Executive Director of Strategic Engagement

Carthage College • Kenosha, WI

30d

About The Position

The Executive Director of Strategic Engagement leads the College's comprehensive engagement strategy, guiding how Carthage College connects with and inspires its community of alumni, employer partners, families, and friends. The Executive Director provides strategic direction and operational leadership for all engagement efforts within the Office of Advancement, overseeing advancement services, alumni affairs, annual giving, donor relations, and event strategy to drive participation, philanthropy, and long-term institutional success.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree for this position is required. Master's preferred.
• At least five years of experience in managing members of an advancement team and have a demonstrated passion for those characteristics that distinguish a Carthage College education.
• Demonstrated ability and technical expertise to deploy systems thinking to the lifecycle of donor relationships and in doing so supporting the continued growth of the College's Leaders in Philanthropy program.
• Possesses a deep understanding of data-informed strategy, audience segmentation, and engagement metrics.
• Demonstrated deftness at employing technology platforms like Salesforce and/or Slate CRM for Advancement, along with social media to drive, track, and measure effectiveness of engagement activity.
• Excellent motivational, communicative, and supervisory skills, especially experience in mentoring team members new to the advancement field and/or in the beginning stages of their career.
• Demonstrated the ability to work well in a team environment, while also having the ability to show initiative and work independently, when necessary.
• The ability to exercise courtesy, tact, and flexibility

Nice To Haves

• Master's preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of a comprehensive donor engagement and acquisition strategy for the Carthage Fund, including the solicitation and stewardship of donors who contribute <$1,000 annually.
• Manage and support cross-functional teams, comprising colleagues within and outside Advancement, across the engagement portfolio.
• Develop and implement creative, mission-aligned donor journeys, including signature events and multi-channel communications.
• Utilize data and technology to measure success and optimize engagement programs.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and campus partners to ensure alignment with institutional goals and values.
• Serve as a strategic advisor and visible leader for fundraising campaigns and event strategies.
• Foster a strong sense of community and philanthropy within Carthage's constituent network.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director