Advancement & Alumni Relations Program Manager (Hybrid)

Northwestern Health Sciences University•Bloomington, MN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

NWHSU is seeking an Advancement and Alumni Relations Program Manager to partner with our VP of Advancement and Marketing to develop strategy, annual plans, and budgets for Alumni Relations and Advancement Departments. They work as part of an Advancement Team consisting of the VP of Marketing and Advancement, as well as communications, events and support staff members in fulfilling the annual plan focused on deepening alumni's attachment and pride in the institution, event participation, student referrals and fundraising results. The Program Manager works closely with departments across the university to foster a culture that celebrates alumni engagement and philanthropy, including stewarding alumni, donors and charitable funds in support of mission.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in advancement, development, alumni relations or a related role
Demonstrated success in the implementation and execution of annual giving and fundraising initiatives and events
Knowledge of advancement, development, and alumni engagement best practices, trends, and relationship management strategies
Proficiency with CRM and donor management systems; experience with Raiser's Edge, preferred
Strong database management, reporting, and data integrity skills
Strong organizational, project management, and event planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to build and maintain positive and meaningful relationships with alumni, donors, students, faculty, and other stakeholders
Demonstrated experience managing budgets and resources effectively
Ability to travel approximately six weekends annually, to support alumni events and professional conferences

Nice To Haves

experience with Raiser's Edge

Responsibilities

Manage and implement annual fundraising initiatives, including annual giving campaigns, donor appeals, and stewardship activities to achieve fundraising, donor participation, and alumni engagement goals.
Support the University's major gift strategy by conducting prospect research, maintaining donor relationship data, tracking cultivation activities, and coordinating stewardship efforts for individual, corporate, and planned giving.
Collaborate with University leadership to develop and implement advancement policies, procedures, and operational best practices.
Lead implementation of the University's alumni engagement strategy to strengthen relationships with alumni through networking opportunities, communications, events, and engagement.
Plan, coordinate, and represent the University at alumni events, regional gatherings, trade shows, and professional conferences.
Partner with departments across the University to strengthen alumni outreach, communications, and engagement initiatives through digital platforms and relationship-building activities.
Oversee donor stewardship programs by ensuring timely donor recognition, stewardship reporting, scholarship donor engagement, and ongoing communication.
Maintain accurate records within the University's CRM system, documenting donor, alumni, and prospect interactions while supporting data integrity and reporting.
Coordinate scholarship stewardship activities, including donor communications, student recognition, and tracking scholarship funds, pledges, and distributions.
Support and manage alumni boards, referral programs, and engagement initiatives that foster alumni participation, student recruitment, and philanthropic support.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned in support of the University's Advancement and Alumni Relations goals.