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Director of Alumni Relations

Saint Ignatius College Prep - Chicago, IL

Department: Development Office

Reports To: Chief Development Officer

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employment Status: 12-month, full-time

Position Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the "face" of the Alumni Office by cultivating alumni relationships, with a focus on those who have given at a minimal to moderate level and/or have the capacity to give at a moderate to major gift level. The Director of Alumni relations represents the mission of Saint Ignatius College Prep and its Jesuit Catholic values, and acts as the liaison between Saint Ignatius College Prep and its alumni and affiliated societies. In addition, the Director provides support and direction for alumni events. This position collaborates with other members of the Development Office, reports to the Chief Development Officer (CDO), and works closely with the CDO and the Major Gift Officers (MGO) to ensure a harmonious, stable, and strategic partnership that leverages engagement opportunities and develops larger solicitation plans for key benefactors as needed. 

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee events such as the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction, Benefactors' Receptions, the Golf Outing, Reunions, and other Society gatherings.
• Establish a network of class leaders for each graduating class year. These leaders will serve as key liaisons between the school and their classmates, helping to coordinate reunion planning, facilitate class communications and outreach, and encourage participation in class gift initiatives.
• Organize reunion committees and meetings, prepare reunion invitations and booklets, and coordinate the execution of all reunions: Yearbook Signing Party, 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, 30-, 35-, 40-, 45-, and 50-year reunions, Jubilee Celebration, and other reunions as requested.
• Form strategic reunion committees and make public solicitations of those in reunion years for their class endowments or the tuition assistance fund, depending on donor preference.
• Identify alumni prospects with potential as major gift benefactors through office-based research (iWave) and networking opportunities; provide names to the CDO.
• Initiate, maintain, and nurture alumni relationships through personal interaction, phone calls, committees, events, and volunteer opportunities.
• Attend a significant number of regional and campus events as a representative of the school. Travel, evening, and weekend activity is routine.
• 50-hour work weeks are common during peak scheduling.
• Promote teamwork across the Development Department, working as a true partner to match each donor's vision with the needs and mission of Saint Ignatius College Prep.
• Review weekly gift reports in conjunction with the CDO and follow up with thank-you calls and further cultivation.
• Collaborate with the Director of Communications, Chief Development Officer, and Information Technology to update Development websites as needed. Pre-communicate marketing efforts in order to coordinate communications being sent from the School to the wider community.
• Research, nominate, contact, and obtain bios of reunion awardees; cross-check names with the CDO and President to ensure solicitation plans are followed.
• Along with Gift Officers, represent the school at wakes and funerals of Ignatius alumni and other constituents.
• Organize Alumni Orientation for outgoing senior class members.
• Support all other constituent events as needed.
• Provide tours for visiting alumni and other constituents as needed.
• Play a significant role in Saint Ignatius College Prep's participatory giving appeals and annual giving efforts by collaborating with the Director of Accounts and Information Management, Development Accounts Manager, and CDO to plan seasonal appeals and solicitations around reunions.
• Ensure the accuracy of alumni data, including contact details, addresses, and employment information. Partner with the Director of Accounts and Information Management to maintain data hygiene.
• Assist with special projects and perform other duties as directed by the CDO.

• Other duties may be assigned.

Scope and Impact

This role strengthens lifelong connections between alumni and the school, fostering an engaged community that advances the school's Catholic mission, traditions, and future success.

Qualifications Required: 

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Ability to communicate effectively and establish rapport with a wide range of alumni and constituents.
• Experience managing events and large groups.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Excellent writing, communication, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to achieve measurable goals and meet deadlines.
• High energy, sound decision-making, and strong interpersonal skills in a high school environment.
• Comfort in interacting with diverse constituents and the broader public.

Qualifications Preferred:

• Practicing Roman Catholic with knowledge of the Mission, history, and community of Saint Ignatius College Prep and the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
• 35 years of experience in annual fundraising.
• Experience in nonprofit or event planning.

• Familiarity with donor systems and design tools (Raiser's Edge preferred).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Strong attention to detail
• Effective collaboration
• Ability to manage complex logistics

• Strong interpersonal communication

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Office-based with event support responsibilities
• Evening/weekend work as needed
• Ability to perform standard office tasks with or without accommodation

Compensation and Schedule

• Salaried, exempt
• Salary Range: $65,000-$80,000 (based on experience).
• Full-time schedule with occasional evenings/weekends

Performance Expectations

• Execute events effectively
• Maintain accurate records
• Maintain and form meaningful relationships with alumni of St. Ignatius College Prep