Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Engagement

Organization Mission The Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation raises and manages funds to support the educational initiatives of the Fraternity as well as the upkeep and operation of the Levere Memorial Temple. General Overview The Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Engagement is responsible for overseeing all aspects of annual fundraising. This positions lead the strategy, design, execution, and analysis of annual giving campaigns and initiatives through direct mail, email, phone, social media, and events. Additionally, the Director plays a pivotal role in enhancing alumni engagement, fostering stronger connections with alumni and donors to expand engagement opportunities. Responsibilities • Supervise the Coordinator of Annual Giving & Alumni Engagement,providing guidance and leadership to achieve program goals • Oversee the design and implementation of all annual giving programs and initiatives to ensure they align with the organization’s mission and fundraising goals • Manage and execute the day-to-day annual giving solicitation operations, including direct mail, email, call, text, social media, events, etc. • Lead the design and execution of signature fundraising initiatives, including but not limited to Giving Tuesday, March to the Madness, and Founders’ Day. This includes creating project timelines, coordinating with internal and external partners, recruiting donor volunteers, and managing campaign logistics • Create, oversee, and execute the annual fundraising calendar to ensure deadlines are met and tracked effectively • Establish standardized workflows, planning templates for recurring initiatives, and documentation to ensure future campaigns are streamlined and well-resourced • Oversee and grow the recurring giving program, Phoenix Circle, to meet fundraising goals and member engagement targets • In conjunction with the Communications Department, develop and oversee communications strategy and maintain consistent, compelling messaging and branding across all platforms • In collaboration with Fraternity’s Alumni Department, ensure Foundation presence and giving opportunities at Fraternity programs and events • Serve on the Alumni Committee to identify and develop opportunities to engage SAE special interest groups • Collaborate with Donor Services & Stewardship to: • Develop and implement a comprehensive alumni engagement plan that fosters long-term relationships and increases alumni involvement • Ensure annual initiatives and correspondences include appropriate stewardship • Track, analyze, and utilize alumni, collegian, parent, and other donor giving trends and engagement metrics to enhance fundraising and donor retention • Maintain accurate records in the CRM database • Collaborate with the CEO, Board of Trustees, and staff to develop a successful outcome for the Annual Loyalty Fund • Perform other related duties to benefit the mission of the organization Education & Experience • Bachelor's degree is preferred in nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related field • 3+ years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations, or development • Leadership or management experience is a plus • SAE membership is not required, but affiliation with a Greek organization is strongly preferred Skills • Ability to develop and execute strategic plans to grow alumni engagement and leadership giving • Exceptional organizational skills, with the skill to prioritize tasks effectively and maintain order in a fast-paced environment • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish effective relationships with Sigma Alpha Epsilon staff, boards, donors, and volunteers • Creative and innovative thinker with the expertise to adapt strategies to changing circumstances • Self-motivated and task-oriented with strong attention to detail • Proficient computer skills and strong knowledge of database programs (such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, or similar CRM platforms) Job Type: Full-time Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year Benefits: • 401(k) • 401(k) matching • Dental insurance • Flexible schedule • Flexible spending account • Health insurance • Life insurance • Paid time off • Vision insurance Schedule: • Monday to Friday Ability to Commute: • Evanston, IL 60201 (Preferred) Ability to Relocate: • Evanston, IL 60201: Relocate before starting work (Preferred) Work Location: Hybrid remote in Evanston, IL 60201