Assistant Director of Alumni Relations

Clarkson University•Potsdam, NY

22h•$24 - $27

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Alumni Relations develops and implements programs and engagement opportunities to strengthen relationships between Clarkson University and its alumni. The position maintains an assigned regional alumni portfolio and a programmatic portfolio, building relationships with alumni and volunteers while managing signature alumni programs. The Assistant Director works with Alumni Relations, Development, Donor Experience, and campus partners to create engagement opportunities that strengthen alumni affinity, cultivate volunteer involvement, and support the University’s broader advancement goals. The role includes leading Reunion planning and execution, serving as team lead for the annual Hockey Telecast program, managing alumni awards and Alumni Gateway content, and developing affinity engagement and volunteer opportunities. The position involves regional and University-sponsored travel and occasional evening and weekend work for University and regional events. Staff are expected to follow the University’s Health, Safety, and Environmental Policy and Procedures.

Requirements

A combination of education and relevant professional experience demonstrating the knowledge and skills needed to perform the position’s responsibilities.
Relevant experience in alumni relations, higher education, institutional advancement, volunteer management, constituent engagement, event or program management, communications, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience managing programs or events, building relationships with constituents or volunteers, and collaborating effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment with diverse groups of volunteers on and off campus.
Strong organizational, project management, and event-planning skills.
Ability to manage multiple programs, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.
Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Experience using CRM platforms.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability and willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends in support of University and regional events.
Ability to travel alone and with colleagues.
Adherence to the University’s Health, Safety, and Environmental Policy and Procedures.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Three or more years of relevant experience in alumni relations, higher education, institutional advancement, volunteer management, constituent engagement, event or program management, or a related field.
Experience working with alumni or other constituent groups and cultivating volunteers.
Experience with Slate constituent relationship management system.

Responsibilities

Manage an assigned regional alumni portfolio and build relationships with alumni and volunteers through outreach, programs, events, and other engagement opportunities.
Support regional alumni chapters and volunteer networks; recruit, cultivate, and support regional volunteers.
Develop regional engagement opportunities based on alumni interests, constituent data, and University priorities; identify alumni with potential for deeper engagement and share relevant relationship information with Development colleagues.
Coordinate with Development gift officers and partner with Development and Donor Experience on selected regional events, contributing alumni insight and carrying out agreed event logistics and engagement activities.
Travel as needed to support regional and University-sponsored alumni programs and events.
Lead planning and execution of the Reunion program, including program development, event logistics, budget management, volunteer coordination, communications, and promotion.
Collaborate with Alumni Relations colleagues and campus partners to deliver alumni experiences and develop opportunities for stronger alumni relationships and continued involvement.
Recruit, communicate with, and support Reunion volunteers and class leaders; assess participation and feedback and recommend program improvements.
Serve as Alumni Relations team lead for the annual Hockey Telecast program, coordinating with alumni hosts, volunteers, and University partners and developing supporting resources and communications.
Lead or support additional Alumni Relations programs and special projects as assigned.
Manage the Alumni Association Leadership Board awards process, including nominations, research, committee support, recipient communications, and recognition activities.
Coordinate award recipient biographies and related materials; partner with University Archives, AALB, and other stakeholders on Alumni Gateway exhibits and messaging.
Maintain and recommend updates to alumni recognition displays and content within the Alumni Gateway, and identify opportunities to use alumni recognition and storytelling to strengthen alumni pride and engagement.
Develop and support alumni affinity groups and work with volunteers and campus colleagues on new or expanded affinity engagement, communications, programs, events, and volunteer leadership.
Evaluate affinity engagement and recommend strategies to strengthen participation and connection.
Recruit, cultivate, and steward alumni volunteers; develop opportunities for alumni to contribute their time, expertise, and connections, and identify prospects for increased involvement and volunteer leadership.
Partner with Clarkson colleagues seeking alumni volunteers and facilitate appropriate connections.
Maintain accurate volunteer, engagement, interaction, and program participation records in the constituent database.
Collaborate with Alumni Relations colleagues on major programs and signature events and partner with Development, Donor Experience, and other University departments on alumni engagement.
Contribute to departmental planning, assessment, and continuous improvement; perform other related duties as assigned.