Asst Dir of Engagement

Title: Asst Director of Engagement

Reports to: Director of Engagement and Annual Giving

FLSA: Exempt

he Associate/Assistant Director of Engagement creates meaningful connections between Knox College and its alumni, families, and friends-connections that inspire lifelong engagement and philanthropic support. This position develops and executes strategic programs, events, and volunteer opportunities that identify prospects, deepen relationships, and create pathways to leadership annual and major giving.

Knox College is a nationally recognized liberal arts college committed to preparing students to flourish in a diverse world through transformative learning experiences. In this role, you'll showcase how Knox alumni are living this mission while building a culture of engagement that directly supports the College's fundraising goals and campaign priorities.

Working under the leadership of the Director of Engagement and Annual Giving, the position will serve as a connector between alumni success stories and institutional needs, partnering across Advancement and campus to create high-impact experiences that move constituents along the engagement continuum-from connected alumni to active volunteers to generous donors.

Key Responsibilities:

This role recognizes that engagement is fundraising. Every program, event, and volunteer opportunity is designed with dual goals: creating meaningful connections that enrich the alumni experience AND identifying, cultivating, and stewarding donors. You'll work collaboratively with fundraising colleagues to ensure engagement strategies align with development priorities and contribute directly to Knox Fund and Venture Boldly goals.

Alumni and Constituent Engagement (40%)

• Design and execute strategic engagement opportunities-events, volunteer roles, career connections-that identify prospects, cultivate donor relationships, and move constituents along the pathway from engagement to annual giving and major gift support. Track and measure engagement metrics that indicate donor readiness and philanthropic capacity.
• Partner closely with Knox Fund and major gifts staff to ensure engagement strategies support fundraising priorities. Provide regular intelligence on engaged alumni who demonstrate philanthropic capacity, volunteer leadership, or increased affinity that signals readiness for solicitation to support pipeline management.
• Collaborate through a programmatic lens with career and research centers, faculty, and other campus stakeholders to strengthen the communication and relationships with constituents.
• In partnership with prospect development and gift officers, identify and cultivate alumni who exemplify Knox's commitment to preparing graduates who flourish in a diverse world. Showcase these alumni stories to inspire current students, prospective families, and fellow alumni while deepening their own connection to the College and readiness for philanthropic partnership..
• As related to key engagement programs, activities, and initiatives, manage volunteer committees, roles, and communication to ensure active and productive participation. agents, and committees to ensure active participation and productivity.
• Conduct personal visits and relationship-building activities with alumni and families to cultivate strategic volunteer leadership, event participation, and annual giving. Work collaboratively with gift officers to coordinate engagement and solicitation strategies, ensuring seamless donor experiences..

Events Management (35%)

• Recognize that events are donor cultivation and stewardship opportunities. Design each experience to advance relationships, showcase institutional impact, and create natural pathways to philanthropic conversations. Coordinate with fundraising staff to identify prospects for attendance and follow-up solicitation.
• Key partner in planning and maintaining the calendar of all engagement and advancement events - on campus, offsite, or virtual.
• Serve as lead coordinator of event communications, pre- and post-events, which includes working closely with communications and marketing, establishing a communication plan and timeline, drafting content (including emails and mass texts), and managing the review process
• Manage a portfolio of 5-7 key strategic experiences from planning to execution.
• Liaise with alumni volunteers to provide support for Knox Club and other regional gatherings. Provide localized communication support, registration when needed, and branded SWAG. Some travel required.
• Oversee the Student Alumni Ambassador program to assist with alumni initiatives. This includes, but is not limited to, student participation in Knox Proud Day and the Senior Gift Committee/Senior Week both in collaboration with the Associate Director, Annual Giving, as well as Homecoming and Family & Friends Weekend.
• Work closely with advancement staff and other college offices on coordination of volunteers and roles for various events.
• Drive attendance to events by working closely with portfolio managers
• Supports the Director of Engagement and Annual Giving and other Advancement leadership in organizing Alumni Council on-campus activities.
• Analyze post-event data including attendance, engagement metrics, and fundraising outcomes. Use insights to continuously improve event strategy, strengthen ROI, and enhance the connection between engagement activities and philanthropic results.

Volunteer Management and Communications (25%)

• Develop and manage volunteer engagement strategies that support both alumni connection and fundraising outcomes. Recognize that volunteers are often major donors or influencers who can significantly impact fundraising success through their networks, giving, and advocacy.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate implementation of a volunteer management strategy to support engagement and advancement efforts.
• Develop, organize and share all volunteer descriptions, responsibilities, timelines and training materials for all volunteer roles.
• Ensure volunteer programs align with Advancement's strategic priorities and fundraising goals, creating volunteer pathways that cultivate donor relationships and support annual fund and campaign objectives.
• Collect, review and edit class notes for online and print magazines.
• Implement stewardship plans to enhance volunteer retention, fostering long-term commitment and enthusiasm for our cause.
• Maintain accurate records of volunteer hours, contributions, and feedback to inform program development.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Understanding of or strong interest in the fundraising cycle and how engagement activities support donor identification, cultivation, and stewardship
• Passion for Knox College's mission of preparing students to flourish in a diverse world through transformative liberal arts education
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, establish priorities, and work collaboratively as a member of a diverse community
• Experience working in program and volunteer development and with clearly communicating and leading initiatives from inception to conclusion.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, highly collaborative environment
• Be goal and achievement-oriented; operate with enthusiasm and integrity; and effectively supervise possible student employees/volunteers.
• Have excellent organizational, verbal and written communication skills with attention to detail and follow-up.
• Demonstrated experience in building relationships, making connections, bringing people together, and managing long-term relationships.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and tact required.
• Computer skills must include high competence in Microsoft Office software and Google Suite, social media, and database/CRM maintenance
• Growth mindset and eagerness to learn advancement best practices in a collaborative team environment
• Willingness and ability to attend events outside of business hours required
• Travel required
• An appreciation for higher education and advancement work

Minimum Education Required:

Bachelor's degree preferred

Minimum Experience Required:

2-4 years of progressive experience in advancement, alumni relations, fundraising, event management, volunteer coordination, or transferable experience in relationship-based roles such as nonprofit program management, community organizing, sales, or hospitality. Demonstrated success in building relationships, managing complex projects, and achieving measurable outcomes.

Minimum Licenses/Certifications Required:

N/A

Additional Qualifications: (Preferred qualifications)

• Experience in higher education engagement and fundraising
• Track record of creative problem-solving and innovative thinking in program development
• Experience with CRM systems (Raiser's Edge NXT, Salesforce, or similar platforms preferred)
• Experience with Google Suite preferred.

Summary Pay Range: Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that pay is only one component of total compensation.

Benefits:

Health Insurance

Dental

Vision

FSA/ HSA/ FSA Dependent Care

Employer Paid Basic Life & LTD

Voluntary Life

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Employee Assistance Program

Parental Leave

In keeping with its commitment to equal rights since it was founded in 1837, Knox College particularly welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. Knox College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious affiliation, sexual orientation or preference, age, marital or family status, disability, veteran status, or other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law in admission, financial aid, employment, athletics, or any other aspect of its educational programs or activities. In addition, Knox College is prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its accompanying regulations from discriminating on the basis of sex.

The College official responsible for coordinating compliance with this Notice of Non-Discrimination is the Director of Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance. Any inquiries regarding policies that prohibit discrimination and harassment, including Title IX sexual harassment, as well as the policy prohibiting hazing, should be directed to the Director of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance identified below. Staff in the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance are available to meet with or talk to students, staff, and faculty regarding issues relating to this Notice of Non-Discrimination and the College's policies and procedures.

Director of Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance
Old Jail 12 | Campus Box K-209
337 South Cherry Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309-341-7751
Email: [email protected]

Inquiries about the application of Title IX to Knox may be referred to the Director of Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance, the United States Department of Education's Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, or both. Individuals may also contact the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights for additional information.

Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education-Chicago Office
500 W Madison St., Suite 1475
Chicago, IL 60661-4544
Phone: 312-730-1560
Email: [email protected]

Inquiries regarding the College's policies regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA"), or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ("Section 504") should be directed to the ADA/504 Coordinator identified below:

Knox College ADA/504 Coordinator
Jennie Hemingway, PhD
Old Jail 12 | Campus Box K-209
337 South Cherry Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309-341-7751
Email: [email protected]

Employees requesting accommodations may contact:

Human Resources
52 W South St., Alumni Hall, Suite 100 | Campus Box K-200
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309-341-7162 or 309-341-7543
Email: [email protected]

Students requesting accommodations may contact:

Director of Disability Support Services
Stephanie Grimes
Umbeck Science and Math Center E111 | Campus Box K183
340 South West Street
Phone: 309-341-7478
Email: [email protected]