Director of Alumni and Community Engagement

Director of Alumni & Community Engagement

Position Overview

The Director of Alumni & Community Engagement plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of San Antonio Academy by cultivating lifelong relationships with alumni, grandparents, and the broader community—key partners in supporting the Academy's continued excellence and impact.

This forward-thinking and relationship-driven leader will design and implement innovative strategies that inspire connection, philanthropy, and pride in SAA. The ideal candidate is someone who takes initiative, embraces new ideas, and is eager to try creative approaches that strengthen engagement and giving.

Familiarity with the San Antonio community and its philanthropic landscape is strongly preferred. The Director will meet regularly with donors and prospects to inspire support for the Annual Fund, capital priorities, and planned giving. This role requires both strategic insight and a personal touch in relationship-building.

The position reports to the Chief Development Officer and collaborates closely with colleagues across Development and Communications to tell the Academy's story in ways that move people to give, serve, and stay connected

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Engagement & Fundraising

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy to increase giving and involvement among alumni and grandparents, with an emphasis on leadership-level and long-term philanthropy.
• Identify, cultivate, and personally meet with donors and prospects to build meaningful philanthropic partnerships.
• Partner with the Chief Development Officer to strengthen the major and planned giving pipeline.
• Lead Alumni Giving Day efforts with the goal of increasing participation and donations each year.
• Encourage peer-to-peer giving by activating alumni and grandparents as ambassadors and campaign volunteers.
• Integrate planned giving messaging into events, communications, and donor relationships.

Alumni & Grandparent Relations

• Lead engagement strategies that expand participation and deepen connection within both communities.
• Serve as the staff liaison to the Alumni Association Board and Grandparents Council, aligning their efforts with institutional goals.
• Plan and execute signature events—including Alumni Day, Grandparents & Grandfriends Day, Gather Under the Oak Tree, and other cultivation gatherings—that celebrate SAA's legacy and foster continued giving as well as discussions about planned giving.
• Create opportunities for alumni mentorship, storytelling, and service that reinforce leadership and integrity—the hallmarks of an Academy education.

Innovation & Communications

• Develop creative, segmented communication strategies to reach alumni and grandparents through email, newsletters, and social media.
• Collaborate with Communications to share authentic stories of impact that demonstrate how philanthropy transforms the student experience.
• Continually seek fresh, forward-thinking ways to engage supporters through new technologies, experiences, and community touchpoints.

Event Leadership & Volunteer Management

• Oversee events that connect, recognize, and inspire donors, ensuring a balance of tradition and innovation.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to create meaningful interactions between students, alumni, and families.
• Recruit and empower volunteers to serve as advocates, hosts, and storytellers for SAA.

Digital Engagement & Data Management

• Maintain accurate and actionable records in Raiser's Edge and digital engagement platforms.
• Use data-driven insights to guide strategy, measure success, and personalize outreach.
• Ensure all online and digital engagement reflects SAA's values, tone, and commitment to excellence.

Success Indicators

• Increased alumni and grandparent participation in giving and events.
• Growth in major and planned gift prospects.
• Positive feedback and measurable engagement from both key constituencies.
• Strong, accurate data supporting long-term relationship management.

• Demonstrated innovation and initiative in engagement and fundraising activities.

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations, or planned giving, ideally in an independent school or nonprofit environment.
• Proven success in donor cultivation, volunteer management, and event strategy.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with fundraising databases and digital platforms.
• A creative, innovative thinker who takes initiative and thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven setting.
• Familiarity with and connection to the San Antonio community preferred.
• Deep appreciation for the mission, traditions, and values of San Antonio Academy.

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