Advancement Programs Manager - Ursuline Academy

Position Summary

The Advancement Programs Manager is responsible for designing and managing the Advancement Team's engagement programs and experiences that strengthen relationships with alumnae and support fundraising goals. This position reports to the Director of Development & Alumnae Engagement.

This role focuses on program strategy, event purpose, and audience experience, ensuring that all engagement efforts are intentional, well-structured, and aligned with the Advancement team's priorities. The Manager collaborates closely with the Director and team to translate institutional goals into meaningful programs that build connection, trust, and long-term philanthropic support.

This is a 12-month position aligned with the academic calendar and event cycle.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Strategy & Planning

● Design and manage a portfolio of alumnae and donor engagement programs aligned with fundraising and institutional priorities
● Define the purpose, audience, and desired outcomes for all events and engagement initiatives
● Ensure programs support the full engagement cycle: connection → cultivation → giving

Event Program Design & Oversight

● Develop event concepts, messaging, and run-of-show documents for all Advancement events
● Shape program flow, speaking roles, and guest experience elements
● Partner with the Academy Event Logistics Coordinator to ensure seamless execution

Alumnae Engagement & Volunteer Coordination

● Lead engagement with alumnae through coordinated outreach, programming, and communication
● Manage and support:
○ Alumnae Association Board

○ Class Agents (in collaboration with Annual Giving Consultant)
○ Parents Club
● Structure volunteer roles and ensure alignment with engagement and fundraising goals

Donor Experience & Stewardship

● Design meaningful touchpoints that deepen relationships with alumnae and donors
● Ensure consistency in how the Academy communicates appreciation, impact, and connection
● Partner with the Director to support donor cultivation opportunities

Pipeline Development & Collaboration

● Identify and surface potential donor prospects through engagement activities
● Collaborate with the Advancement Data Coordinator to track participation, engagement, and movement
● Ensure alignment between program participation and donor pipeline development

Annual Giving Program Support

● Partner with the Annual Giving Consultant to support reunion-based campaigns
● Coordinate alumnae engagement efforts that drive participation and giving
● Align messaging and programming with campaign priorities

Program Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

● Review program outcomes, participation, and feedback
● Use insights from events and engagement activities to refine future programming
● Recommend adjustments to improve effectiveness and alignment with goals

Qualifications

Required

● Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
● Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in program management, event planning, community engagement, or a related field
● Strong organizational and project management skills
● Demonstrated ability to design and manage programs with clear goals and outcomes
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills
● Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously

Preferred

● Experience in a school, nonprofit, or advancement/development environment
● Experience working with alumnae or volunteer organizations
● Familiarity with fundraising concepts and donor engagement strategies

Key Competencies

● Strategic thinker with strong planning skills
● Relationship-oriented and collaborative
● Creative and thoughtful in designing experiences
● Organized and detail-oriented
● Strong communicator and facilitator
● Ability to translate goals into actionable programs

Come make a difference at Ursuline Academy!

Ursuline Academy of New Orleans, founded in 1727 and sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters, is a Catholic school for girls offering a strong educational environment from early childhood through a college preparatory secondary program.

In a diverse community with an inspiring heritage, Ursuline Academy fosters spiritual formation, academic excellence, and a life-long commitment to Serviam: I will serve. The Academy values the uniqueness of each student, nurtures the whole person, develops leaders of confidence and compassion, and prepares them for life in a global society.

The Academy's all-girls environment empowers students to challenge themselves, explore outside their comfort zones, and expand what they are capable of achieving. We focus on STEM and the Arts as equal partners to power this 21st-century learning.