Associate Vice President for Outreach and Engagement

The Associate Vice President for Outreach and Engagement has primary responsibility for the fully integrated alumni relations, annual giving, and donor relations teams for the College. The position manages the strategic targeted outreach and engagement programs to build affinity for and support of the College from the constituent base including alumni, parents, and community stakeholders.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, strategic direction, and management of annual giving, alumni relations, and donor relations program and staff to expand the base of support by alumni, community stakeholders, parents, and faculty and staff.
• Manage team performance, metrics and goals for staff, and monitor student workers.
• Manage a comprehensive alumni relations program including, but not limited to, class reunion programs, homecoming, alumni mentorship programs, alumni events (locally, regionally, and nationally), Alumni Council, and future programs to connect alumni to the College, fellow classmates, and current students.
• Manage the annual giving program through strategic outreach and communications tailored to each constituent, including both solicitation and non-solicitation outreach, as well as our flagship annual giving day, Forester Day, and the Loyalty Circle.
• Develop a comprehensive donor relations and strategic stewardship program with messaging appropriate to the donor’s relationship within the giving continuum.
• Partner with the Development Communications team and the Office of Marketing and Communication to develop integrated messages to our constituents to promote and encourage engagement and giving.
• Build and manage a comprehensive approach to parent relations and community relations, including the Parent Council, to support engagement and outreach strategies.
• Develop, implement and monitor annual giving and engagement budget, goals and activities, including student, parent, faculty, staff and community events, reunion/homecoming activities, Forester Day, and Giving Day, among others.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years or more of alumni relations, annual giving, donor relations, events, and/or volunteer management experience required.

The successful candidate will have significant experience working in alumni relations, annual giving, donor relations, and/or volunteer management.  The candidate must be a results-oriented professional with a demonstrated ability to initiate, plan, and lead a team to meet office and College goals.  The candidate must possess strong writing and communication skills, the ability to work in a collaborative environment and manage a team of professionals working in a higher education setting directly in alumni, parent and community relations, donor relations, and/or annual giving.

Preference for direct experience with vendors to execute activities, including mass print mailings and phoning campaigns and print, phone, and digital fundraising tools and platforms. Preference for candidates with experience using Technolutions Slate CRM or similar, Mailchimp or similar email design software, GiveCampus or similar crowdfunding software, Panopto or similar video platform, Adobe Creative Suite, Social Media systems, and associated analytics tools (google analytics, email reporting, solicitation tracking codes). Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and capable of using other standard Microsoft Office applications.

The position oversees the team of individuals who interact daily to the 15,000+ active donors, alumni, parents, students, faculty/staff, and friends through the communications and outreach programs the team manages. The candidate must understand how to effectively communicate (verbal, written or e-communications) to these audiences in a thoughtful and compelling manner.

Application

To apply, please submit cover letter and resume via e-mail to: Shawn Vogen at svogen@lakeforest.edu. Lake Forest College embraces diversity and strongly encourages applications from women, members of historically underrepresented groups, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.