Assistant Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving en SAINT PETER'S UNIVERSITY

Description

About Saint Peter’s University

Saint Peter’s is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. Established in 1872, the University blends a unique learning experience shaped by rigorous academics, internships that provide real-world experience, community service, and a genuine, caring community that supports alumni long after graduation. Saint Peter’s offers more than 50 undergraduate majors as well as master’s level and doctorate program.

Job Summary:

The Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight for the alumni relations and annual giving programs in the Office of Institutional Advancement and Strategic Engagement. Reporting directly to the Vice President, the AVP is responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive engagement and fundraising strategies that strengthen lifelong relationships between alumni, friends, faculty and staff, and the University. This position serves as the key staff liaison with the Alumni Board to expand volunteer involvement, and to develop meaningful opportunities for alumni to connect with their alma mater. Additionally, this role works collaboratively with campus partners on the planning and execution of key campus traditions, including Homecoming and Reunion. The AVP oversees a team of six professionals, including two direct reports (the Director of Alumni Engagement and the Director of Annual Giving).

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Program Oversight

• Provide strategic direction and management for alumni engagement and annual giving initiatives to enhance participation, loyalty, and philanthropic support.

• Develop and implement comprehensive plans to strengthen alumni connections, increase annual giving, and support institutional goals.

• Collaborate with the Vice President and the advancement leadership team to align engagement and fundraising programs with overall advancement strategies.

• Use data and analytics to evaluate program effectiveness, identify trends, and inform decision-making.

• Other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Strategic Engagement.

Team Management and Development

• Supervise a team of six professionals, including two direct reports (the Director of Alumni Engagement and the Director of Annual Giving).

• Foster a collaborative, creative, and high-performing team environment that prioritizes innovation, accountability, and professional growth.

• Provide leadership in recruitment, onboarding, and performance evaluation of team members.

Alumni Engagement

• Oversee the development of programs and communications designed to engage alumni across generations, geographies, and professional fields.

• Serve as a key liaison to the Alumni Board, providing guidance and support to advance volunteer opportunities, committee work, and leadership engagement.

• Oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications plan for all events and programs including the events calendar, social media, and Alumni News & Notes section of Saint Peter’s University Magazine, website content, and event-specific communications.

• Collaborate with Communications and Marketing to strengthen brand consistency and donor/alumni messaging.

• Partner with campus departments, including Admissions, the Center for Career Engagement and Experiential Learning (CEEL), Athletics, and Student Life to foster meaningful alumni involvement and mentorship opportunities.

• Work collaboratively with campus partners on the planning and execution of signature campus-wide events such as Homecoming and Saint Peter Day.

Annual Giving

• Provide strategic oversight for the annual giving program to increase participation, grow unrestricted support, and strengthen the donor pipeline.

• Collaborate with the Director of Annual Giving to develop multi-channel campaigns, digital engagement strategies, and affinity-based fundraising initiatives.

• Ensure alignment between annual giving goals and major gift cultivation efforts.

• Personally manage a portfolio of ~50 leadership and planned giving prospects with clearly defined goals for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Special Projects and Institutional Collaboration

• Serve as a key member of the Vice President's leadership team, contributing high level strategic vision and counsel, and high degrees of collaboration and alignment with other senior team members.

• Manage budgets and resources effectively, ensuring alignment with divisional and institutional priorities.

• Participate in advancement-wide initiatives, task forces, and strategic projects as assigned by the Vice President.

Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000

Benefits: 

Along with a competitive salary, we provide a robust benefits package to support your health and future goals.

Key Benefits Include:

• Paid Time Off: Paid holidays, personal days, vacation, and sick leave

• Health Coverage: Health insurance, dental insurance, and vision discount plan

• Life Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance

• Life & Disability Insurance: Voluntary life and voluntary disability coverage

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with Roth and Traditional options

• Tuition Remission: An attractive tuition remission policy for employees and their dependents

• Additional Perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Voluntary Legal plan, FSA and more

The well-being of our employees is a priority for our University, and we are committed to promoting your success and well-being.

Qualifications

Qualification Standards:

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.

• Minimum of 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in alumni relations, annual giving, or advancement leadership.

• Previous experience working within a university or college advancement office is highly preferred due to the unique dynamics of alumni, donor, and institutional relationships.

• Capital/comprehensive campaign experience is beneficial.

• Demonstrated success in managing staff, budgets, and complex projects in a higher education or non-profit environment.

• Proven track record in alumni engagement strategy, volunteer management, and fundraising program development.

• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.Superior written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to draft high-level communications and present persuasively.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain robust relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership, board members, donors, and alumni.

• Proven track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders (university leadership, faculty, staff) and external stakeholders (donors, alumni, boards).

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and advanced knowledge of CRM/fundraising platforms (e.g. Blackbaud’s The Raisers Edge NXT).

• Unparalleled personal integrity and respect for confidentiality, prudence and discretion.

• Commitment to ethical fundraising practices, data integrity, and compliance with relevant standards (e.g., CASE, IRS).

• Ability to speak clearly and communicate proficiently in English.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license, and have access to a personal vehicle. Local and national travel is expected, as is a willingness to work outside normal business hours, as needed.