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Title: Sr. Alumni Engagement Officer

VP Area: Alumni Relations

Department: Alumni Association

Work Schedule: Fixed daytime hours Monday-Friday

Telework Availability: Hybrid Available

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employee Classification: Regular full-time (staff 30+ hours)

Hours per week: 40

Months per year: 12

Job Purpose:

The Senior Alumni Engagement Officer is an experienced relationship manager and strategic leader in advancing institutional goals through robust alumni engagement and fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between Gonzaga and its alumni and friends. This role is equally focused across three strategic areas: deepening alumni affinity, growing philanthropic impact, and strengthening operational effectiveness within the Office of Alumni & Friends.

Reporting directly to the Assistant VP, Alumni & External Relations, the Alumni Engagement Officer will increase alumni engagement to further build and develop the advancement pipeline.

Essential Functions:

• 30% - Alumni Affinity & Volunteer Management
  • Build and sustain meaningful relationships with a diverse and global alumni base through in-person and virtual meetings, engagement events, strategic communication, and digital outreach.
  • Serve as lead engagement officer for 3-5 regional chapter networks and affinity groups.
  • Serve as lead relationship manager for the alumni scholarship council and committees, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
  • Develop and ensure recognition strategies exist to express gratitude, celebrate alumni contributions and reinforce lifelong engagement.
  • Serve as lead representative for designated alumni engagement events.
• 30% - Philanthropic Support & Revenue Generation
  • Champion efforts to engage alumni and businesses in both philanthropic initiatives and affinity partnerships, working closely with development, financial aid, and student services as needed.
  • Design annual engagement campaigns tied to securing financial support for affinity partnerships and alumni relations institutional priorities.
  • Identify and cultivate alumni and donor support for current initiatives such as the alumni scholarship, Zag scholarship fund, alumni membership program, corporate affinity partnerships, and event sponsorships corresponding with annual goals.
  • Steward donors and supporters of these opportunities through in-person meetings, engagement events, and strategic outreach ensuring a meaningful connection between philanthropy, student support and alumni or donor satisfaction.
  • Manage all philanthropic initiatives, goals and outcomes in support of the Alumni Scholarship Fund & Council.
• 30% - Alumni Business Operations & Analysis
  • Assist AVP, Alumni Relations with business operations and effectiveness corresponding with annual advancement priorities.
  • Develop reports and dashboards telling the story of alumni engagement successes, evaluate progress of current initiates, inform planning, forecasting, and performance evaluation, sharing information regularly with Alumni & Advancement leaders, and colleagues University-wide for broader awareness of engagement trends.
  • Use data and technology to track engagement across all alumni channels, drive decision-making, and optimize current programs to strategically grow alumni & friends engagement. Serve as project manager for special business-related assignments as needed. Assist with operational processes including CRM utilization, financial and staff resource allocation and impact.
  • Assist Alumni & Friends Directors with cross-functional collaborations in a growing Office of Alumni & Friends and integrated Advancement operation, to problem-solve, streamline processes and continually enhance strategic alignment. 
• 10% - Other duties
  • Assist with broader Alumni Relations and University Advancement initiatives and events. Assist with special projects as needed. Moderate travel required.

• Additional Duties as Assigned by the Department

Educational Requirement:

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

Years of Related Experience Requirement:

5 years of progressive experience in alumni relations, development, or similar relationship-focused career, nonprofit management, or higher education required.

In lieu of the educational qualifications, candidates may qualify with equivalent professional experience at a ratio of one year of experience for each year of required education. 

Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience in alumni relations or fundraising, volunteer coordination, including program analytics.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience in public speaking.
• Proficiency in CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser's Edge) and data reporting tools.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills: Proficient in English written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated event management or event support.
• Demonstrated time management, punctuality, and priority setting skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• High analytical capability, with ability to identify issues, compare data and resolve discrepancies.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently, asking for input when needed.
• Ability to perform successfully as part of a highly relational team.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel, and Word.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters Degree.
• 8 years of related experience.
• Experience in higher education.
• Experience with Salesforce, Blackbaud, EverTrue or other fundraising CRM software programs.
• CFRE certification.

Physical & On-Campus Requirements:

In-Office Presence - Ability to work on-site in typical office setting and participate in in-person meetings with colleagues: 4 days/week

Standing/Sitting - Ability to remain in a stationary position for a prolonged period: Often (50%-75% of time)

Walking - Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks: Often (50%-75% of time)

Lifting/Carrying - Ability to move or transport objects up to a specified weight (e.g., 50 pounds): Often (50%-75% of time)

Attention to Detail - Ability to focus on detailed tasks for extended periods: Daily (>75% of time)

Problem-Solving - Ability to identify and resolve issues effectively: Often (50%-75% of time)

The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to offer for this position: $30.38 - $33.65 / hr

Pay Range:

Minimum Salary (Non-Exempt): 30.38

Midpoint Salary (Non-Exempt): 37.98

Maximum Salary (Non-Exempt): 45.57

Is this position eligible for relocation reimbursement or a signing bonus?: False