"Executive Director of Strategic Engagement"

The Executive Director provides strategic direction and operational leadership for all engagement efforts within the Office of Advancement, overseeing advancement services, alumni affairs, annual giving, donor relations, and event strategy to drive participation, philanthropy, and long-term institutional success.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and execution of a comprehensive donor engagement and acquisition strategy for the Carthage Fund, including the solicitation and stewardship of donors who contribute <$1,000 annually.
• Manage and support cross-functional teams, comprising colleagues within and outside Advancement, across the engagement portfolio.
• Develop and implement creative, mission-aligned donor journeys, including signature events and multi-channel communications.
• Utilize data and technology to measure success and optimize engagement programs.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and campus partners to ensure alignment with institutional goals and values.
• Serve as a strategic advisor and visible leader for fundraising campaigns and event strategies.
• Foster a strong sense of community and philanthropy within Carthage’s constituent network.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree for this position is required. Master’s preferred.
• At least five years of experience in managing members of an advancement team and have a demonstrated passion for those characteristics that distinguish a Carthage College education.
• Demonstrates ability and technical expertise to deploy systems thinking to the lifecycle of donor relationships and in doing so supporting the continued growth of the College’s Leaders in Philanthropy program.
• Possesses a deep understanding of data-informed strategy, audience segmentation, and engagement metrics.
• Demonstrates deftness at employing technology platforms like Salesforce and/or Slate CRM for Advancement, along with social media to drive, track, and measure effectiveness of engagement activity.
• Excellent motivational, communicative, and supervisory skills, especially experience in mentoring team members new to the advancement field and/or in the beginning stages of their career.
• Demonstrates the ability to work well in a team environment, while also having the ability to show initiative and work independently, when necessary.
• The ability to exercise courtesy, tact, and flexibility.

About Carthage

Located on the shore of Lake Michigan in the thriving Chicago-Milwaukee corridor, Carthage College blends the best liberal arts traditions with desirable degree programs, transformative learning opportunities, and personal attention from dedicated faculty and staff. Our beautiful campus, an 80-acre arboretum with stunning lake views, is home to 2,600 undergraduate students and 200 graduate students. Founded in 1847, Carthage is consistently named a Best Midwestern College by The Princeton Review and a Most Innovative School by U.S. News & World Report. All Carthage employees play a vital part in the success of our students, as we work together to create an environment where all can achieve their true potential. Grow with Carthage.

Carthage College is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse community. We welcome applications from a broad spectrum of people, including members of ethnic minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.