Department : University Advancement
Reports To : Senior Director of Development, Annual Giving and Donor Relations
Location : UST Main Campus
Applicants must provide :
- Cover letter addressing qualifications for the position
- Resume
- Three professional references
SUMMARY
The University of St. Thomas (UST), a private Catholic university grounded in the liberal arts and committed to the religious and intellectual tradition of Catholic higher education, is located in the heart of Houston near the central business district, Texas Medical Center, and museum district. UST is seeking a full-time Director of Alumni Relations within the Office of University Advancement. This position reports to the Senior Director of Development, Annual Giving and Donor Relations .
As an integral part of the University's advancement program, The Director of Alumni Relations is responsible for developing and executing strategies that build lifelong relationships between alumni and UST, with a strong focus on increasing alumni giving, volunteerism, and engagement. This position includes a fundraising component with an assigned portfolio of alumni donors and a charge to grow the alumni donor pipeline through a variety of channels. The Director will collaborate closely with colleagues in Advancement, as well as faculty, staff, and University leadership, to develop meaningful programs, events, and communications that align with the strategic goals of UST. The Director plays a key role in fostering a culture of philanthropy and deepening alumni loyalty to the university by aligning engagement efforts with UST's Catholic identity and values of Goodness, Discipline, Knowledge, and Community.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Develop and implement impactful alumni engagement strategies that foster increased participation and philanthropic support. Key areas of focus include reunions, fundraising events, career networking and mentorship, and programming for all life stage and affinity groups.Manage a portfolio of alumni donors and prospects, with annual goals for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to grow alumni giving.Develop and implement a pipeline strategy for alumni donors, with a focus on engaging future donors through events, programs, and direct outreach.Serve as strategist and liaison for the Alumni Association Board of Directors and alumni volunteer committees , leading efforts in volunteer engagement, board development, and recruitment.Oversee and execute alumni signature events including Two Saints and a Taco Tasting , Alumni Day at the Astros , Christmas in the Mansion , Homecoming , and Golden Celt Brunch , ensuring each incorporates a fundraising or donor engagement element when appropriate.Collaborate with Advancement colleagues on annual giving campaigns, donor engagement, and stewardship efforts related to alumni audiences.Establish policies, procedures, and infrastructure to support effective volunteer management and engagement across alumni programs.Track alumni interests and engagement data , identifying opportunities for deeper involvement and philanthropic support.Work cross-functionally with campus partners including faculty, staff, and student affairs to ensure alumni are meaningfully connected to UST and incorporated into relevant programming.Leverage alumni in university-wide programming and represent alumni interests in university initiatives and events.Develop, distribute, and evaluate alumni surveys and analytics to measure engagement ROI and inform strategy.Develop and manage event budgets , ensuring cost-effective and mission-aligned execution.Supervise assigned staff and / or student workers as needed.Serve as an active member of the University Advancement team , contributing to overall fundraising and engagement strategy.Perform other related duties as assigned.Qualifications and Requirements
Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.Minimum 5 years of experience in alumni relations, development, or related field.Proven experience in volunteer management, event planning, fundraising, and program development.Experience managing a portfolio of donors and meeting fundraising goals strongly preferred.Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a commitment to relationship-building.Demonstrated skills and commitment to quality, timeliness, efficiency, and effectiveness.Demonstrated strong organization skills with attention to detail.Demonstrated ability to align programming with mission-driven values, Catholic identity, and the university's strategic goals.Proven ability to work effectively with a diverse group of external and internal constituents.Passion for Catholic higher education and the mission of the University of St. Thomas.Professional fast paced, dynamic office environment, committed to donor centered development
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by individuals in this job classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required of individuals in this job classification. All job classifications may have miscellaneous job duties assigned on an as-needed basis. The University retains the right to assign and change the duties of this position at any time.
Job Posted by ApplicantPro