Alumni Engagement and Development Officer

DEPARTMENT: Office of Donor Relations

POSITION TITLE: Alumni Engagement and Development Officer

CLASSIFICATION: Professional, Exempt, Part-Time

REPORTS TO: Director of Donor Relations

LOCATION: Province Offices – Park Ridge, IL

Passionist Mission:

We Passionists proclaim God’s love for the world revealed through the Passion of Jesus Christ. The Passionists, a global family of priests and brothers, nuns and sisters, and lay men and women, reach out with compassion to the crucified of today. We keep alive the memory of Christ’s Passion through our commitment to community, prayer, ministries of the Word, and service to those who suffer. We welcome all who seek renewed life through the power of the Cross and the hope of the Resurrection.

Position Overview:

The Passionist Alumni Engagement and Development Officer reports to the Director of Donor Relations and collaborates with the Donor Relations Team and the Passionist Formation Alumni.

Playing a pivotal role, the Passionist Alumni Engagement and Development Officer represents the vision, mission, and religious values of The Congregation of the Passion, Holy Cross Province, to donors, alumni, and the broader public through various communication channels, including digital media, print, electronic/audio-visual, and face-to-face interactions. Beyond mere representation, this individual serves as a well-informed and dedicated advocate for the Passionists, adept at articulating the organization’s strategies for a sustainable and vibrant future. Essential to this role is the ability to engage sensitively and inclusively with individuals from diverse cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds.

The Passionists of Holy Cross Province are enthusiastic about fortifying their donor relations program by adding an Alumni Engagement and Development Officer. This position extends beyond relationship management to provide crucial support for the life and ministries of the Passionists through soliciting planned and major gifts.

Additionally, the Alumni Engagement and Development Officer will play a vital role in supporting the Passionist Formation Alumni, executing and expanding a comprehensive alumni engagement program to foster volunteerism, service, support and personal growth through alumni events and initiatives. These efforts are intended to enhance loyalty, dedication, and support for the Passionist Congregation, our community, and to the world.

Alumni Engagement and Development Officer – Key Responsibilities

As a vital member of the Donor Relations team, the Alumni Engagement and Development Officer will:

• Cultivate and Steward Relationships – Manage a portfolio of approximately 70 donors and alumni, fostering meaningful connections to enhance the long-term financial stability of Holy Cross Province. Tailor engagement strategies and solicitations based on donor interests and giving capacity.
• Strategic Communication & Marketing – Maintain transparent and consistent communication with donors about fundraising initiatives. Collaborate with the Director of Donor Relations to develop and implement strategic marketing plans that promote philanthropy.
• Passionist Community Engagement – Build relationships with Passionist priests, brothers, alumni and lay partners to deepen understanding of the Passionist mission, spirituality, history, and values.
• Committee Participation & Collaboration – Serve on Province and alumni committees to support initiatives that advance the mission and strategic goals of Holy Cross Province.
• Travel & Donor Outreach – Conduct regional travel to engage with donors and alumni, strengthening connections and furthering development efforts.
• Database & Moves Management – Document donor interactions, engagement efforts, and follow-up actions in the Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) system (Aegis) to ensure accurate and strategic relationship management.
• Ethical Fundraising & Professional Development – Adhere to best practices and ethical standards in fundraising through continuous learning, networking, and industry research.
• Event Support – Assist with donor and alumni events, including planning, execution, and follow-up activities.
• Reporting & Accountability – If working remotely, provide quarterly progress reports to the Director of Donor Relations, detailing key activities and outcomes.
• Additional Responsibilities – Perform other duties as assigned to support the goals of the Donor Relations team.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is desired.
• Five or more years of development experience (fundraising, donor relations, marketing/communications).
• Ability to empathize with donors, typically aged 45 and older.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be a self-starter and team player with a positive outlook and ability to manage ambiguity and change, proficient in identifying solutions and opportunities.
• An understanding of the programs associated with the donor relations office (planned giving, major gift solicitation, monthly giving program, and the donor recognition program).
• Demonstrated ability to prospect, cultivate and steward donors.  Experience in personally soliciting gifts and/or pledges is necessary.
• Proven management and leadership capabilities.
• Familiarity with faith-based (preferably Catholic) fundraising.   Must have an intuitive sense of church and religious life.
• Able to travel nationally. Some night and weekend travel as necessary.
• Experience with a Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) database such as Aegis is desirable.
• Possess an outgoing personality that is engaging, pleasant, kind and confident.

Working Conditions:

This is a hybrid position. The Passionist Province Offices is situated in a safe and accessible neighborhood in Park Ridge, Illinois.

Compensation:

Salary will be commensurate with experience. The Passionists offer a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work-life balance and professional development.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter detailing your interest about the position to donoralumni@passionist.org. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.