Director of Alumni and Donor Engagement

Director of Alumni and Donor Engagement

Position Title: Director of Alumni and Donor Engagement

Department: Office of University Advancement

Supervisor: Dr. Corynn Gilbert, Chief Development Officer and Assistant Vice President for University Advancement

Status: Full-time, salary, benefit-eligible, year-round

Bushnell University Overview

Founded in 1895, Bushnell University provides a holistic Christian education, fostering wisdom, faith, and service in its students. In joining the staff here, you will be part of an academic community that seeks to cultivate your faith while you make a difference in the lives of our students. Bushnell is the largest private university in Eugene’s vibrant university district, which also includes the University of Oregon. Eugene is a college town small enough to know your neighbors and large enough to offer fantastic arts, entertainment, dining, healthcare, and educational opportunities. It is also an ideal place to enjoy the beautiful Pacific Northwest, being just one hour from the Oregon Coast, one hour from the Cascade Mountains, and less than two hours from Portland and the Columbia River Gorge.

Job Summary

Develop and lead a strategic effort for Bushnell University’s Beacon Fund for Student Scholarships, including event fundraising, alumni relations, corporate and foundation relations, and direct donor solicitation.

Position Duties & Responsibilities

• Work in positive, collegial relationship with all Advancement team members, the Office of the President, and all campus and community entities.
• Solicit gifts from an active fundraising portfolio of 150-175 constituents with selected current and prospective donors and corporate sponsors (includes face-to-face visits, telephone, email, and written communication) at the $1,000 - $10,000 per year donor level.
• Establish a robust strategy for the Beacon Fund for Student Scholarships, including a plan for discovery, solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship, as a vital part of overarching fundraising priorities (e.g. capital campaigns).
• Develop and execute a strategy for general targeted outreach efforts including local and regional alumni gatherings, campaign fundraising efforts, mini-campaigns to affinity group and reunion classes, and matching gift challenges.
• Grow the number of participants in the monthly giving program (Torchbearer’s Society).
• Solicit and steward new endowed scholarships.
• Provide leadership for large-scale fundraising and alumni events.
• Represent the University in a community relations capacity.
• Provide leadership and strategy for ongoing general advancement communications, including fundraising/outreach appeals and event invitations using a variety of platforms (print and electronic).
• Collaborate with the Assistant Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship to develop a plan for growing donor engagement, retention, and appreciation.
• Other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Advancement or the Chief Development Officer and in collaboration with other Advancement colleagues and the Office of the President.

Experience and Qualification Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree, Master’s degree (or intent to earn one) preferred
• At least 3 years of experience working in a higher education institution or similar non-profit, preferably in a fundraising or development capacity.
• Proven experience with strategy development and execution.
• Experience planning and leading events that purposefully support the organizational mission.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to communicate effectively in the English language, both verbally and in written form.
• A high attention to detail and organization skills.
• Proven experience providing exceptional customer service and responsiveness to requests from constituents.
• High relational savvy and emotional intelligence.
• Knowledge of industry best practices, applicable laws, codes, and regulations, internal policies and procedures.
• The ability to promote the value of Christian higher education, as well as our University mission, goals, and objectives.

Knowledge of / Experience with

• Advanced proficiency Microsoft Office Suite programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
• Advanced knowledge of database management proficiency (Raiser’s Edge/CRM software preferred) and willingness to further competencies through continued education.
• Comfortable learning and implementing new technology and donor-related tools.

Working Conditions/Special Requirements

• Bushnell employees must have a maturing Christian faith and live in compliance with the duties and expectations as detailed in the Employee Handbook.
• The position requires a strong commitment to multiculturalism and diversity.
• The position requires working in a non-smoking, drug free environment.
• The employee must adhere to FERPA guidelines and student confidentiality at all times.
• All employees of Bushnell are “mandatory reporters” under Oregon law.
• The employee must have knowledge of strong office management techniques; operations, procedures, specific rules and precedents of the office; research methods and report writing techniques; record-keeping techniques; operation of office machines including computer equipment and specified software; principles of training and providing work direction.
• The position requires a strong ability to communicate effectively and succinctly, both verbally and in writing, utilizing tact, patience and courtesy.
• Listening skills and the ability to speak and write clearly are essential to this position. Must possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• The employee must have high personal motivation, with great attention to detail and accuracy.
• This person must project a positive, vibrant and professional attitude in assisting people.
• This person must have high ethics of honesty and confidentiality, with a genuine and gracious presence pertaining to the students, faculty, staff and business of the department and the University.
• This position may require lifting up to 25 lbs, as well as bending, stooping, kneeling.
• This position description is subject to change at any time.
• Position requires occasional nights and weekends in support of Advancement and University-wide events (compensatory time offered).

Creation Date: September 28, 2026