Director of Trustee, Alumni, and Donor Experience

The North Dakota State University Foundation seeks mission-driven individuals interested in joining a growing team dedicated to connecting people, developing partnerships, teamwork, accountability, transparency, stewardship, communication, and service.   The Foundation invites candidates for Director of Trustee, Alumni, and Donor Experience, a full-time exempt position.

The North Dakota State University Foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) organization which exists to maximize advocacy and philanthropy to support NDSU. We connect people who are passionate about NDSU and improving the lives and outcomes of North Dakotans and the world.  We are an organization of sixty three team members and growing.  If you enjoy non-profit work, are inspired by our mission, love to collaborate with your colleagues, and are ambitious to develop as a professional, we welcome you to apply.

Our team members enjoy a highly competitive total compensation package including company paid health insurance, a defined contribution account funded at 9.5%, generous paid time off, abundant professional development opportunities, plus elective dental and vision plans.  

This position may be eligible for hybrid work following a period of onboarding.

This position will remain open until filled. To be considered, applicants must apply online through the NDSU Foundation employment site (https://www.ndsufoundation.com/employment) and include a cover letter and resume. 

Position Summary:
The Director of Trustee, Alumni, and Donor Experience will develop, lead and implement a strategic plan that fosters and sustains meaningful engagement opportunities for trustees, alumni, friends, campus partners, faculty, students and other constituent groups, with particular focus on programs that would support the mission of the Foundation and enhance engagement and commitment to the University.  This position will work closely with the Vice President of Trustee, Alumni, and Donor Relations and the Director of Marketing and Communications to develop dynamic and creative marketing strategies for events and programs designed to increase trustee, alumni, donor, and student participation.

The Director of Trustee, Alumni, and Donor Experience is a strategic leader responsible for creating and delivering exceptional engagement experiences for trustees, alumni, and donors. This role oversees a team of programming and event professionals to ensure high-quality events and initiatives that strengthen relationships and advance the organization’s mission. The Director will manage budgets, negotiate contracts, optimize workflows, and assign projects based on team capacity and organizational priorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Leadership & Team Management
   • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of program and event staff members
   • Assign events programs, and projects based on workload and strategic priorities
   • Foster an engaged, collaborative, high-performance culture focused on excellence and innovation
   • Model and mentor positive collaboration with campus and Foundation partners
   • Communicate, support and apply Foundation policies and procedures appropriately and in collaboration with Human Resources and other management team members
2. Event Strategy & Execution
   • Oversee planning and execution of trustee, alumni, and donor events, ensuring exceptional experiences
   • Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to create a strategic approach to events and programs
   • Partner with the Director of Marketing and Communications in developing and implementing dynamic and creative marketing plans and event programs
   • Negotiate contracts with vendors and venues to secure favorable terms and maintain quality standards
   • Ensure all events align with organizational goals and brand standards
   • Evaluate program goals and objectives
3. Budget & Resource Management
   • Develop and manage departmental budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and cost-effectiveness
   • Monitor expenses and financial performance for all programs and events
4. Process Improvement & Workflow Optimization
   • Evaluate and refine workflows, processes, and systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness
   • Implement best practices for event planning, project management, and team operations
5. Stakeholder Engagement
   • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver meaningful experiences that strengthen relationships
   • Serve as a trusted advisor on engagement strategies for trustees, alumni, and donors
   • Contribute to the experience of Foundation volunteers including trustees and program committees
6. Other duties as assigned

Essential Functions:

1. Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities
   • Efficiently operate a personal computer and associated software (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)
   • Maintain files accurately, in paper and in software programs
   • Maintain records and prepare reports
   • Handle multiple tasks simultaneously
   • Plan, prioritize and meet deadlines
2. Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others both internally and externally to achieve the goals of the organization
   • Interact in an effective and appropriate manner with diverse populations, internal staff, University community and the public
3. Work cooperatively and effectively with others to identify and resolve problems and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness
   • Maintain confidentiality of records and information
   • Display excellent judgment and decision making
   • Follow through on projects with little supervision
4. Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques
5. Prompt and reliable attendance
6. Demonstrate support of Foundation mission and beliefs

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or related field
2. Minimum 4 years of experience in event planning, donor relations, or alumni engagement, with at least 2 years in a leadership/supervisory role
3. Proven ability to manage budgets, negotiate contracts, and lead high-performing teams
4. Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
5. Experience with workflow analysis and process improvement
6. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities
7. Proficiency with technology including Microsoft Office products

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Advanced degree in related field
2. 5+ years of experience in event planning, donor relations, or alumni engagement
3. Experience using Salesforce or similar customer relations management software

Physical and Mental Demands: 

Constantly operates a computer/smartphone/tablet.  Regularly required to maintain a stationary position, move about the office, determine what others have said or written, critical thinking and converse with others and exchange accurate information.  Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and within the community.  May also include occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and/or pushing and pulling or moving objects.  Ability to safely lift objects up to 40 lbs.; climb stairs and manage long periods of standing and physical movement. Ability to set tables and chairs for events. Must have familiarity with audio-visual equipment. Ability to drive and secure supplies and meet with clients.

The position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job responsibilities, duties and requirements: but to describe the standard level of work being performed. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned or as required by the needs of the business. The NDSU Foundation reserves the right to add or change the duties of the position at any time.

The NDSU Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a U.S. veteran, or participation in lawful activity off the employer's premises, as applicable.