Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving

Department: University Advancement

Reports To: Vice President for University Advancement

Cameron University's University Advancement team is growing, and we are seeking an energetic, relationship-focused leader to serve as our next Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of alumni engagement and philanthropy at Cameron by inspiring lifelong connections among Aggies and expanding a culture of giving that supports the University's mission. The Director will play a key role in strengthening alumni pride, building meaningful relationships, and creating innovative opportunities for alumni and friends to engage with and invest in Cameron University.

The Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving provides strategic leadership for the University's alumni engagement and annual giving programs. This position is responsible for cultivating lifelong relationships with alumni, friends, students, and donors while increasing philanthropic participation through comprehensive annual giving initiatives.

Working collaboratively with University Advancement staff and campus partners, the Director develops and implements innovative engagement strategies that strengthen alumni affinity, expand volunteer leadership, oversee signature engagement initiatives (including Cameron University's alumni travel program and alumni tour events) and lead annual fundraising efforts such as CU Giving Day and other annual campaigns. The Director serves as a key relationship builder, creating a pipeline of engaged alumni and annual donors who will sustain Cameron University's future through lifelong involvement and philanthropy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Alumni Engagement

• Develop and implement a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy that fosters meaningful, lifelong relationships with Cameron University alumni.
• Plan and execute alumni events, reunions, homecoming activities, networking opportunities, regional programs, and other engagement initiatives.
• Coordinate the development and launch of Cameron University's alumni travel program, including domestic and international educational travel opportunities.
• Recruit, train, and support alumni volunteers to serve as ambassadors for the University.
• Partner with Student Affairs and Academic Affairs to strengthen student-to-alumni transition initiatives.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with the Alumni Association and serve as an ex-officio member of the Alumni Association Board.
• Collaborate with campus partners to create meaningful opportunities for alumni engagement.
• Supervise the Information Services Specialist position, who supports alumni engagement initiatives and Alumni Association memberships

Alumni Communications & Marketing

• Develop and implement communication strategies that strengthen alumni engagement and increase awareness of University initiatives.
• Collaborate with University Marketing to produce compelling digital and print communications for alumni and annual donors.
• Oversee alumni newsletters, social media content, website updates, and other engagement communications.
• Promote alumni accomplishments and demonstrate the impact of philanthropy & engagement through strategic storytelling.

Annual Giving

• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual giving strategy.
• Plan, coordinate, and evaluate annual giving campaigns, including CU Giving Day, utilizing direct mail, digital communications, social media, email, phone outreach, and other solicitation methods.
• Lead the planning and execution of Cameron University's annual Giving Day (CU Giving Day), working collaboratively across campus to maximize participation and philanthropic impact.
• Coordinate additional annual fundraising initiatives and special campaigns that support institutional priorities.
• Develop strategies to acquire, retain, and upgrade annual donors.
• Identify leadership annual giving prospects and collaborate with major gift officers to cultivate prospective major donors.

Stewardship & Donor Relations

• Develop meaningful stewardship initiatives that recognize and retain annual donors.
• In collaboration with the Advancement Services team, ensure timely acknowledgement of gifts and appropriate stewardship communications for annual donors.
• Foster a culture of gratitude that encourages continued engagement and philanthropic investment.

Volunteer Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Cameron University Alumni Association and other assigned volunteer groups.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteer leadership to advance alumni engagement and fundraising goals.
• Collaborate with Advancement colleagues, faculty, staff, Athletics, and campus leadership to coordinate engagement and fundraising initiatives.
• Represent the University at alumni, donor, and community events.

Data Management & Assessment

• Utilize advancement CRM system to manage alumni and donor records and maintain accurate engagement data.
• Establish measurable goals and key performance indicators for alumni engagement and annual giving.
• Analyze participation, engagement, and fundraising metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and guide strategic decision-making.
• In coordination with Advancement Services, prepare reports and presentations for University leadership regarding alumni engagement and annual giving outcomes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities a Successful Candidate will Bring:

• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn about, fundraising principles, donor engagement strategies, and an understanding of alumni relations best practices.
• Ability to develop strategic plans and execute measurable initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret fundraising and engagement data.
• Excellent customer service orientation and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external constituents.
• Commitment to Cameron University's mission and values.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in alumni relations, annual giving, development, advancement, community relations, nonprofit fundraising, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with diverse constituencies.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, project management, and event planning abilities.
• Experience managing multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required and travel periodically (travel estimated at 25-35%)

Physical Requirements

The position requires regular travel, evening and weekend work. The successful candidate must have the ability to attend events both on and off campus, including occasional travel out-of-state.

FLSA Status

Exempt

INSTITUTION: Cameron University (www.cameron.edu) is a state-supported regional institution located in Lawton, Oklahoma, that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. Dedicated to excellence, the university provides a wide range of economic, cultural, and educational opportunities for the betterment of all citizens. Master's-level graduate degrees are offered in business, behavioral sciences, and education; baccalaureate programs are offered in more than forty disciplines, and associate degrees are offered in many other studies. The close proximity of Fort Sill contributes to an area rich in cultural diversity and provides the opportunity for frequent cooperative efforts. The combined community of Lawton/Fort Sill has a population of more than 100,000 and is located adjacent to the picturesque Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. A copy of the University’s Annual Security Report, listing crime statistics and university policies, is available by contacting the Office of Public Safety or by accessing the report online at www.cameron.edu/ops.

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