Assistant Director of Gold Alumni & Parent Engagement

Union College • Schenectady, NY

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Alumni & Parent Alumni Engagement is responsible for developing and implementing strategies and programs that foster connection, participation, and affinity among current parents and families, graduates of the last decade (GOLD) alumni, and students transitioning to alumni status. This role helps create meaningful experiences for constituents that foster long-term relationships with the College through strategic planning and execution of programs, communications, and engagement opportunities. The Assistant Director manages parent and family engagement efforts, GOLD alumni and student-to-alumni transition programming, virtual and year-round engagement initiatives, and selected outreach activities. This role also supports assigned reunion committee engagement efforts and acts as a backup to the Associate Director during busy event periods. The Assistant Director works closely with campus partners, College Relations colleagues, faculty, staff, students, and volunteers to create welcoming, mission-aligned engagement opportunities. This role collaborates with Annual Giving and other College Relations teams to support long-term constituent loyalty and philanthropic engagement, while primarily responsible for developing engagement strategies rather than owning fundraising efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; equivalent professional administrative experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of professional experience in alumni relations, advancement, higher education, volunteer management, event/program management, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage engagement programs and events from concept through execution and assessment.
• Experience recruiting, managing, motivating, and stewarding volunteers preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with alumni, volunteers, colleagues, campus partners, and other constituents.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, take initiative, solve problems independently, and work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Experience with databases, CRM systems, event-management platforms, email marketing tools, and Microsoft Office/Google Workspace preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to creating welcoming and inclusive engagement opportunities for alumni from a wide range of backgrounds, generations, affinities, and geographic regions.
• Ability and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends and travel as required for programs and events.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive parent and family engagement strategy that enhances relationships with the College and advances institutional priorities.
• Plan, execute, and assess programs and experiences for parents and families that promote connection, participation, and lasting affinity.
• Develop and oversee initiatives for GOLD alumni and student-to-alumni transitions that introduce emerging alumni to meaningful opportunities for lifelong engagement with the College.
• Manage virtual programs and other year-round engagement activities designed to reach parents, GOLD alumni, and other designated groups beyond major on-campus events.
• Create and support engagement opportunities that align with constituent interests and strengthen the bond between the College and its alumni and parent communities.
• Assist with reunion committee engagement efforts in collaboration with the Associate Director and the broader Alumni and Parent Engagement team, including volunteer communication, outreach, and enhancing the constituent experience.
• Provide backup support to the Associate Director during peak event times, including assistance with planning, staffing, communications, logistics, and follow-up for signature events and major weekends.
• Collaborate with campus partners, including Student Affairs, Admissions, academic departments, and other stakeholders, to develop programs that reflect and improve the student, parent, and GOLD alumni experience.
• Work with Advancement Communications and colleagues to craft and promote clear, effective messaging regarding parent, GOLD alumni, and year-round engagement initiatives.
• Partner with the Office of Annual Giving and other College Relations teams to support engagement strategies that foster long-term connections and philanthropic involvement, while maintaining the primary responsibility for solicitation strategy, donor goals, and fundraising performance with Annual Giving.
• Monitor participation, gather feedback, evaluate program outcomes, establish key performance metrics, and prepare reports to facilitate ongoing review and improvement.
• Encourage colleagues to ensure timely post-program follow-up, including attendance documentation, constituent coding, stewardship communication, and reporting.
• Contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative College community by demonstrating civil and respectful behavior with parents, alumni, faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
• Participate in and support various events and initiatives organized by the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement, including occasional travel and work during evenings and weekends.

Benefits

• Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
• Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays (in accordance with policy)
• Healthcare: Medical (PPO & HDHP), Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
• Tuition Exchange

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level