Alumni Relations Coordinator

Job Description

PRIMARY PURPOSE: As our Alumni Relations Coordinator, you will play a vital role in supporting Ave Maria University's comprehensive alumni relations program. Reporting directly to the Director of Advancement Services and collaborating closely with the advancement team, you will help plan and execute strategic engagement initiatives that deepen connections between alumni and the University. In this hands-on role, you will coordinate a variety of activities-including organizing memorable events and managing the alumni database-to foster a strong sense of community and inspire philanthropic support. Your efforts will help ensure our alumni feel truly valued and remain connected to the Ave Maria University family.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Assist in planning, promoting, and executing a comprehensive alumni engagement program-including the Alumni Ambassadors-that supports annual giving, volunteerism, and community-building goals.
• Maintain accurate alumni records in the donor database, ensuring data integrity, seamless fundraising integration, and the ability to track engagement, attendance, and giving.
• Track engagement metrics, build automation and workflows, gather alumni feedback, and report on program performance and impact.
• Support alumni giving efforts by identifying potential donor prospects and promoting philanthropic opportunities.
• Build and nurture meaningful relationships with alumni locally, regionally, and nationally through events, outreach, and volunteer initiatives.
• Organize and support a dynamic calendar of events such as reunions, networking receptions, career workshops, and volunteer opportunities, while coordinating logistics, volunteers, and cross-campus partnerships.
• Coordinate engaging alumni communications, including social media content, newsletters, and updates, in collaboration with the marketing team and other internal stakeholders.
• Stay informed on alumni relations best practices and bring forward creative ideas to continuously grow and enhance the alumni community's connection to the University.
Location: Ave Maria University, on-campus in Ave Maria, FL (no remote)
Full-Time: 40 hours per week; Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM

This essential entry-level role is a cornerstone in advancing alumni engagement efforts, offering a dynamic, collaborative environment where you'll grow your skills and make a lasting, meaningful impact on Ave Maria University's mission.

If you enjoy inspiring people to connect and take pride in our alumni community, this role is for you! Apply today to join the Advancement team at Ave Maria University and help strengthen the lifelong bond between our graduates and their alma mater.

EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree strongly preferred, or equivalent experience.
EXPERIENCE:
• Educational background in Business, Nonprofit Management, Marketing, or related fields would most likely be successful in this role
• 3-5 years of experience in alumni relations, event planning, donor relations, customer service, or a similar role demonstrating strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with databases and CRM tools with an ability to maintain accurate records and track engagement metrics.
• Knowledge of fundraising strategies and donor stewardship practices and reporting is a plus
• Experience in a higher education or non-profit environment is desirable
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and adaptable to a fast-paced, team-driven environment.
CERTIFICATION: N/A
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for professional donor interactions
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a collaborative mindset
• Demonstrated willingness to build and maintain relationships with the donor community
• Strong initiative, team-oriented and project management skills, with attention to detail
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel
• Alignment with and support for Ave Maria University's Catholic mission
PHYSICAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Requires ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; the ability to stand, walk and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10 - 20 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, type and perform data entry, visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read technical information, ability to hear in order to answer telephones and to communicate verbally, and the ability to sit for extended periods of time.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed indoors with minimal safety hazards, and requires seated, standing, and movement work.

About the Employer

Founded in fidelity to Christ and His Church in response to the call of Vatican II for greater lay witness in contemporary society, Ave Maria University exists to further teaching, research, and learning at the undergraduate and graduate levels in the abiding tradition of Catholic thought in both national and international settings. The University takes as its mission the sponsorship of a liberal arts education curriculum dedicated, as articulated in the apostolic constitution Ex corde Ecclesiae, to the advancement of human culture, the promotion of dialogue between faith and reason, the formation of men and women in the intellectual and moral virtues of the Catholic faith, and to the development of professional and pre-professional programs in response to local and societal needs.