution of all alumni events, including the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction, Benefactors’ Receptions, the Golf Outing, Reunions, and other Society gatherings.
Organize reunion committees and meetings, prepare reunion invitations and booklets, and coordinate the execution of all reunions: Yearbook Signing Party, 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, 30-, 35-, 40-, 45-, and 50-year reunions, Jubilee Celebration, and other reunions as requested.
Space reservation and set-up
Catering
Mailing lists, save-the-dates, and invitations
Committee meetings and appropriate follow up
Liturgies and Mass booklet, in coordination with Department of Formation and Ministry
Recruit student volunteers from NHS moderator (for check-in, greeters, musicians, etc.)
Assign department members and volunteers to roles night-of
Responsible for setting up a successful registration process and name-tag creation
Class photo
Follow up mailings and survey
Form strategic reunion committees and make public solicitations of those in reunion years for their class endowments or the tuition assistance fund, depending on donor preference.
Identify alumni prospects with potential as major gift benefactors through office-based research (iWave) and networking opportunities; provide names to the CDO.
Initiate, maintain, and nurture alumni relationships through personal interaction, phone calls, committees, events, and volunteer opportunities.
Attend a significant number of regional and campus events as a representative of the school. Travel, evening, and weekend activity is routine.
50 hour work weeks are common during peak scheduling.
Promote teamwork across the Development Department, working as a true partner to match each donor’s vision with the needs and Mission of Saint Ignatius College Prep.
Review weekly gift reports in conjunction with the CDO and follow up with thank-you calls and further cultivation.
Collaborate with the Director of Marketing and Communications, Chief Development Officer, and IT office to update Development websites as needed. Precommunicate marketing efforts in order to coordinate communications being sent from the School to the wider community.
Research, nominate, contact, and obtain bios of reunion awardees; cross-check names with the Chief Development Officer and President to ensure solicitation plans are followed.
Along with Gift Officers, represent the school at wakes and funerals of Ignatius alumni and other constituents, as available, during times of loss.
Organize Alumni Orientation for outgoing senior class members.
Support all other constituent events as needed.
Work with the CDO to launch a class chair program for the 2026-2027 school year.
Provide tours for visiting alumni and other constituents as needed.
Play a significant role in Saint Ignatius College Prep’s participatory giving appeals and annual giving efforts by collaborating with the Director of Accounts and Information Management, Development Accounts Manager, and Chief Development Officer to plan seasonal appeals and solicitations around reunions.
Ensure the accuracy of alumni data, including contact details, addresses, and employment information. Partner with the Director of Accounts and Information Management to maintain Data Hygiene.
Assist with special projects and perform other duties as directed by the Chief Development Officer.
Other duties may be assigned.
Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.
Practicing Roman Catholic
College degree and/or equivalent work experience preferred; 3–5 years of experience in annual fundraising.
Knowledge of the Mission, history, and community of Saint Ignatius College Prep and the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
Ability to communicate effectively and establish rapport with a wide range of alumni and constituents.
Experience managing events and large groups.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, etc.). Experience with Raiser’s Edge preferred.
Excellent writing, communication, and public speaking skills.
Ability to achieve measurable goals and meet deadlines.
High energy, sound decision-making, and strong interpersonal skills in a high school environment.
Comfort in interacting with diverse constituents and the broader public.
Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current role, Administration reserves the right to revise the job or require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g., emergencies, changes in personnel workload, or technological developments). Salaried employees are expected to work 40–50 hours weekly, including typical work schedules and events.
Salary Range: $65,000-$80,000 based on experience
Salary : $65,000 - $80,000
