Director of Alumni & Constituent Engagement

Canisius University • Buffalo, NY

2d • $75,000 - $75,000

About The Position

The Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement advances the mission of Canisius University by providing visionary leadership and strategic direction for a comprehensive, vibrant, and sustainable alumni and constituent engagement program.
The Director cultivates meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships between the University and its alumni by actively engaging graduates and friends as partners, advisors, and volunteer leaders in the life of the institution. Serving as a highly effective collaborator and facilitator, the Director works closely with faculty, administrators, and volunteer leadership to deepen alumni involvement with particular emphasis on volunteer engagement, career development, student recruitment, philanthropy, and mission-driven initiatives.
The Director provides strategic oversight of alumni programs, communications, and events, empowering staff to execute day-to-day operations, while leading a robust volunteer management strategy that strengthens long-term affinity and impact.
Under the visionary leadership of President Steve K. Stoute, Canisius University is entering the planning phase of the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in its 156-year history, and this position will play a critical leadership role in engaging alumni and volunteers in support of this transformative effort.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree; Master’s preferred. Canisius University alumni are encouraged to apply.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in alumni relations, volunteer management, special events and/or fundraising, including at least three years of significant managerial experience that includes skills in strategic planning, project management and budgeting.
• Knowledge of and strong commitment to Jesuit higher education and the university’s mission.
• Ability to work effectively with administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, volunteers and friends of the university.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and work collaboratively to create, support and allocate resources to advance priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize a variety of marketing channels, i.e. print, social networking, etc., to engage constituents effectively.
• Positive attitude with creative mindset and take-charge initiative.
• Knowledge of CRM Advance a plus.
• Must be able to work weekend and evening hours as necessary for alumni activities.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office and social media.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Lead a comprehensive, values-driven alumni and constituent engagement strategy that advances the strategic objectives of the Office of Advancement and Canisius University, with a strong emphasis on volunteer leadership, partnership, and mission-centered engagement.
• Develop, steward, and empower a robust network of alumni and volunteer leaders, engaging them as thought partners in planning, strategy, and execution of alumni initiatives that strengthen lifelong relationships with the University.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Alumni Association President and Alumni Association Board of Directors, partnering closely with volunteer leadership to set priorities, shape strategy, and advance the goals of the Office of Advancement and Canisius University.
• Oversee the strategic direction of alumni communications, including print, web, and social media, ensuring messaging and outreach align with engagement and advancement priorities.
• Provide strategic oversight for alumni and advancement events, including but not limited to Griff Weekend, Distinguished Alumni Awards, Sports Hall of Fame, DiGamma induction, and affinity and reunion-based events, with a focus on volunteer involvement, mission integration, and relationship-building.
• Collaborate closely with the Advancement Team to engage alumni and volunteers in fundraising, advocacy, and ambassadorship; identify, cultivate, and support prospective donors to the Canisius Fund and major gifts program in partnership with frontline fundraisers.
• Act as a campus-wide partner and ambassador, collaborating with academic and administrative colleagues to integrate alumni and volunteer engagement into the life of the University.
• Recruit, train, and steward alumni volunteers to support initiatives across advancement, admissions, student engagement, mentoring, career connections, and philanthropy.
• Manage and develop the Alumni Engagement staff (one full-time staff member and a graduate assistant) by providing strategic guidance, coaching, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget for the Office of Alumni Engagement, aligning financial resources with strategic priorities and volunteer-led initiatives.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Insurance Benefits – Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Long-Term Disability available the first of the month after the employee’s date of hire
• 403(b) with Company Contribution – Plan for your future with confidence – contribution from the university is available after one year of employment
• Paid Time Off – Includes vacation time, personal time, sick time, and paid holidays
• Tuition Benefits – Available for full-time employees and their qualified dependents

What This Job Offers

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