Director of Development, Class Reunion Campaigns

Overview
Director of Development, Class Reunion Campaigns

— The Citadel Foundation, Charleston, SC

The Citadel Foundation (TCF) seeks a strategic, results-oriented fundraising professional to serve as

Director of Development, Class Reunion Campaigns . This highly visible role offers the opportunity to lead sophisticated, multi-year fundraising initiatives that leverage the deep loyalty and engagement of Citadel alumni.

As a key member of the development team, the Director will design and execute comprehensive reunion campaigns that drive philanthropic investment across the full continuum of giving, from annual support to major and planned gifts. This position is ideally suited for an advancement professional who thrives in a relationship-driven environment and is motivated by measurable impact, volunteer leadership, and campaign execution at a high level.

Position Overview

The Director of Development will provide strategic leadership for multiple class reunion campaigns, each operating on a three-year cycle culminating in milestone reunions (25th, 40th, and 50th). The role requires a disciplined, metrics-driven approach to portfolio management, donor engagement, and volunteer leadership.

Success in this role will be defined by the ability to cultivate high-level relationships, execute thoughtful solicitation strategies, and inspire volunteer leaders to achieve ambitious fundraising outcomes.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Fundraising & Portfolio Management

Lead the planning and execution of comprehensive, multi-year reunion campaigns with clearly defined revenue and participation goals

Manage a portfolio of alumni prospects, employing a strategic moves management approach to cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts across annual, major, and planned giving levels

Develop and execute tailored engagement strategies that deepen donor relationships and increase philanthropic investment

Partner with internal stakeholders and campus leadership to align fundraising priorities and maximize donor impact

Campaign & Volunteer Leadership

Provide direction and oversight for volunteer committees, ensuring strong engagement, accountability, and performance

Architect campaign strategy, including goal setting, gift table development, prospect segmentation, and solicitation planning

Coach and support volunteer leaders in peer-to-peer fundraising and donor outreach

Maintain consistent, high-quality communication with volunteers through structured updates, meetings, and campaign reporting

Institutional Collaboration & Representation

Serve as an ambassador for The Citadel Foundation at alumni, campus, and athletic events

Collaborate across advancement functions to support key initiatives such as Giving Day, year-end campaigns, and donor recognition efforts

Contribute to the continuous improvement of the Class Reunion Campaign program through data-driven insights and best practices

Manage an intentional travel schedule to maximize donor engagement and campaign effectiveness

Qualifications
Required

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

Demonstrated success in fundraising, advancement, or a related field, with a strong understanding of donor strategy and relationship management

Proven ability to manage a portfolio and close gifts across multiple giving levels

Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior volunteers and high-capacity donors

Strong organizational and project management capabilities, with the ability to prioritize and execute in a fast-paced environment

High degree of professionalism, initiative, and accountability

Alignment with and appreciation for The Citadel’s mission and core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect

Willingness to travel and work evenings/weekends as required

Preferred

Minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in development, preferably in higher education or a comparable nonprofit environment

Experience leading volunteer-driven fundraising initiatives

Familiarity with CRM systems such as Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge (including NXT)

Experience with volunteer engagement platforms (e.g., GiveCampus)

Earned professional Certifications (CFRE, CAP, FCEP, etc.)

The Opportunity
This role offers a compelling platform for an experienced development professional to lead high-impact campaigns within a respected institution. The Director will have the autonomy to shape strategy, the support of a collaborative advancement team, and the opportunity to build lasting relationships with a highly engaged alumni base.

At The Citadel Foundation, you will be part of an organization that values excellence, integrity, and meaningful outcomes, where your work directly contributes to the long-term strength and success of The Citadel.

Position Details

Classification:

Full-time, Exempt

Work Arrangement:

Hybrid schedule available following onboarding

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