Director of Alumni Relations

Aurora University (AU) is committed to the transformative power of learning by creating a student-centered environment and an equity of experience and opportunity, to ensure that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome and included. Our culture of collaboration, generosity, and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty, and staff.

AU is grounded in the transformative opportunity it provides to a diverse student body. As a private university with a public mission and a commitment to making a difference in peoples’ lives, AU has a long history of resilience and of providing access to an education that values innovation, focuses on continuous improvement, and has a positive impact on the communities we serve. We are proud of our service to and economic impact on the state of Illinois, where over 80% of our students stay to live and work, where 90% of our students come from, and where we foster strong community partnerships to develop the workforce in areas such as nursing, education, business, technology, and social work.

We are looking for passionate and purposeful individuals who represent the full diversity of Aurora and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, identity, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at AU, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative, and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice requiring broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

At AU we believe that continuous learning is a fundamental part of working life, and our goal is for all colleagues on our campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support our community by providing all employees with opportunities to engage in professional development activities, as well as a range of tuition and employee benefits that can be found here.

Position Purpose:

The Director of Alumni Relations plays a pivotal role in fostering meaningful and strategic connections, strengthening alumni networks and relationships to advance the university’s mission. In addition, the Director will increase alumni engagement through events and initiatives with the intent of extending relationships with alumni, as well as cultivating philanthropic support. The Director will have a forward-thinking approach, strong communication and relationship building skills, and a passion for alumni engagement. The director will manage a diverse portfolio of alumni donors and prospects.

Essential Job Functions:

  1. Create, execute, and evaluate a thoughtful and strategic engagement plan to connect with alumni and encourage participation in various programs to enhance relationships, boost engagement, and foster a sense of community.
  2. Manage a portfolio of alumni donors, cultivate relationships, solicit annual gifts, and steward donors to ensure continued support for the university.
  3. Oversee alumni programs, events, reunions, and networking opportunities to build and strengthen affinity with the university, and where appropriate, work with campus colleagues to build connections with current students.
  4. Communicate regularly with alumni through various channels including social media, newsletters, and personal outreach to keep alumni informed and engaged.
  5. Collaborate with the development team to track alumni engagement metrics, fundraising outcomes, and identify opportunities for further engagement and cultivation.
  6. Perform other duties as requested, delegated, or assigned.

Core Competencies:

  1. Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers, and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.
  2. Upholds the Mission Statement: Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and examined lives. We empower our students to achieve lasting personal and professional success.
  3. Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.
  4. Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned.

Essential Job Requirements:

Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree

Experience:

  • At least four years of successful experience in building alumni affinity groups and fundraising, or any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions.

Skills:

  • Strong written and verbal skills to effectively communicate with alumni and donors through a variety of communication channels, as well as in-person meetings.
  • Relationship building skills that are essential in cultivating, and maintaining strong alumni and donor relations in support of AU.
  • Strong project management skills to build and oversee alumni programs that align alumni engagement efforts with Advancement priorities.
  • Experience in engaging donors and soliciting gifts in meaningful ways. Knowledge of the principles of fundraising and an ability to participate in all aspects of the donor relationship and giving cycle.
  • Integrity and high ethical standards.
  • Ability and willingness to support and articulate the mission, identity, and strategic goals of Aurora University.
  • Entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving and demonstrated success in exceeding goals and expectations.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Special Requirements:

  • Ability to travel and work weekends as needed.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to communicate by phone, in person, and via e-mail; move about campus; and travel and visit prospects and donors in their offices and/or homes.

Benefit-eligible positions offer excellent benefits including health, dental, life, vision, long term disability, a 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA, and tuition remission.

To apply, please send resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references including name, telephone, and email address.

Aurora University
Human Resources
347 South Gladstone Ave
Aurora, IL 60506
jobs@aurora.edu - email

Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.