AVP, Alumni Relations

American University•Washington, DC

10h•$185,000 - $210,000•Hybrid

About The Position

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. The Assistant Vice President (AVP), Alumni Relations and Engagement serves as the chief alumni relations officer at American University, providing strategic vision, leadership, and operational oversight for all centralized alumni programming, engagement, and outreach. This senior leader is responsible for cultivating lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships between the University and its 100,000+ living alumni worldwide through integrated strategies spanning volunteerism, experiential programming, communications, career engagement, and philanthropy. Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement and serving as a member of the Advancement senior leadership team, the AVP develops and executes a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy aligned with the University's strategic priorities and forthcoming campaign goals. The AVP coordinates across schools, colleges, departments, and administrative units to ensure a unified, data-informed approach to alumni engagement that deepens connections, strengthens institutional reputation, and builds a robust pipeline for philanthropic support. The AVP sets measurable goals aligned with the CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education) alumni engagement framework across four key dimensions—philanthropic, volunteer, experiential, and communications engagement, and has the authority and responsibility to meet annual and multi-year targets as part of the overall Advancement strategy. Of paramount importance to the University, will be the ability for the AVP to ensure reach, yield, and penetration which more broadly and deeply engages the alumni community in the life of the University, and in alignment with AU’s new “Meet our Moment” strategic plan.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
10+ years of relevant experience.
Ten or more years of progressively responsible experience in alumni relations, development, advancement, or a related field in higher education, with at least five years in a senior management or leadership role overseeing alumni engagement at an institution with a significant alumni body (100,000+ preferred).
Demonstrated success developing and executing comprehensive alumni engagement strategies in a complex, multi-unit higher education environment.
Proven experience recruiting, managing, and stewarding high-level volunteer boards and advisory committees.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive relationships with senior university administrators, deans, trustees, faculty, and external stakeholders.
Experience partnering with development colleagues and/or direct fundraising solicitation (major gifts and/or leadership annual giving).
Strong track record in managing, mentoring, and developing professional staff.
Demonstrated experience using data analytics, engagement scoring, and CRM systems to inform strategy, measure outcomes, and drive continuous improvement.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear and compelling reports and deliver presentations to senior leadership and diverse audiences.
Proficiency with advancement CRM systems (e.g., Ellucian Advance, Salesforce, Blackbaud) and the Microsoft Office suite; familiarity with digital engagement platforms and emerging technologies.
Ability to manage multiple complex priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with maturity, integrity, and sound judgment.
Candidate must have a valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or equivalent.
Master's degree in higher education administration, nonprofit management, communications, business administration, or a related field.
Experience supporting or leading a comprehensive fundraising campaign.
Knowledge of CASE alumni engagement metrics, benchmarking, and best practices.
Experience with digital engagement platforms, AI-driven personalization tools, and virtual/hybrid event technologies.
Familiarity with DEI best practices in alumni programming and volunteer management.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in market research and data-driven decision-making.