Director of Alumni Relations

Saint Ignatius College Prep – Chicago, IL
Department: Development Office

Reports To: Chief Development Officer

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employment Status: 12‑month, full‑time

Position Summary
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the "face" of the Alumni Office by cultivating alumni relationships, with a focus on those who have given at a minimal to moderate level and/or have the capacity to give at a moderate to major gift level. The Director of Alumni relations represents the mission of Saint Ignatius College Prep and its Jesuit Catholic values, and acts as the liaison between the school and its alumni and affiliated societies. The Director provides support and direction for alumni events and collaborates with the Development Office, Chief Development Officer, and Major Gift Officers to develop larger solicitation plans for key benefactors as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee events such as the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction, Benefactors' Receptions, the Golf Outing, Reunions, and other Society gatherings.

Establish a network of class leaders for each graduating class year to coordinate reunion planning and class gift initiatives.

Organize reunion committees and meetings, prepare reunion invitations and booklets, and coordinate the execution of all reunions (Yearbook Signing Party, 5‑, 10‑, 15‑, 20‑, 25‑, 30‑, 35‑, 40‑, 45‑, and 50‑year reunions, Jubilee Celebration, and other reunions as requested).

Form strategic reunion committees and make public solicitations of those in reunion years for class endowments or the tuition assistance fund.

Identify alumni prospects with potential as major gift benefactors through office‑based research and networking opportunities; provide names to the CDO.

Initiate, maintain, and nurture alumni relationships through personal interaction, phone calls, committees, events, and volunteer opportunities.

Attend a significant number of regional and campus events as a representative of the school.

Accept 50‑hour work weeks during peak scheduling periods.

Promote teamwork across the Development Department, aligning donor vision with the needs and mission of the school.

Review weekly gift reports with the CDO and follow up with thank‑you calls and further cultivation.

Collaborate with the Director of Communications, Chief Development Officer, and Information Technology to update Development websites and coordinate marketing efforts.

Research, nominate, contact, and obtain bios of reunion awardees; cross‑check names with the CDO and President to ensure solicitation plans are followed.

Represent the school at wakes and funerals of alumni and other constituents alongside Gift Officers.

Organize Alumni Orientation for outgoing senior class members.

Support all other constituent events as needed.

Provide tours for visiting alumni and other constituents as needed.

Play a significant role in participatory giving appeals and annual giving efforts by collaborating with the Director of Accounts and Information Management, Development Accounts Manager, and CDO.

Ensure the accuracy of alumni data, including contact details, addresses, and employment information; partner with the Director of Accounts and Information Management to maintain data hygiene.

Assist with special projects and perform other duties as directed by the CDO.

Other duties may be assigned.

Scope and Impact
This role strengthens lifelong connections between alumni and the school, fostering an engaged community that advances the school's Catholic mission, traditions, and future success.

Qualifications Required

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Ability to communicate effectively and establish rapport with a wide range of alumni and constituents

Experience managing events and large groups

Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, etc.)

Excellent writing, communication, and public speaking skills

Ability to achieve measurable goals and meet deadlines

High energy, sound decision‑making, and strong interpersonal skills in a high school environment

Comfort in interacting with diverse constituents and the broader public

Qualifications Preferred

Practicing Roman Catholic with knowledge of the Mission, history, and community of Saint Ignatius College Prep and the Society of Jesus (Jesuits)

35 years of experience in annual fundraising

Experience in nonprofit or event planning

Familiarity with donor systems and design tools (Raiser's Edge preferred)

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (KSAs)

Strong attention to detail

Effective collaboration

Ability to manage complex logistics

Strong interpersonal communication

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Office‑based with event support responsibilities

Evening/weekend work as needed

Ability to perform standard office tasks with or without accommodation

Compensation And Schedule

Salaried, exempt

Salary Range: $65,000‑$80,000 (based on experience)

Full‑time schedule with occasional evenings/weekends

Performance Expectations

Execute events effectively

Maintain accurate records

Maintain and form meaningful relationships with alumni of Saint Ignatius College Prep

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