SUMMARY:
JELF is seeking a proactive, results-drive Alumni Engagement Manager to grow engagement and philanthropy among former JELF borrowers across the country. This role requires someone who thrives on initiating contact, building lasting relationships, and inspiring alumni to become lifelong volunteers, advocates and donors.
With a robust alumni cohort of 1,200+ individuals (and growing annually), the Alumni Engagement Manager will focus equally on creating high-value engagement opportunities and personally stewarding alumni toward deeper involvement and giving. This role is an integral member of JELF’s Resource Development team, working closely with the CEO and CDO. Based on mutual agreement between JELF and the selected candidates, this position can be either full or part-time.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and execute a year-round alumni engagement plan with clear goals, timelines and measurable outcomes
- Personally connect with alumni of all ages/stages through calls, in-person visits, and written communications to:
- Learn and share their JELF stories
- Invite participation in programs, committees and leadership roles
- Solicit annual gifts and identify potential major donors
- Manage JELF’s Alumni Committee: recruit members, prepare and lead meetings, track and ensure completion of action items
- Plan and execute alumni events, including logistics, outreach, follow-up, and evaluation of success
- Maintain accurate, timely records of all alumni interactions and progress towards goals
- Collaborate with the marketing team to ensure alumni stories and impact are shared across JELF’s platforms
- Travel 10 - 25% for in-person meetings and regional alumni events
- Perform other duties as assigned
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Self-starter with demonstrated success in initiating and managing relationships that lead to engagement and giving
- Proven ability to solicit donations and meet fundraising goals
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and listening skills; able to connect authentically with a wide range of people
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Confident working independently and holding oneself accountable to agreed-upon outcomes
- Strong writing and editing skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with fundraising databases preferred
- Related degree or professional experience in non-profit fundraising, alumni relations, sales or similar relationship-driven roles
KEY EXPECTATIONS:
General Performance
- Act as a visible, enthusiastic ambassador for JELF’s mission at all times.
- Meet or exceed clearly defined engagement and fundraising targets established annually.
- Collaborate with colleagues and volunteers to maximize alumni involvement and philanthropy.
- Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and professionalism.
Relationship-Building & One-on-One Engagement (40–50% of time)
- Initiate a targeted number of one-on-one meetings, calls, and virtual visits with alumni each month to build authentic relationships.
- Use these conversations to learn alumni stories, inspire participation, and secure annual gifts.
- Track all outreach and interactions in the donor database in real time.
Program & Event Development (20–25% of time)
- Create and implement meaningful programs, events, and touchpoints that foster alumni connection with JELF and with each other.
- Manage the Alumni Committee, ensuring active participation and follow-through on commitments.
- Collaborate with the CEO/CDO to design alumni engagement opportunities aligned with JELF’s mission and fundraising priorities.
Marketing & Communications (15–20% of time)
- Work with JELF’s marketing team to develop alumni-focused content, including newsletters, social media features, and impact stories.
- Ensure alumni voices are regularly represented in JELF communications.
- Develop and distribute targeted outreach materials to promote alumni programs and giving opportunities.
Fundraising & Philanthropy (15–20% of time)
- Proactively identify and cultivate alumni donors with the potential to increase their giving.
- Lead solicitations for annual gifts from alumni and provide a pipeline for major gift opportunities.
- Track progress toward fundraising goals and report results regularly to leadership.
COMPENSATION:
Compensation is commensurate with experience and hours worked. If full-time, this is a salaried, exempt position with full benefits.
For inquiries about the role, please complete JELF's online job inquiry form, which includes submitting your cover letter (including salary requirements) and resume.
ABOUT JELF:
JELF (Jewish Educational Loan Fund) is one of the oldest continuously operating non-profits in the U.S. We provide interest-free loans for higher education to Jewish students in need to students from the five-state region of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia (excluding metro DC). JELF’s loans are “last dollar,” providing the final funds that a student needs to attend school. Since 1961, JELF has provided 4,000+ interest-free loans totaling over $14 million. JELF has maintained a 99% loan repayment rate for more than a decade.
JELF is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes individuals from all backgrounds to contribute to our mission. To learn more about our impactful history and ongoing efforts, visit us at jelf.org.