Director of Alumni Engagement

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cornell University is seeking a Director of Alumni Engagement to join the Alumni Affairs and Development division in Ithaca, NY. This role is part of a new "pod" staff structure supporting the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, The ILR School, and the Library. The Director will report to the Pod Leader and the Executive Director for Alumni Affairs. This strategic leader will be responsible for building and sustaining meaningful relationships with alumni, driving engagement programs and events, and connecting alumni interests with university priorities. The position involves designing and executing high-impact engagement strategies to strengthen lifelong alumni relationships and support the university's engagement and fundraising goals.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 5-7 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
Demonstrated success developing and delivering high-impact alumni engagement programs and events.
Demonstrated experience building relationships with diverse constituents, including alumni volunteers and donors.
Strong project management skills with a track record of successfully planning and executing events and programs from concept through completion.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of audiences, including senior leadership, faculty, and volunteers.
Proven ability to work collaboratively across teams and departments in a complex, mission-driven organization.
Willingness and ability to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends to support alumni events and programs.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement comprehensive alumni engagement strategies for an assigned constituency, aligning activities with the pod’s and division’s strategic priorities.
Cultivate and manage alumni volunteers and leaders, providing guidance and support to strengthen their connection to and involvement with the university.
Plan, coordinate, and execute alumni events, programs, and volunteer initiatives, both in-person and virtual, that foster meaningful engagement and community-building.
Collaborate closely with colleagues in development, communications, and academic units to identify engagement opportunities that support pipeline development for philanthropic giving.
Track, analyze, and report on engagement metrics and program outcomes, using data to refine strategies and demonstrate impact to university leadership.
Represent the university at alumni gatherings, regional events, and volunteer meetings, serving as an ambassador for the institution's mission and values.