Assistant Director, Advancement and Alumni Relations

Title: Assistant Director, Advancement and Alumni Relations Location: Chicago, IL Department: Strategic Communications and Advancement Reports To: Director of Strategic Communications and Advancement Employment Type: Full-time, ExemptPosition Summary:Spertus Institute is seeking a passionate, results-oriented Assistant Director, Advancement and Alumni Relations to join our growing Strategic Communications and Advancement team. This individual will play a critical role in supporting and shaping our alumni network and executing advancement initiatives that further Spertus Institute's mission and vision.The Assistant Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations is a key member of the advancement team, responsible for planning and executing strategic initiatives to deepen alumni engagement and increase philanthropic support. This individual will lead donor cultivation efforts, manage alumni relations programs, and work closely with leadership, faculty and volunteers to support Spertus Institute's mission and goals.The ideal candidate is a mid-career advancement professional with a strong background in fundraising and alumni engagement, excellent communication and relationship-building skills, and a passion for Jewish learning and leadership.This is a hybrid position with at least three days per week spent onsite at Spertus Institute's award-winning downtown Chicago facility. Key ResponsibilitiesAdvancement (65%)Manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects, developing personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategiesIdentify and qualify new donor prospects, including alumni, community members, and other stakeholdersCollaborate with the Director of Strategic Communications and Advancement to design and execute annual giving campaigns, including direct mail, email, and digital outreachContribute to grant proposals and reportsManage and implement gift acknowledgement processSupport the individual fundraising efforts of the trustees Maintain data on alumni and donors, including research and updates Conduct regular reporting on advancement effortsAnalyze data and metrics to assess the effectiveness of engagement and fundraising strategiesContribute to the development of advancement plans and budgetsAlumni Relations (35%)Manage the day-to-day operations of alumni engagement efforts across Spertus' degree and professional programsDevelop and implement innovative alumni programming that fosters ongoing connection, learning, and leadershipCreate and manage communications tailored for the alumni audienceCollaborate with program faculty and alumni leaders to strengthen professional networks and affinity groupsCollect and share stories of alumni impactEmpower and partner with an Alumni Committee to support engagement and programmatic outreach to broader alumni communityConduct alumni visits nationally to deepen relationships and foster connections to Spertus InstituteOversee alumni fundraising campaign, including peer engagement effortsKey QualificationsEducation and Experience:Bachelor's degree in a related field (Master's preferred)Five or more years of experience in a fundraising or alumni relations role, with demonstrated successStrong project management, organizational, and communication skillsExperience partnering with volunteer committees Grant writing and reporting experience preferredExperience working with alumni populations, preferably in a graduate or professional education settingExperience in higher education and/or Jewish community settings a plusSkills and Abilities:Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt messaging for different audiencesExperience with donor management systems (LGL preferred)Knowledge of diverse fundraising strategies, including annual giving, online campaigns, major gifts, grants, and eventsComfort with direct solicitationAbility to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with excellent organizational and time management skillsAbility to travel domesticallyPersonal Attributes:Passion for Spertus Institute's mission and a commitment to advancing Jewish education and leadershipStrategic, proactive, and results-oriented with a collaborative mindsetStrong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholdersDemonstrated ability to work under pressure and meet deadlinesCollaborative team player with the ability to work independentlyEntrepreneurial and creativeSalary and Benefits:Salary Range: $65-85,000 3 weeks of vacation Competitive Benefits Package (health, vision, dental, 403(b))Jewish holidays and select federal holidaysPlenty of grey and orange Spertus swagSpertus Institute is committed to its employees' growth and professional development, including encouraging personal learning plans, mentors, coaching, and access to graduate degree programs. About Spertus Institute:Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership is a dynamic, forward-thinking institution located in Chicago with a growing national audience. Spertus graduate degree, certificate, and public programs serve a diverse array of students in Chicago and North America. Students gain knowledge, understanding, and skills to shape a stronger future, within and beyond their Jewish communities. Our mission is to advance Jewish learning, inspire leadership, and foster connections across generations, cultures, and traditions.Please submit your resumé and cover letter through the application portal.

Created: 2026-04-02