Spotlight on Reconnecting and Inspiring: How a Virtual Engagement Officer Connects Alumni with Opportunities

Supporters, constituents, and alumni have the power to shape the future of every organization they care about. True engagement is about unlocking that potential — inviting individuals not just to give, but to share their time, talents, and passions in ways that make a lasting impact. Yet even the most committed communities need personal invitations and encouragement to stay connected and involved. 

Still, even with the strongest communities, there are limits to how many supporters a small team can personally engage. That’s why many organizations are embracing digital tools to thoughtfully expand their capacity and foster more meaningful connections.

This is where a Virtual Engagement Officer (VEO) is transformational: reaching out with personalized messages that spark action, rekindle pride, and open new pathways for meaningful connection. Simple two-way conversations deepen a donor’s connection to the organization and inspire even greater involvement in its mission. Take, for example, this story of a donor who wants to be more intentional about how they give back:

DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis recently introduced a portfolio of 1,000 donors to Isla, their Virtual Engagement Officer (VEO) to build new connections and strengthen ties across the community. Isla’s goal is to invite these donors to reconnect with the school’s mission, because alumni play a vital role in shaping the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. Isla encouraged alumni to share what keeps them connected to their alma mater. 

One alum responded to this outreach with an inspiring question: "How can alumni come back to speak to students?" 

This interest in reconnecting with DeLaSalle immediately sparked a meaningful exchange. Isla responded warmly, recognizing how valuable it is for students to hear directly from alumni who have walked similar paths and found success. This two-way conversation, and others like it, would not happen if DaLaSalle leadership did not understand the need to build trusted fundraising capacity into the development work they already do.

These conversations empower Version2.ai partners like DeLaSalle to deepen alumni engagement and create real opportunities for current students to benefit from the diverse experiences of those who came before them.

But the VEO’s work does not stop there.

In this example, Isla continued the conversation with the alum, who shared an impressive background in diplomacy, politics, international affairs, social justice, and religious studies — areas that align with DeLaSalle’s mission to inspire students. Moving conversation to action, Isla then quickly offered to connect the alum with the appropriate team, ensuring that the willingness to volunteer would be seamlessly channeled into an impactful opportunity for students.

"Our alumni are not just part of our history; they’re active partners in our mission. These moments of connection inspire students to imagine what’s possible and feel part of something bigger than themselves," said Sam Johnson, Executive Director of Advancement at DeLaSalle. 

This exchange is just one example of how Virtual Engagement Officers (VEOs) are opening new pathways for deeper connection and involvement across mission-based organizations. In fact, this opportunity emerged from the very first outreach Isla made to her portfolio — showing how even an initial touchpoint can spark meaningful engagement. 

Within a 12-month moves management strategy, VEOs look for opportunities to build on these magical moments, encouraging supporters to reconnect through speaking opportunities, event participation, and more. By fostering these personal connections, VEOs help organizations turn early conversations into lasting relationships with the organization that strengthen the community and advance the mission.

To learn more about Virtual Engagement Officers and how they connect your community and constituents to opportunities, schedule a Version2.ai demo today.