Senior Director for Class, Reunion, Student, and Young Alumni

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cornell University welcomes candidates for the position of Senior Director for Class, Reunion, Student, and Young Alumni in our Alumni Affairs and Development division, based in Ithaca, NY. This role presents an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the university's advancement efforts. Position Summary 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: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1
Two additional floating holidays
Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
Tuition aid for external education
Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program