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The Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving provides leadership and oversight for the University’s annual giving, donor relations, advancement communications and alumni relations functions. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, this position is responsible for maintaining and growing the alumni and donor pipeline for Mercy University through the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive alumni engagement and annual giving plan.

This key leadership position provides the strategic direction that creates and strengthens lifelong relationships with members of the Mercy alumni and donor community. 

This position also serves as the primary staff liaison to Mercy’s alumni advisory council and is responsible for expanding volunteer involvement and creating new meaningful opportunities for alumni to connect with Mercy (leveraging current traditions and creating new partnerships with Career Services, Admissions and other campus offices).

They are responsible for the execution of the Annual Golf Outing and Trustee Scholarship Gala.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic direction and management for Mercy’s pipeline development: annual giving, donor relations, advancement communications and alumni relations.
• Create and execute a comprehensive strategic plan to enhance alumni and donor connections to Mercy.
• Create and maintain an annual engagement and communications calendar of activities and outreach, including the use of the alumni e-newsletter, social media and the Mercy Magazine.
• Create and maintain strong internal relationships with key campus offices that will serve as strategic partners (Athletics, Student Life, Career Services, Admissions, etc.).
• Partner with the alumni advisory council to create meaningful engagement that strengthens their relationship with the institution. 
• Work collaboratively with campus partners on the planning and execution of signature campus-wide events, including the Annual Golf Outing and Trustee Scholarship Gala.
• Create and maintain a modern annual giving program that strengthens the donor pipeline and grows unrestrictive support through multi-channel outreach.
• Working with the Director of Donor Relations, ensure Mercy has a thorough and thoughtful donor stewardship plan that recognizes individual and organizational support throughout the year.
• Serving as a leader within the Office of Institutional Advancement, collaborate with other members of the leadership team to ensure Mercy has a best-in-class advancement program.
• Effectively manage budgets aligned with the office’s strategic priorities.
• Provide counsel and advice to the Vice President.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Minimum of seven years of experience in alumni relations, annual giving, or fundraising.
• Experience in a college or university setting preferred. Previous experience in a development and alumni relations office also preferred.
• A strategic thinker and self-starter who can both lead and execute.
• Proven leadership skills, with experience building, mentoring, and motivating high-performing teams.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and project management abilities.
• Strong understanding of fundraising best practices.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency with constituent relationship management (CRM) systems such as Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, or similar platforms.
• Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and drive cross-functional initiatives.
• Flexible and adaptable, with a demonstrated ability to lead through change and ambiguity.
• Unwavering commitment to confidentiality and ethical conduct.
• Strong customer service orientation and a genuine interest in advancing the mission of Mercy University.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required.