Annual Giving & Alumni Engagement Manager

Annual Giving & Alumni Engagement Manager

Location: Tallahassee, FL (In-office, Hybrid Available)

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, with some evenings and weekends as needed

Compensation: $60,000-$70,000 annually depending on experience, plus comprehensive benefits

Summary of Mandatory Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of related experience in fundraising, donor cultivation, or event management; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (preferred)
• Available for occasional overnight travel & possession of a valid driver's license
• Available for occasional evening and weekend events
• Ability to pass a Level 2 background check

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About Us: Southern Scholarship Foundation increases access to higher education by providing students with rent-free living and learning communities. Since 1955, SSF has helped students achieve their dreams of attending their choice university through our partnerships at Florida Gulf Coast University, University of Florida, Santa Fe College, Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee State College. While SSF does not provide monetary-based scholarships, we offer rent-free homes located near our partner institutions. We currently have 26 homes statewide and serve 470 students.

About the Position: The Annual Giving & Alumni Engagement Manager leads the strategy, execution, and growth of SSF’s annual giving and alumni engagement efforts. This role focuses on increasing donor participation, strengthening alumni relationships, and building a sustainable pipeline of philanthropic support.

This role oversees donor stewardship initiatives to ensure timely gift acknowledgment, meaningful engagement, and ongoing relationship cultivation with alumni, annual donors, and key stakeholders. This position also provides leadership for SSF’s established seasonal fundraising events. These events are staff-led with volunteer support focused primarily on day-of operations.

The primary focus of this role is the strategic growth of annual giving, enhanced donor stewardship, and the continued development of strong alumni engagement programs.

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Responsibilities:

Annual Giving Strategy & Execution (Primary Focus – ~50%)

• Develop and implement a strategic and comprehensive annual giving program, including two primary campaigns and targeted appeals.
• Increase donor retention, reactivation, and acquisition through data-informed segmentation and outreach.
• Establish measurable annual fundraising KPIs and continuously monitor performance and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Partner with the Major Gifts Director to ensure appropriate pipeline movement from annual to major giving.
• Lead recurring giving and participation growth initiatives.
• Oversee timely donor acknowledgment and stewardship communications, guided by an established stewardship matrix. 
• Plan and execute at least one annual donor appreciation event.
• Develop proficiency in CRM systems to support development analysis, strategic planning, and increased funding.

Alumni Engagement & Volunteer Leadership (~30%)

• Formalize and grow a structured alumni engagement program.
• Strengthen alumni participation through targeted communications, engagement opportunities, and volunteer leadership pathways.
• Build systems and programs that foster long-term alumni affinity and philanthropic support.
• Travel will be required approximately 3-5 days per month. (Most travel will be within Florida, but some travel outside of Florida may be required.)

Established Fundraising Events & Other Revenue Activities (~15%)

• Coordination of established fundraising activities and events (Summer & Fall). Liaise with partner organizations and support volunteers for implementation. 

Administration & Reporting (~5%) 

• Maintain accurate donor records in the CRM.
• Oversee gift processing and recording procedures.
• Performs additional duties as needed to support operations.

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To be successful in this role, we feel you need the following skills and abilities:

• Experience: 3–5 years of related experience in fundraising, donor cultivation, or event management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in relative field (preferred).
• Availability: Must be availability for occasional overnight travel, as well as occasional evening and weekend events.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with fundraising CRMs is a plus.
• Language Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to create reports, write correspondence, and present information to a range of audiences.
• Security: Ability to pass Level 2 background check. 
• Driving: Valid license and acceptable driving record. 
• Supervisory: May supervise an intern from time to time.

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We are excited to offer the following benefits for this position:

• Annual salary between $60,000 - $70,000, commensurate with experience
• Bonus for meeting fundraising target
• 100% employer-reimbursed health insurance premiums for employees (dependent plans available for purchase)
• 100% employer-sponsored individual dental and vision insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Retirement plan with employer match
• 15 vacation days
• Separate sick leave
• Office closure over winter break
• Paid major holidays
• Employee assistance program

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If you think you would be a good fit, we would love to see you apply!

SSF is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sex, gender, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

You may be contacted by a third-party recruiter who manages initial hiring steps.