Director, Alumni Engagement and Event Services at Augustana University – Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Augustana University invites applications for a Director for Alumni Engagement and Event Services. The director reports to the Chief Strategy Officer & Executive Vice President within the Advancement Department. This position is responsible for developing integrated engagement strategies that align with the university’s vision and priorities, while planning and executing key alumni and university special events—such as ceremonies, receptions, reunions, and targeted regional gatherings—to foster meaningful connections, support the Alumni Council, drive post-event communication that enhances philanthropic support and manage the online giving platform.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute alumni events in coordination with development officers according to alumni population centers and areas of interest. Execute post-event communication and follow up to maximize alumni involvement and create giving opportunities.
• Serve as the liaison to the Alumni Council to encourage 100 percent giving by Council members and coordinate meetings, staffing committees and motivating tangible, meaningful voluntary service to the University in the recruitment of students, fundraising.
• Coordinate key alumni activities and gatherings during Viking Days weekend, ensuring optimal attendance and participation, including the 50th class reunion, Honor Guard events, the Alumni Achievement Award event and follow-up activities, etc.
• Serve as the University liaison to milestone class reunions and Augustana Class Agents: solicit annual class letters, organization online and print distribution.
• Mine for information about alumni through various social media platforms and other resources to discover news and alumni accomplishments for publication by the Strategic Communication and Marketing team.
• Oversee alumni recognition efforts, including: the annual Alumni Achievement Award program; identifying alumni of interest to feature online, in print and via appeals.
• Plan, coordinate, execute (inclusive of event set-up and take down) alumni and university special events in an effective, efficient, and creative manner.
• Serve as the university’s point person in the area of event management to provide creative solutions and other support that results in more effective, efficient, and successful event outcomes.
• Work with Coordinator for Conferences & Scheduling and Logistics Coordinator to coordinate on-campus event locations, logistics, and technology needs.
• Coordinate with Sodexo and external vendors to secure event location, catering, decorations, etc., where necessary.
• Work collaboratively with Strategic Communications & Marketing team to establish invitations and effectively promote events to a variety of audiences.
• Manage inventory of event supplies.
• Create event registrations, RSVP forms or ticket forms online for events across campus utilizing Google Forms and identified university registration/ticketing platforms.
• Assist other offices as requested with event logistics, décor, or event registration processes (e.g., Yuletide, Commencement).
• Manage, maintain and operate university online giving platform.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and prior experience with relationship development and event management.
• Interacting with students, faculty, alumni and leadership from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, along with a deep appreciation and respect for academic principles and culture, must be a top value of the candidate.

Application Procedure:

The position will remain open until filled. Interested applicants are asked to submit the following materials in one document via our career center portal. For assistance with the application process, please contact humanresources@augie.edu.

• Letter of interest
• Resume
• Names and contact information for three professional references

Augustana University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Title IX Employer. Applicants must comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act and may be required to submit official transcripts upon employment. Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete a pre-employment background check.