Director of Alumni Engagement

Chatham University • Pittsburgh, PA

2d

About The Position

Chatham University seeks a creative, relationship-oriented, and execution-focused professional to serve as Director of Alumni Engagement. Reporting to the Senior Director of Alumni and Donor Engagement, this role is responsible for designing and delivering meaningful engagement experiences that strengthen relationships with alumni and donors and inspire philanthropic support. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys both strategy and execution, developing engagement programs while actively managing events, communications, and volunteer initiatives. The Director will play a key role in building a vibrant, connected alumni community and enhancing the donor experience across the institution. The Director of Alumni Engagement oversees and directs all aspects of alumni programming that seek to engage alumni with the University and to develop relationships that encourage alumni to advance the university’s mission by volunteering, mentoring, attending events, and making financial contributions. The Director will play a vital role in developing distinct alumni engagement programs relevant for Chatham’s diverse alumni population: alumnae from its time as an undergraduate women’s college, graduates of its professional and graduate degree programs, and now alumni as an all-gender institution served on three campuses. Specifically the Director of Alumni Engagement directs, manages, and administers all matters that enhance the university’s ability to weave alumni into the fabric of the University, from managing reunion programs and event planning to growing and overseeing volunteer engagement opportunities to encouraging alumni to become mentors to students and to financially support the university. The Director of Alumni Engagement will build effective relationships with departments including enrollment management, student affairs and career services, and marketing and communications to effectively engage alumni.

Requirements

• At least five years’ experience working in an effective, comprehensive alumni relations office.
• Experience managing diverse groups of volunteers, boards, and alumni networks.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Familiarity with advancement CRM’s, preferably Virtuous.
• Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends.
• Bachelor’s degree required

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop programs consistent with the University’s strategic plan and ensure that programs effectively address objectives and priorities, operate within budget limitations, and comply with appropriate policies.
• Coordinate activities with fundraising staff in order to identify and cultivate major gift prospects and to build programming opportunities that encourage philanthropic support.
• Ensure that events are well executed, mission-driven, and aligned with engagement and fundraising goals.
• Establish and build relationships with alumni locally, regionally, and nationally; maintain regular communication with alumni via direct contact and the coordination of alumni communication programs such as e-mail, the website, and print communications.
• Develop and enhance geographic, academic, and affinity group alumni programs through the planning and implementation of events and other alumni gatherings and engagement.
• Conceptualize, plan, and coordinate alumni volunteer efforts in conjunction with other university departments.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees