Assistant Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving

Job Title: Assistant Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving

Department: Annual Giving/Alumni Relations

Classification: Exempt

Grade: 16

FTE/Working Schedule: 1.0 FTE (40 hours/week)

Position Overview:

The Assistant Vice President (AVP) is a senior strategic partner and critical member of the Development and Alumni Relations leadership team. This role drives the college's long-term financial stability by leading the integrated strategy for constituent experience and sustainable philanthropic growth across all constituencies (alumni, parents, and friends). The AVP is responsible for leveraging data-driven strategy to maximize annual support, cultivate future major gift prospects, and elevate the profile of philanthropy through compelling communications.

Compensation:

The expected starting salary range for this position is between $135,700 and $140,200. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility.  

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities:

1. Drive Sustainable Philanthropic Growth

• Develop and guide the overall strategy for the strategic philanthropy portfolio (Annual Giving, Parent/Family Giving) to shape a sustainable tradition of support.
• Ensure rigorous program evaluation, using data analysis to set performance metrics, achieve annual revenue targets, and maximize the program’s cost-benefit ratio.
• Collaborate with Major and Planned Giving teams to strengthen the pipeline and ensure personalized, comprehensive approaches to donor solicitation and stewardship.

2. Leading Integrated Constituent Experience

• Provide executive direction for all alumni and parent engagement programs, ensuring a comprehensive strategy that fosters long-term, mutually-enriching relationships.
• Serve as senior counsel to the Vice President and institutional leadership on sensitive alumni and parent-related issues.
• Oversee key volunteer governance boards (e.g., Alumni Council, Parents Advisory Council) to align their efforts with institutional philanthropic priorities.

3. Leadership and Organizational Development

• Build and lead high-performing teams, supervising the Directors of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving, and the Communications Manager.
• Drive organizational effectiveness by establishing team accountabilities, facilitating professional development, and conducting rigorous performance appraisals.
• Provide leadership for the division's Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity initiatives, ensuring DEI is a foundational principle in internal culture and external engagement strategies.

4. Directing Strategic Communication

• Lead the development of annual and multi-year communications plans that support fundraising and engagement goals, including the strategic deployment of direct marketing tools to mobilize support of the institution.
• Oversee the strategic utilization of resources to prioritize narrative positioning that amplifies philanthropic commitments and institutional impact.

Additional Position Requirements:

• Must be able to work independently, seeking counsel as needed
• Commitment to work across the entire academic community and collaborate within the Development and Alumni Relations team. Provide support for making a persuasive case for supporting key programs and projects and effectively matching the interests of prospective donors to Carleton’s priorities; steward long-time important relationships
• Proven track record of success in leading comprehensive giving programs