Associate Director, Alumni & Community Engagement

Australian National University; Canberra; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Australian National University in Canberra, ACT seeks an Associate Director, Alumni & Community Engagement to lead strategy, programs and communications connecting 150,000+ alumni across 150 countries. You will build a coordinated framework, direct eleven staff across relations, events and communications, and partner with senior stakeholders to deepen engagement and impact.

The role demands senior leadership, strategic insight and a track record in alumni/community advancement, with a commitment

Job description

Associate Director, Alumni & Community Engagement Australian National University Canberra, ACT, AU

Classification: Senior Manager 2 Salary package: Competitive salary package plus 17% superannuation

Terms: Full-time, Continuing

Position overview

As Associate Director, Alumni & Community Engagement, you will lead the strategy, programs and communications that keep more than 150,000 alumni in over 150 countries connected to ANU and build the community and philanthropic pipeline the University's future depends on.

This is an opportunity to lead a significant program at a defining moment. ANU marked its 80th anniversary in 2026 and launched ANU by 2030, a strategy co-designed with staff, students and alumni that puts community contribution, trust and care at the centre of the University's direction. Alumni and community engagement is where that commitment is made real.

Reporting to the Head of Engagement and Operations (Advancement and Engagement), the Associate Director provides strategic leadership for the University’s alumni and community engagement function, setting direction and shaping a coordinated approach to how the University connects with, involves and builds enduring relationships with its communities. You will develop and implement the University's Alumni and Community Engagement Framework and lead a team of eleven across alumni relations, community engagement, programs, events and communications. Your approach will be informed by data, insight and audience understanding, with a clear focus on strengthening connection, participation and impact.

As a senior leader within Advancement, you will lead a high-performing team, provide trusted strategic advice to senior stakeholders and build influential partnerships across the University. You will work closely with the Advancement leadership team, the University Executive, College Deans, alumni networks and volunteer bodies, as well as colleagues in communications, student experience and engagement across campus. The role requires strong judgement, vision and influence, together with the ability to translate strategy into innovative, measurable and high-quality outcomes.

The University actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant on [e-mail]

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion

Please note:

The preferred candidate must have rights to live and work in Australia, and will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment declarations and background checks relevant to the role they have applied for, in accordance with the Background Checking Procedure and the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence.