Director, Donor & Alumni Relations

The Director, Donor & Alumni Relations serves as a key member of the Clark State College Foundation team, responsible for strengthening relationships with donors, alumni, and community constituents to advance the mission of Clark State College. This position leads donor stewardship efforts, oversees alumni engagement initiatives, manages donor cultivation events, and directs the Annual Fund. The Director also supervises the College's Grants Coordinator and plays a central role in fundraising for the Performing Arts Center, Athletics, and emerging institutional priorities.

This role requires a strategic, relationship driven professional who can build meaningful connections, communicate impact, and support a culture of philanthropy across the College and Foundation.

Shift: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm. Evenings and weekends, as needed.
Location: Springfield Location

Donor Relations & Stewardship
• Develops and implements a comprehensive donor stewardship program that recognizes, thanks, and engages donors at all giving levels.
• Creates personalized stewardship strategies for major donors and prospects.
• Oversees donor impact reporting, acknowledgment processes, and recognition activities.
• Maintains accurate donor records and ensures timely communication of donor engagement activities.

Alumni & Constituent Engagement
• Leads alumni relations strategy, including communications, outreach, and engagement opportunities.
• Produces alumni newsletters, digital communications, and targeted outreach campaigns.
• Builds and maintains relationships with alumni, community partners, and College stakeholders.
• Develops programs and events that strengthen alumni affinity and participation.

Fundraising & Annual Giving
• Directs the Annual Fund, including campaign planning, messaging, segmentation, and donor acquisition strategies.
• Supports fundraising initiatives for the Performing Arts Center, Athletics, and other College priorities as they arise.
• Collaborates with Foundation and College leadership to identify fundraising opportunities and cultivate donor prospects.
• Assists with proposal development, donor meetings, and solicitation strategies.

Event Management
• Plans and executes donor cultivation and stewardship events, including recognition events, receptions, and special programs.
• Coordinates logistics, communications, and follow-up to ensure high-quality donor experiences.
• Partners with internal and external stakeholders to support College and Foundation events as needed.

Grants Oversight
• Supervises the Grants Coordinator and provides strategic direction for grant research, proposal development, and reporting.
• Ensures alignment between grant opportunities and institutional priorities.
• Supports cross-departmental collaboration to strengthen grant outcomes and compliance.

Collaboration & Leadership
• Works closely with the Executive Director of the Foundation, College leadership, and Advancement team to support strategic goals.
• Represents the Foundation at College and community events.
• Promotes a culture of philanthropy across the institution through education, communication, and partnership.

Knowledge and Skills

Experience
Two years to five years of similar or related experience in donor relations, alumni engagement, fundraising, or related advancement roles.

Education
A Bachelor's degree.

Interpersonal Skills
A significant level of trust and diplomacy is required, in addition to normal courtesy and tact. Work involves extensive personal contact with others and/or can be of a personal or sensitive nature. Work may involve motivating or influencing others. Outside contacts become important and fostering sound relationships with other entities (companies and/or individuals) becomes necessary and often requires the ability to influence and/or sell ideas or services to others.

Other Skills
Experience in higher education or nonprofit development strongly preferred.
Demonstrated success in relationship management, event planning, and donor communications.
Strong writing, communication, and project management skills.
Ability to lead, supervise, and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Proficiency with CRM or donor database systems.
Commitment to the mission and values of Clark State College and the Clark State College Foundation