Senior Director for Class, Reunion, Student, and Young Alumni
About The Position
The Senior Director of Class, Reunion, Student, and Young Alumni is a highly visible leadership role that shapes how Cornell connects with its global alumni community. Leading a dynamic portfolio spanning class and reunion programs, student and young alumni engagement, and affinity engagement, this role drives innovative strategies that strengthen lifelong relationships with more than 300,000 alumni and 26,000 students. As a key member of the Alumni Affairs leadership team, the Senior Director influences the future of alumni engagement at Cornell—designing and executing impactful experiences, including signature events like Reunion and Homecoming, and building a robust volunteer network that fuels both community and philanthropy. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic, creative leader to make a lasting impact at one of the nation’s premier advancement organizations.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of relevant experience or equivalent combination
- Significant experience leading large-scale engagement programs and events, preferably in higher education or a complex organization
- Demonstrated success managing and developing high-performing teams and leaders
- Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills in a matrixed environment
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, including experience working with senior stakeholders and volunteers
- Experience managing volunteer programs and cultivating large, diverse constituent groups
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight for Class Programs, Reunion Programs, Student & Young Alumni Programs, and Affinity Engagement teams
- Lead and develop 4 direct reports and an extended team of 8 staff members, cultivating a high-performing, collaborative environment
- Direct planning and execution of large-scale, university-wide signature events including Reunion and Homecoming
- Develop and implement comprehensive alumni engagement strategies aligned with institutional priorities
- Oversee recruitment, cultivation, and management of a robust network of 1,600+ alumni volunteers
- Partner with senior leadership and university stakeholders to advance engagement initiatives and strengthen alumni relationships
Benefits
- Comprehensive health care options
- Generous retirement contributions
- Access to wellness programs
- Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
- Health and personal leave
- Three weeks of vacation
- 13 holidays
- Two additional floating holidays
- Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
- Tuition aid for external education
- Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
