Position Summary
The Advancement Programs Manager is responsible for designing and managing the Advancement Team's engagement programs and experiences that strengthen relationships with alumnae and support fundraising goals. This position reports to the Director of Development & Alumnae Engagement.
This role focuses on program strategy, event purpose, and audience experience, ensuring that all engagement efforts are intentional, well-structured, and aligned with the Advancement team's priorities. The Manager collaborates closely with the Director and team to translate institutional goals into meaningful programs that build connection, trust, and long-term philanthropic support.
This is a 12-month position aligned with the academic calendar and event cycle.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Program Strategy & Planning
Design and manage a portfolio of alumnae and donor engagement programs aligned with fundraising and institutional priorities
Define the purpose, audience, and desired outcomes for all events and engagement initiatives
Ensure programs support the full engagement cycle: connection → cultivation → giving
Event Program Design & Oversight
Develop event concepts, messaging, and run-of-show documents for all Advancement events
Shape program flow, speaking roles, and guest experience elements
Partner with the Academy Event Logistics Coordinator to ensure seamless execution
Alumnae Engagement & Volunteer Coordination
Lead engagement with alumnae through coordinated outreach, programming, and communication
Manage and support:
Alumnae Association Board
Class Agents (in collaboration with Annual Giving Consultant)
Parents Club
Structure volunteer roles and ensure alignment with engagement and fundraising goals
Donor Experience & Stewardship
Design meaningful touchpoints that deepen relationships with alumnae and donors
Ensure consistency in how the Academy communicates appreciation, impact, and connection
Partner with the Director to support donor cultivation opportunities
Pipeline Development & Collaboration
Identify and surface potential donor prospects through engagement activities
Collaborate with the Advancement Data Coordinator to track participation, engagement, and movement
Ensure alignment between program participation and donor pipeline development
Annual Giving Program Support
Partner with the Annual Giving Consultant to support reunion-based campaigns
Coordinate alumnae engagement efforts that drive participation and giving
Align messaging and programming with campaign priorities
Program Evaluation & Continuous Improvement
Review program outcomes, participation, and feedback
Use insights from events and engagement activities to refine future programming
Recommend adjustments to improve effectiveness and alignment with goals
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in program management, event planning, community engagement, or a related field
Strong organizational and project management skills
Demonstrated ability to design and manage programs with clear goals and outcomes
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
Preferred
Experience in a school, nonprofit, or advancement/development environment
Experience working with alumnae or volunteer organizations
Familiarity with fundraising concepts and donor engagement strategies
Key Competencies
Strategic thinker with strong planning skills
Relationship-oriented and collaborative
Creative and thoughtful in designing experiences
Organized and detail-oriented
Strong communicator and facilitator
Ability to translate goals into actionable programs
Come make a difference at Ursuline Academy!
Ursuline Academy of New Orleans, founded in 1727 and sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters, is a Catholic school for girls offering a strong educational environment from early childhood through a college preparatory secondary program.
In a diverse community with an inspiring heritage, Ursuline Academy fosters spiritual formation, academic excellence, and a life-long commitment to Serviam: I will serve. The Academy values the uniqueness of each student, nurtures the whole person, develops leaders of confidence and compassion, and prepares them for life in a global society.
The Academy's all-girls environment empowers students to challenge themselves, explore outside their comfort zones, and expand what they are capable of achieving. We focus on STEM and the Arts as equal partners to power this 21st-century learning.