Assistant Director of Alumni Relations - Bellarmine University

Job Description

Bellarmine University seeks a dynamic, relationship-driven professional to serve as Assistant Director of Alumni Relations. This position plays a vital role in strengthening alumni engagement and philanthropic participation by overseeing alumni association events, volunteer leadership initiatives, and strategic communications that advance the University's mission.

The Assistant will lead the planning and execution of alumni fundraising events and traditional engagement programs, manage volunteer partnerships particularly with the Alumni Board Events Committee and support CRM strategy, marketing, and social media outreach. This role requires occasional evening and weekend work to support events and alumni programming.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Alumni Events & Fundraising Initiatives

• Lead strategy, planning, and execution of alumni fundraising events and signature engagement programs.
• Collaborate with development colleagues to align events with annual giving and campaign priorities.
• Partner with colleagues for the creation of small custom and bespoke events.
• Develop sponsorship opportunities and partner with development officers to maximize philanthropic outcomes.
• Manage event budgets, timelines, logistics, and post-event analysis.

Volunteer & Alumni Board Management

• Serve as primary staff liaison to the Alumni Board Events Committee.
• Recruit, train, and steward alumni volunteers to support engagement and fundraising goals.
• Support volunteer leadership development and succession planning.
• Coordinate volunteer recognition efforts.

CRM & Data Management

• Maintain accurate records of alumni engagement, volunteer activity, and event participation within the CRM system.
• Generate reports and analyze engagement metrics to inform strategy.
• Ensure data integrity and compliance with institutional policies.

Marketing & Communications

• Collaborate with university partners to promote alumni programs and fundraising initiatives.
• Develop targeted email campaigns, digital communications, and social media content.
• Monitor and assess engagement across digital platforms.
• Support storytelling initiatives that highlight alumni impact and philanthropic outcomes.

Campus Collaboration

• Partner with academic units, athletics, student affairs, and other campus departments to enhance alumni engagement opportunities.
• Represent Alumni Relations at campus events and meetings.
• Support cross-functional initiatives within the Office of Advancement.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required
• 3+ years of related work experience in areas such as alumni relations, development, event management, or related field
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in digital marketing and social media platforms.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or similar).
• Demonstrated experience partnering volunteers and boards.

Physical and Working Conditions:

Physical Requirements

• Frequent interaction with students, visitors, and staff.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position or move about campus as needed.
• May require light lifting (up to 20 pounds) of supplies, event materials, or files.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and professionally in person and via phone/email.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced and customer-focused environment.
• May require working evenings or weekends during events or peak times.
• Occasional travel between campus buildings or community locations.
• Moderate noise levels and frequent interruptions are typical.