Assistant Director, Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving | Communications

Posting Details

Request to Recruit

Position Title Assistant Director, Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving | Communications Location Boone, North Carolina Faculty Rank No Provide Rank N/A Position Number 0A1151 Department Executive Director-Alumni Affairs - 530000

Position Summary Information

Primary Purpose

Develop and execute effective communications for the annual giving and alumni fundraising experience. In collaboration with the Office of Annual Giving (or Annual Giving team), develop and execute strategic annual giving appeals, including marketing collateral and campaigns designed to increase donor participation. Review and analyze the goals, metrics, and return on investment for each annual giving communications strategy.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution, with preference given to those who have focused their studies on marketing or communications.
• Given the nature of the role and its focus on our alumni base, graduates of Appalachian State at both the undergraduate and graduate levels are highly encouraged to apply; notably, prior experience with or knowledge of the University is not the sole basis for candidate selection.

Skills:

• Possess a minimum of two years of professional experience with proven competence in:

• Executing graphic design projects that adhere to the established branding of the Office of Alumni Engagement

• Producing engaging content for social media platforms

• Showcase advanced skills in both videography and photography

• Exhibit the ability to align written communication style with organizational brand voice, with preference given to those who have experience with fundraising-specific communications

• Maintain expertise in utilizing various software platforms and the capacity to learn new systems

• Demonstrate superior time management abilities and the capacity to oversee multiple concurrent assignments

• Provide evidence of exceptional oral and written communication, complemented by public speaking experience

• Manage comprehensive marketing initiatives for web and print to support giving and alumni services, featuring design experience in both mediums

• Mastery of Canva or the Adobe Creative Suite

• High level of proficiency in web technologies and Google Workspace products

• Commitment to delivering excellent customer service while serving as a positive representative for Appalachian State University and the Alumni Association

Other:

• Valid driver's license
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends, ability to travel independently both in and out of state

License/Certification Required

n/a

Preferred Qualifications

• Education:

• Requires a bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university. A concentration in communications or marketing is preferred.

• Due to working with our alumni population, Appalachian State undergraduate and graduate graduates are strongly encouraged to apply. However, the selection will not be solely based on knowledge or experience with Appalachian State University.

• Demonstrated significant proficiency (with two years of experience):

• Graphic design and its alignment with the Office of Alumni Engagement's current branding

• Social media content creation

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including some experience in public speaking

• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and/or Canva

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Communications

• Design and produce compelling marketing collateral for annual giving appeals, including direct mail, email campaigns, and digital assets.
• Develop and execute social media strategies focused on fundraising campaigns, donor participation drives, and Giving Day initiatives.
• Coordinate with the Annual Giving team to manage audience segmentation and list strategies for effective donor solicitation.
• Create and maintain a calendar of solicitation communications, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging across all platforms.
• Collaborate with Advancement Communications to draft donor impact stories and stewardship content that encourages repeat philanthropy.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on the performance metrics of all annual giving communications to optimize future appeal strategies.
• Ensure all fundraising communications strictly adhere to University branding, identity standards, and gift solicitation policies.

Team

• Foster and maintain strategic relationships with campus administrators, communication leads, and development officers to enhance alumni outreach and annual giving.
• Work alongside students, faculty, staff, and alumni to champion the alumni association's objectives and highlight the importance of active participation via giving, service, and engagement.
• Actively participate in the university's broader alumni initiatives as a core member of the Alumni Engagement team, including committee service and attendance at major events, athletic competitions, and arts programs.
• Undertake travel as required to fulfill staffing requirements and engagement goals.
• Availability for evening and weekend assignments is necessary to support specific engagement initiatives.
• Manage alcohol service for McKinney Alumni Center events organized by Alumni Engagement; note that this duty does not extend to external rentals or partner events. TIPS certification is a requirement.

Advancement and Campus Partnerships

• Ensure that interactions with alumni, focused on philanthropy and engagement, are strategic, consistent, and of the highest quality in partnership with University Advancement.
• Facilitate collaboration between the Office of Alumni Engagement and the Office of Annual Giving through communications when needed.

Volunteer Management

• Assist with chapter and network toolkits as needed.
• Provide training as needed to volunteer leadership.

Type of Position Full Time Position Staff/Non-Faculty Staff/Non-Faculty VISA Sponsorship? VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S. Appointment Type 1.0 Work Schedule/Hours Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. except when travel, evening and weekend work is required Number of Hours Per Week 40 Number of Months Per Year 12 Mandatory Staff No Suggested Salary Range $55,000 - $60,000 (Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications) Physical Demands of Position

Typical of an office environment.

Posting Details Information

Posting Date 09/22/2026 Closing Date 10/18/2026 Open Until Filled No Evaluation of Applications Begins 09/28/2026 Proposed Date of Hire 10/01/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants

Please attach the required documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of Professional References with Contact Information
• Writing examples (two) and graphic design examples (two) - Use the "Writing Samples" upload slot to upload a combined PDF

Search Chair Name Sara Harkey Search Chair Email Harkeysm@appstate.edu Quick Link https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/56308 Posting Number 201501853P

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you have experience in office software (specifically Google Office or Microsoft)?

• Significant Experience

• Limited Experience

• No Experience

• • What is your experience working alongside and/or managing volunteers?

(Open Ended Question)

• • Do you have any experience working in an office environment that supports development/fundraising staff?
• Yes
• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
• List of References with Contact Information
• Writing Samples
• Sample Projects (Explanation in Applicant Instructions)

Optional Documents