Director of Alumni Engagement

The Director of Alumni Engagement is a key advancement leader responsible for strengthening relationships with Illinois College alumni to advance the College’s mission through increased philanthropic support and engagement. Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Engagement, this externally-facing, relationship-driven professional plays a strategic role in meeting the College’s fundraising and engagement goals.

This position blends frontline fundraising, alumni engagement strategy, and major gift qualification. The Director will lead initiatives that inspire alumni to serve as advocates, ambassadors, and investors, ensuring their connection to Illinois College remains personal, meaningful, and impactful.

Primary Responsibilities

Engagement 

• Develop and implement strategic engagement plans that deepen alumni connections to the College and foster a lifelong sense of pride and involvement.
• Direct the work of the Illinois College Alumni Association Board of Directors, in partnership with board leadership, to support initiatives that drive engagement in enrollment, employment, and philanthropy.
• Collaborate with Admissions, Career Readiness & Experiential Learning, faculty, and student life partners to connect alumni with students, enhancing IC’s enrollment and student success strategies.
• Plan and execute major events and initiatives including Homecoming, regional gatherings, affinity-based programming, and campus traditions that encourage alumni and family participation.

Fundraising 

• Contribute to the College’s fundraising goals by leading alumni annual giving initiatives, with a particular focus on class-based reunion giving and peer-to-peer solicitation.
• Personally manage a portfolio of alumni prospects to cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts in collaboration with the annual and major gifts teams.
• Work closely with Advancement colleagues to align alumni outreach with institutional fundraising priorities and philanthropic strategy.
• Leverage engagement opportunities as entry points for developing the donor pipeline.

Major Gift Support & Qualification 

• Identify, qualify, and cultivate alumni and family members who show potential for leadership or major gifts.
• Conduct one-on-one and small group meetings to build relationships, communicate impact, and connect constituents with giving opportunities aligned with their interests.
• Support the major gifts team by feeding qualified prospects into the pipeline and assisting with stewardship efforts.

Office Support & Collaboration 

• Serve as a collaborative member of the Advancement and Alumni Engagement team, supporting stewardship efforts, integrated communications, and database development through alumni updates and success stories.
• Participate in strategic planning and data-informed decision-making to continually improve engagement and fundraising effectiveness.
• Provide excellent service and support to alumni and family volunteers, fostering long-term relationships with the College.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5–7 years of relevant experience in alumni engagement, advancement, fundraising, or relationship management. Experience in higher education preferred.
• Proven ability to develop relationships and solicit philanthropic support from individuals.
• Demonstrated collaboration, interpersonal communication, and event/project management skills.
• Strong written communication, organizational, and time-management abilities.
• Proficiency with databases and technology platforms such as Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, Excel, and Google Workspace.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and intercultural competency.
• Ability to travel, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Valid driver’s license and insurability required.

Additional Job Details:
Job Title: Director of Alumni Engagement
Department: Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement
Reports to: Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Engagement
Status: Full-time, Salaried, Exempt 12 month
Date Revised: October 2025
Salary: $55,000-$70,000
Benefits: To view benefit information related to this position, please visit this link.

About Illinois College:
Illinois College is a residential, private liberal arts college located in the heart of Illinois, 70 miles northeast of Saint Louis, Missouri, and 30 miles west of Springfield, the capital of Illinois. True to its founding vision in 1829, Illinois College is a community committed to the highest standards of scholarship and integrity in the liberal arts. The College develops in its students qualities of mind and character needed for fulfilling lives of leadership and service, fostering academic excellence rooted in opportunities for experiential learning while preparing students for lifelong success.