Assistant Director, Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving | Communications
Department: Executive Director-Alumni Affairs - 530000
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
- Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution, with preference given to those who have focused their studies on marketing or communications.
Skills:
- Possess a minimum of two years of professional experience with
proven competence in:
- Executing graphic design projects that adhere to the established branding of the Office of Alumni Engagement
- Producing engaging content for social media platforms
- Showcase advanced skills in both videography and photography
- Exhibit the ability to align written communication style with organizational brand voice, with preference given to those who have experience with fundraising-specific communications
- Maintain expertise in utilizing various software platforms and the capacity to learn new systems
- Demonstrate superior time management abilities and the capacity to oversee multiple concurrent assignments
- Provide evidence of exceptional oral and written communication, complemented by public speaking experience
- Manage comprehensive marketing initiatives for web and print to support giving and alumni services, featuring design experience in both mediums
- Mastery of Canva or the Adobe Creative Suite
- High level of proficiency in web technologies and Google Workspace products
- Commitment to delivering excellent customer service while serving as a positive representative for Appalachian State University and the Alumni Association
Other:
- Valid driver's license
- Willingness to work evenings and weekends, ability to travel
independently both in and out of state
License/Certification Required
n/a
Preferred Qualifications
- Education:
- Requires a bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university. A concentration in communications or marketing is preferred.
- Due to working with our alumni population, Appalachian State undergraduate and graduate graduates are strongly encouraged to apply. However, the selection will not be solely based on knowledge or experience with Appalachian State University.
- Graphic design and its alignment with the Office of Alumni Engagement's current branding
- Social media content creation
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Communications
- Design and produce compelling marketing collateral for annual giving appeals, including direct mail, email campaigns, and digital assets.
- Develop and execute social media strategies focused on fundraising campaigns, donor participation drives, and Giving Day initiatives.
- Coordinate with the Annual Giving team to manage audience segmentation and list strategies for effective donor solicitation.
- Create and maintain a calendar of solicitation communications, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging across all platforms.
- Collaborate with Advancement Communications to draft donor impact stories and stewardship content that encourages repeat philanthropy.
- Monitor, analyze, and report on the performance metrics of all annual giving communications to optimize future appeal strategies.
- Ensure all fundraising communications strictly adhere to
University branding, identity standards, and gift solicitation
policies.
- Foster and maintain strategic relationships with campus administrators, communication leads, and development officers to enhance alumni outreach and annual giving.
- Work alongside students, faculty, staff, and alumni to champion the alumni association's objectives and highlight the importance of active participation via giving, service, and engagement.
- Actively participate in the university's broader alumni initiatives as a core member of the Alumni Engagement team, including committee service and attendance at major events, athletic competitions, and arts programs.
- Undertake travel as required to fulfill staffing requirements and engagement goals.
- Availability for evening and weekend assignments is necessary to support specific engagement initiatives.
- Manage alcohol service for McKinney Alumni Center events
organized by Alumni Engagement; note that this duty does not extend
to external rentals or partner events. TIPS certification is a
requirement.
- Ensure that interactions with alumni, focused on philanthropy and engagement, are strategic, consistent, and of the highest quality in partnership with University Advancement.
- Facilitate collaboration between the Office of Alumni
Engagement and the Office of Annual Giving through communications
when needed.
- Assist with chapter and network toolkits as needed.
- Provide training as needed to volunteer leadership.
Work Schedule/Hours:Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. except when travel, evening and weekend work is required
Suggested Salary Range: $55,000 - $60,000 (Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications)
Closing Date: 10/04/2026
Open Until Filled: No
Evaluation of Applications Begins: 09/28/2026
Proposed Date of Hire: 10/01/2026
To apply, visit https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/56309
Appalachian State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.
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