"Assistant Director, Student Philanthropy and Engagement"

Job Description

The primary focus of this position is cultivating a culture of engagement and philanthropy among current students by developing, managing, and expanding student involvement, alumni networking, and philanthropy education initiatives, including the Highlander Senior Giving campaign. The Assistant Director of Student Philanthropy and Engagement leads efforts to educate students on the purpose and impact of giving, the value of alumni connections, and the importance of lifelong involvement, intentionally integrating engagement and philanthropy into the student experience—from orientation through graduation.

In partnership with campus units and colleagues across Advancement and Alumni Relations, the Assistant Director supports unit-based engagement strategies, develops and executes donor and student appeals, and contributes to the planning and implementation of fundraising campaigns and special initiatives that engage students, alumni, parents, and donors.

The ideal candidate brings a balance of creative campaign planning, strategic storytelling, and data-driven execution, contributing to integrated engagement and communication strategies that advance participation, strengthen relationships, and reinforce a vibrant culture of connection, involvement, and giving across diverse audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage comprehensive student philanthropy initiatives, including the Highlander Senior Giving campaign and year-round philanthropy and engagement education efforts.
• Integrate philanthropy education into the student lifecycle, partnering with campus stakeholders to ensure consistent exposure from orientation through graduation.
• Expand student philanthropy awareness and engagement among student-athletes, including collaboration on team-based initiatives, ambassador programs, and crowdfunding efforts.
• Collaborate with Advancement partners to support giving days, crowdfunding campaigns, and donor education initiatives.
• Write and coordinate donor-centric appeals, solicitations, and stewardship content across digital and print channels.
• Support the development and execution of fundraising and engagement strategies for special-interest and affinity areas, including athletics, arts initiatives, and other strategic segments and constituency groups.
• Partner with Advancement colleagues to build out programming, messaging, and engagement strategies tailored to specific audiences and philanthropic priorities, especially those focused on students and/or young alumni.
• Utilize data and reporting to assess campaign performance and inform future engagement strategies.
• Contribute to multi-channel marketing efforts that promote a culture of giving among students, alumni, parents, and friends of the university.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Higher Education or a related field; or education and experience that equates to an advanced degree.
• Demonstrated experience working in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with the ability to create persuasive, donor-centric content across multiple formats.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications

• 2–4 years of professional experience in communications, fundraising, higher education, student affairs, sales, marketing, volunteer or nonprofit environments.
• Prior experience working with student involvement and student organizations in a university setting.
• Demonstrated understanding of design principles and experience with graphic design software and website content management.
• Familiarity with digital fundraising and crowdfunding platforms.
• Experience with A/B testing, email marketing platforms, giving days, and social media fundraising.
• Knowledge of social media strategy, including reels and video storytelling.
• Prior experience in higher education or the nonprofit sector with fundraising communications and/or volunteer engagement.
• Experience with multi-channel marketing and understanding how messaging and tone vary by platform and audience.
• Proactive self-starter with strong time management and organizational skills.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit a cover letter and resume.

Employment Conditions

• Is this position Grant Funded: No
• Is this position restricted: No
• Is this position eligible for telework: No
• Hours Per Week: 40
• Months per Year: 12
• Statement of Economic Interest Required: Yes
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Work Classification: Administrative & Professional Faculty
• Employee Classification: Professional - Lecturer
• Department: Advancement
• Salary: Commensurate with experience