PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally diverse candidates.

Benefits:

We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program.

Job Summary:

Job Summary:
PLNU is looking for an experienced, innovative, and committed leader to strategically engage alumni, parents/families, donors and friends of the university and provide opportunities for philanthropic support. The Executive Director is responsible for the creation, planning and execution of services, programs, communications, and projects helping to fulfill the university’s mission, vision, strategic priorities and brand objectives in their work with PLNU constituents. The Executive Director builds a strong case for annual support for unrestricted funds and develops creative and comprehensive strategies for growth. The full position description is available here.

Salary:
Pay range $97,091.76 - $111,412.56
Internal Classification: Career Track - Manager Job Level - 5

Job Status:

Full time

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Job Description:

This is a hybrid position based in San Diego. The Executive Director is expected to provide consistent and professional leadership, both on campus and at events.

What We're Looking For:

• Commitment to Mission: Understanding of Christian higher education and a commitment to articulating and advancing the mission and values of PLNU.

• Strategic Leadership: Demonstrated ability to develop and implement comprehensive, multi-year strategic plans that drive engagement and philanthropic support.

• Effective Communication: Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills, with a keen understanding of diverse audiences and communities.

• Collaborative Approach: Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including alumni, parents, donors, and university leadership, to achieve shared goals.

• Innovative Thinking: A commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, with a focus on leveraging data-driven insights and best practices to enhance programming and outcomes.

• Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and circumstances.

• Knowledge and experience working with a diverse population is preferred

What You'll Be Doing:

• Strategy Development: Shape and execute strategies that strengthen relationships and foster philanthropy with our alumni, parents, and donors while advancing the mission and vision of our institution.

• Annual Giving: Oversee the creation of marketing plans, appeal campaigns, and donor recognition activities. Collaborate with departments campus-wide to provide fundraising solutions and ensure alignment with institutional objectives. Utilize data-driven insights to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of our annual giving programs.

• Alumni & Parent Relations: Engage parents/families and alumni across all degree programs through various communication channels. Manage programs and events that facilitate meaningful interactions between alumni, students, and the university community. Collaborate with student groups and leadership to involve them in alumni initiatives and events. Develop volunteer opportunities and steward volunteers to further enhance engagement and support. Work with academic deans to enhance affinity programming and foster connections between alumni and academic departments. Continuously seek opportunities for improvement and implement best practices in alumni and parent programming.

• Relationship Building: Cultivate and maintain relationships with alumni, parents and donors to increase engagement with the university and drive philanthropic support. Foster strong relationships with the Parent Council and Alumni Board, ensuring productive partnerships.

• The full position description is available here .

Qualifications:

• Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, staff agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant .

• The job offer is contingent on a clear background check.

Physical Requirements:

• Work is primarily sedentary and may require sitting, standing, bending, stooping, etc. for extended periods of time.

• Use of computer equipment: computer keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

• Ability to read and compose documents, e-mail and other correspondence, and reports.

• Ability to communicate effectively with others in person and by phone.

• Ability to travel to regional events, conferences, etc.

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At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff is vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God’s love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual and professional potential.

Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.