Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving

Colgate University•Hamilton, NY

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About The Position

TheAssociate Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Annual Givingprovides strategic leadership in fostering meaningful connections with its global alumni community and in mobilizing philanthropic support through a thriving annual giving program. As a highly selective, residential liberal arts college, Colgate is dedicated to educating talented students for lives of leadership and service. The University has a deeply rooted culture of philanthropy and alumni engagement, with more than 56% of alumni actively participating each year through giving, volunteering, and attending both virtual and in-person programs. Signature events-such as Reunion, which welcomes more than 2,500 alumni and guests annually-exemplify the strength of Colgate's alumni network. This enduring alumni loyalty and generosity provide a powerful foundation as the University advances its historic and comprehensive Campaign for the Third Century. With over $725 million raised toward its $1 billion goal, the campaign is a cornerstone of Colgate's Third-Century Plan, designed to propel the University into a new era of academic excellence and institutional impact. The Associate Vice President plays a pivotal role in strengthening alumni engagement, leading the strategy and execution of the University's annual giving program, and mobilizing this passionate community in support of Colgate's bold vision for the future.

Responsibilities

Advance Colgate's mission and strategic priorities by fostering long-term, meaningful alumni engagement and philanthropic participation that align with the University's goals.
Provide strategic oversight for the annual giving program, with a focus on best practices in the industry, sustaining and growing alumni donor participation and unrestricted support through innovative campaigns, data-driven segmentation, and compelling messaging.
Position alumni engagement and annual giving as University-wide priorities, ensuring the department serves as a central hub for strategically coordinating engagement with our campus partners and solicitation efforts across all alumni populations.
Build and nurture collaborative partnerships with University leadership, faculty, and key campus stakeholders to develop and implement strategic alumni engagement and giving strategies.
Expand and enhance alumni volunteer leadership by identifying and engaging alumni in impactful roles both on and off campus. Ensure a diverse and robust pipeline of volunteers, drawing from alumni who have demonstrated interest in supporting Colgate and hold prominence in their fields.
Develop and execute a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy for Colgate with an ability to adapt initiatives based on emerging trends and evolving University priorities.
Oversee and enhance alumni engagement programs that foster connections through affinity and identity-based groups, intellectual and regional initiatives, and the Colgate Professional Networks.
Lead the development and implementation of marketing and communications strategies to effectively promote alumni engagement and annual giving opportunities.
Serve as the primary University liaison to the Alumni Council, including fulfilling the role of Executive Secretary.
Provide leadership and oversight for the alumni engagement and annual giving teams, ensuring effective recruitment, mentorship, and professional development of staff. Foster a high-performance culture through clear expectations, strategic delegation, and timely, constructive feedback.
Manage and oversee departmental budgets, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and in alignment with University policies and priorities.
Oversee Reunion Weekend, a signature annual event. Serve as a key partner in planning other signature Colgate weekends such as Homecoming and Arts, Creativity, and Innovation Weekend.