Director of Alumni and Donor Connections

The North Dakota State University Foundation seeks mission-driven individuals interested in joining a growing team dedicated to connecting people, developing partnerships, teamwork, accountability, transparency, stewardship, communication, and service. The Foundation invites candidates for a Director of Alumni and Donor Connections, full-time, exempt position.

The North Dakota State University Foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) organization which exists to maximize advocacy and philanthropy to support NDSU. We connect people who are passionate about NDSU and improving the lives and outcomes of North Dakotans and the world. We are an organization of fifty-five team members, soon to be sixty. If you enjoy non-profit work, are inspired by our mission, love to collaborate with your colleagues, and are ambitious to develop as a professional, we welcome you to apply.

Our team members enjoy a highly competitive total compensation package including company paid health insurance, a defined contribution account funded at 9.5%, generous paid time off, abundant professional development opportunities, plus elective dental and vision plans.

This position may be eligible for hybrid work following a period of onboarding.

This position will remain open until filled. To be considered, applicants must apply online through the NDSU Foundation employment site (https://www.ndsufoundation.com/employment) and include a cover letter and resume.

Position Summary:

The Director of Alumni and Donor Connections (ADC) will play a pivotal role in supervising the operations and project management functions within the Alumni and Donor Connections team of the North Dakota State University Foundation. This dynamic position involves collaborating closely with the creative services, annual giving, events and program functions of the ADC team to foster meaningful relationships with alums, donors, fans, and friends. The incumbent will be responsible for implementing strategic initiatives, ensuring efficient project execution, and contributing to the overall success of the Foundation's engagement efforts. The role demands a strong blend of interpersonal skills, project management expertise, and a keen understanding of marketing and event practices to optimize the Foundation’s connections with all of the communities we serve. This position is ideal for a proactive and detail-oriented professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about advancing the Foundation's mission through system building, operational and logistical strategies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leadership and management of Alumni and Donor Connections Operations
• Provide supervision, leadership, and support of the ADC operations team
• Foster a positive work environment characterized by open communication, collegiality, support, accountability, and motivation to optimize staff performance, satisfaction/morale, and retention
• Communicate, support, and apply Foundation policies and strategies in collaboration with team members to facilitate achievement of goals
• Function as liaison to other business centers within the organization and coordinate division of workload under the direction of the VP of ADC
• Develop, review, and maintain policies, procedures, and best practices for operations
• Assist with the hiring, onboarding, training, and development of assigned team members with emphasis on mastery and professional growth
• Work independently and with the team on special non-recurring and ongoing projects
• Manage and execute activities of the Alumni and Donor Connections team
• Forecast and manage program budgets
• Manage and maintain projects including events and magazines
• Coordinate, plan, and organize small to large scale meetings
• Assists in managing communications with Trustee Committees
• Build and facilitate the process of integrating the marketing and communications functions within event management
• Manages large-scale contracts including venue and print vendors
• Work alongside VP of Alumni and Donor Connections to ensure the overall success of Foundation’s engagement efforts
• Facilitate a strategic approach to Foundation’s outreach with events and programs
• Build cohesion of the team as well as positive collaboration with internal and external partners
• Provide occasional support toward the fulfillment of local events
• Manage the process of engaging with support staff and volunteers
• Create, record, track, and measure outcomes of alumni engagement activities
• Evaluate effectiveness of initiative, recommend and implement improvements
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Essential Functions:

• Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities
• Efficiently operate a personal computer and associated software (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)
• Maintain files accurately, in paper and in software programs
• Maintain records and prepare reports
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Plan, prioritize and meet deadlines
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others both internally and externally to achieve the goals of the organization
• Interact in an effective and appropriate manner with diverse populations, internal staff, University community and the public
• Work cooperatively and effectively with others to identify and resolve problems and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness
• Maintain confidentiality of records and information
• Display excellent judgment and decision making
• Follow through on projects with little supervision
• Speak, listen, and write in a clear, thorough, and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques
• Prompt and reliable attendance
• Demonstrate support of Foundation mission and beliefs
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field
• Minimum of four years of administrative, project management, or systems support experience
• Two years of experience effectively supervising a team
• Proven customer service skills
• High level of professionalism and discretion with confidential information
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to be flexible, proactive and resourceful
• Applied experience planning and prioritizing
• Proficiency with technology including Microsoft Office products
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with higher education, philanthropy, or donor stewardship
• Proficiency using project management software
  
  
  

Physical and Mental Demands:

Constantly operates a computer/smartphone/tablet. Regularly required to maintain a stationary position, move about the office, determine what others have said or written, critical thinking and converse with others and exchange accurate information. Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and within the community. May also include occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and/or pushing and pulling or moving objects. Occasionally required to move, raise, reach and/or retrieve binders, books, boxes, and files up to ten (10) pounds.

The position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job responsibilities, duties, and requirements: but to describe the standard level of work being performed. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned or as required by the needs of the business. The NDSU Foundation reserves the right to add or change the duties of the position at any time.

The NDSU Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a U.S. veteran, or participation in lawful activity off the employer's premises, as applicable