1

Alumni Relations Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Manage existing portfolio of donors, prospects and program alumni. * Work with the fund development ... with a degree in marketing, public relations, business administration or related field.

Major Gift Officer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$250K/yr

Manage existing portfolio of donors, prospects and program alumni. * Work with the fund development ... with a degree in marketing, public relations, business administration or related field.

Major Gift Officer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$250K/yr

Manage existing portfolio of donors, prospects and program alumni. * Work with the fund development ... with a degree in marketing, public relations, business administration or related field.

Showing results 21-40

Alumni Relations Manager information

See Michigan salary details

$28.8K

$102.3K

$201.8K

How much do alumni relations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for alumni relations manager in Michigan is $102,341.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,900.00 and $133,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Alumni Relations Manager do?

An Alumni Relations Manager is responsible for building and maintaining positive relationships between an educational institution and its alumni. Their duties typically include organizing events, managing alumni communications, coordinating fundraising efforts, and creating networking opportunities for graduates. By fostering a strong alumni network, they help support the institution’s goals, such as fundraising, student mentoring, and enhancing its reputation.

What are some of the main challenges Alumni Relations Managers face when engaging a diverse alumni base?

Alumni Relations Managers often work with graduates from a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and interests, which can make tailoring communications and events challenging. Balancing the needs and expectations of recent graduates with those of older alumni requires creative programming and targeted outreach. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date contact information and encouraging ongoing involvement are common hurdles. Success in this role often depends on strong communication skills, data management, and the ability to build relationships across generations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Alumni Relations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Alumni Relations Manager, you need experience in relationship management, event planning, fundraising, and a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with CRM databases, email marketing platforms, and social media management tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders set standout candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for building lasting alumni connections, fostering engagement, and supporting institutional advancement goals.

What is the difference between Alumni Relations Manager vs Development Coordinator?

AspectAlumni Relations ManagerDevelopment Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, experience in alumni or community relationsBachelor's degree, experience in fundraising or donor relations
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, non-profits, universitiesNon-profits, educational institutions, fundraising departments
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in higher education and alumni associationsIn various sectors focusing on fundraising and donor engagement
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to alumni engagementRoles involved in fundraising and donor relations

The Alumni Relations Manager focuses on engaging and maintaining relationships with alumni, often organizing events and communication strategies. The Development Coordinator primarily supports fundraising efforts, managing donor databases and assisting with campaigns. While both roles involve relationship-building, the Alumni Relations Manager emphasizes alumni engagement, whereas the Development Coordinator concentrates on fundraising activities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Alumni Relations jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Alumni Relations jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Alumni Relations Manager jobs in Michigan?

For Alumni Relations Manager jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Alumni Relations Manager jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Alumni Relations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Alumni Relations Manager job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,341 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Director of Athletics Advancement

Aquinas College

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

The Director of Athletics Advancement provides strategic leadership for athletics-related partnership development, external engagement, and athletics philanthropy initiatives. This leadership role is responsible for cultivating and managing high-value corporate, alumni, family, and community relationships that generate sponsorship revenue, philanthropic support, and long-term institutional engagement opportunities.

Working collaboratively with the Director of Athletics, Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement, and others, the Director oversees athletics engagement initiatives, supervises the Athletics Advancement Coordinator, and leads efforts to reach specific athletics fundraising and college-wide sponsorship and fundraising goals.

Primary Responsibilities

· Develop and execute comprehensive athletics partnerships and engagement strategy

· Supervise the Athletics Advancement Coordinator

· Cultivate and steward high-level corporate partnerships and sponsorship agreements.

· Manage a portfolio of athletics-related donors, prospects, alumni, families, and corporate partners.

· Personally solicit sponsorship and philanthropic commitments.

· Collaborate with Advancement leadership on campaign initiatives and donor pipeline development.

· Develop engagement strategies for alumni, former student-athletes, families, and community supporters, in collaboration with the Director of Alumni & Community Engagement.

· Represent the College at donor functions, athletic events, and community activities.

· Prepare strategic reports related to revenue, engagement, and donor activity.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree and minimum 3 years of experience in advancement, athletics external relations, sponsorship development, fundraising, corporate engagement, or relationship management.

· Higher education experience and major donor portfolio management experience preferred.

· Advanced relationship-building and networking capabilities

· Strategic communication and negotiation skills

· Ability to manage complex institutional relationships

· Strong organizational and analytical skills

· Ability to attend athletic events, donor meetings, and community functions.

· Some evening, weekend, and limited travel responsibilities required.

Aquinas College, an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic and Dominican traditions, provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good.

Aquinas College is recognized as the exceptional Catholic liberal arts college that prepares individuals for careers of leadership and service in developing a sustainable and just global community. Aquinas College is recognized by its values: Faith, Service, Learning and Community.

Aquinas College prides itself as a leader in sustainability, and this requires the participation of every member of the college community. In this regard, employees and their supervisors are expected to engage in the process of “appreciative inquiry” to identify ways that each position can advance sustainability in the employment experience.


In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the Aquinas College Service Statement:

The College serves our community with excellence and respect through an institutional commitment to quality, accountability, cooperation, professionalism and responsiveness.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Aquinas College is an equal opportunity employer and an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition. Aquinas College provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good. Aquinas College values: Faith, Learning, Service and Community.

Aquinas College offers an excellent benefits package that includes affordable medical, dental, and vision plans, generous paid vacation each year as well as paid holidays, paid sick time and short-term disability, and college-paid life and AD&D insurance. Additionally, Aquinas employees and their dependents are eligible for free tuition at Aquinas after one year of full-time employment.