Annual Giving & Alumni Engagement Manager
Southern Scholarship Foundation, Tallahassee, FL, United States
Location: Tallahassee, FL (In-office, Hybrid Available)
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, with some evenings and weekends as needed.
Compensation: $60,000-$70,000 annually depending on experience, plus comprehensive benefits.
Qualifications
3-5 years of related experience in fundraising, donor cultivation, or event management; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (preferred)
Available for occasional overnight travel & possession of a valid driver's license
Available for occasional evening and weekend events
Ability to pass a Level 2 background check
About Us Southern Scholarship Foundation increases access to higher education by providing students with rent‑free living and learning communities. Since 1955, SSF has helped students achieve their dreams of attending their choice university through our partnerships at Florida Gulf Coast University, University of Florida, Santa Fe College, Florida State University, Florida A & M University, and Tallahassee State College. While SSF does not provide monetary‑based scholarships, we offer rent‑free homes located near our partner institutions. We currently have 26 homes statewide and serve 470 students.
About the Position The Annual Giving & Alumni Engagement Manager leads the strategy, execution, and growth of SSF's annual giving and alumni engagement efforts. This role focuses on increasing donor participation, strengthening alumni relationships, and building a sustainable pipeline of philanthropic support.
This role oversees donor stewardship initiatives to ensure timely gift acknowledgment, meaningful engagement, and ongoing relationship cultivation with alumni, annual donors, and key stakeholders. It also provides leadership for SSF's established seasonal fundraising events, which are staff‑led with volunteer support focused primarily on day‑of operations.
The primary focus of this role is the strategic growth of annual giving, enhanced donor stewardship, and the continued development of strong alumni engagement programs.
Responsibilities Annual Giving Strategy & Execution (Primary Focus – 50%)
Develop and implement a strategic and comprehensive annual giving program, including two primary campaigns and targeted appeals
Increase donor retention, reactivation, and acquisition through data‑informed segmentation and outreach
Establish measurable annual fundraising KPIs and continuously monitor performance and adjust strategies accordingly
Partner with the Major Gifts Director to ensure appropriate pipeline movement from annual to major giving
Lead recurring giving and participation growth initiatives
Oversee timely donor acknowledgment and stewardship communications, guided by an established stewardship matrix
Plan and execute at least one annual donor appreciation event
Develop proficiency in CRM systems to support development analysis, strategic planning, and increased funding
Alumni Engagement & Volunteer Leadership (30%)
Formalize and grow a structured alumni engagement program
Strengthen alumni participation through targeted communications, engagement opportunities, and volunteer leadership pathways
Build systems and programs that foster long‑term alumni affinity and philanthropic support
Travel will be required approximately 3-5 days per month (most travel within Florida, some outside)
Established Fundraising Events & Other Revenue Activities (15%)
Coordinate established fundraising activities and events (Summer & Fall); liaise with partner organizations and support volunteers for implementation
Administration & Reporting (5%)
Maintain accurate donor records in the CRM
Oversee gift processing and recording procedures
Perform additional duties as needed to support operations
Requirements To be successful in this role, we feel you need the following skills and abilities:
Experience: 3-5 years of related experience in fundraising, donor cultivation, or event management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relative field (preferred)
Availability: Must be able to travel occasionally overnight, as well as attend occasional evening and weekend events
Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with fundraising CRMs is a plus
Language Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to create reports, write correspondence, and present information to a range of audiences
Security: Ability to pass Level 2 background check
Driving: Valid license and acceptable driving record
Supervisory: May supervise an intern from time to time
Benefits
Annual salary between $60,000 – $70,000, commensurate with experience
Bonus for meeting fundraising target
100% employer‑reimbursed health insurance premiums for employees (dependent plans available for purchase)
100% employer‑sponsored individual dental and vision insurance
Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
Retirement plan with employer match
15 vacation days
Separate sick leave
Office closure over winter break
Paid major holidays
Employee assistance program
SSF is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sex, gender, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, with some evenings and weekends as needed.
Compensation: $60,000-$70,000 annually depending on experience, plus comprehensive benefits.
Qualifications
3-5 years of related experience in fundraising, donor cultivation, or event management; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (preferred)
Available for occasional overnight travel & possession of a valid driver's license
Available for occasional evening and weekend events
Ability to pass a Level 2 background check
About Us Southern Scholarship Foundation increases access to higher education by providing students with rent‑free living and learning communities. Since 1955, SSF has helped students achieve their dreams of attending their choice university through our partnerships at Florida Gulf Coast University, University of Florida, Santa Fe College, Florida State University, Florida A & M University, and Tallahassee State College. While SSF does not provide monetary‑based scholarships, we offer rent‑free homes located near our partner institutions. We currently have 26 homes statewide and serve 470 students.
About the Position The Annual Giving & Alumni Engagement Manager leads the strategy, execution, and growth of SSF's annual giving and alumni engagement efforts. This role focuses on increasing donor participation, strengthening alumni relationships, and building a sustainable pipeline of philanthropic support.
This role oversees donor stewardship initiatives to ensure timely gift acknowledgment, meaningful engagement, and ongoing relationship cultivation with alumni, annual donors, and key stakeholders. It also provides leadership for SSF's established seasonal fundraising events, which are staff‑led with volunteer support focused primarily on day‑of operations.
The primary focus of this role is the strategic growth of annual giving, enhanced donor stewardship, and the continued development of strong alumni engagement programs.
Responsibilities Annual Giving Strategy & Execution (Primary Focus – 50%)
Develop and implement a strategic and comprehensive annual giving program, including two primary campaigns and targeted appeals
Increase donor retention, reactivation, and acquisition through data‑informed segmentation and outreach
Establish measurable annual fundraising KPIs and continuously monitor performance and adjust strategies accordingly
Partner with the Major Gifts Director to ensure appropriate pipeline movement from annual to major giving
Lead recurring giving and participation growth initiatives
Oversee timely donor acknowledgment and stewardship communications, guided by an established stewardship matrix
Plan and execute at least one annual donor appreciation event
Develop proficiency in CRM systems to support development analysis, strategic planning, and increased funding
Alumni Engagement & Volunteer Leadership (30%)
Formalize and grow a structured alumni engagement program
Strengthen alumni participation through targeted communications, engagement opportunities, and volunteer leadership pathways
Build systems and programs that foster long‑term alumni affinity and philanthropic support
Travel will be required approximately 3-5 days per month (most travel within Florida, some outside)
Established Fundraising Events & Other Revenue Activities (15%)
Coordinate established fundraising activities and events (Summer & Fall); liaise with partner organizations and support volunteers for implementation
Administration & Reporting (5%)
Maintain accurate donor records in the CRM
Oversee gift processing and recording procedures
Perform additional duties as needed to support operations
Requirements To be successful in this role, we feel you need the following skills and abilities:
Experience: 3-5 years of related experience in fundraising, donor cultivation, or event management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relative field (preferred)
Availability: Must be able to travel occasionally overnight, as well as attend occasional evening and weekend events
Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with fundraising CRMs is a plus
Language Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to create reports, write correspondence, and present information to a range of audiences
Security: Ability to pass Level 2 background check
Driving: Valid license and acceptable driving record
Supervisory: May supervise an intern from time to time
Benefits
Annual salary between $60,000 – $70,000, commensurate with experience
Bonus for meeting fundraising target
100% employer‑reimbursed health insurance premiums for employees (dependent plans available for purchase)
100% employer‑sponsored individual dental and vision insurance
Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
Retirement plan with employer match
15 vacation days
Separate sick leave
Office closure over winter break
Paid major holidays
Employee assistance program
SSF is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sex, gender, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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