Associate Director of Alumni Relations

Corporate Diversity Pathways; Canberra; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The Australian National University (ANU) invites applications for an Associate Director, Alumni & Community Engagement to shape alumni connections and broader community engagement across a global network of over 150,000 alumni in 150 countries.

Reporting to the Head of Engagement and Operations, the role leads 11 staff and develops the Engagement Framework, driving programs, events and communications to deepen participation and long‑term relationships.

Qualifications

• Experience leading engagement programs for large or complex communities.
• Ability to translate data and insights into action for engagement growth.
• Strong people leadership and delivery skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of ANU’s Alumni and Community Engagement Framework.
• Provide strategic leadership across alumni relations, community engagement, programs, events and communications.
• Lead, develop and support a high‑performing multidisciplinary team.
• Build influential relationships with alumni, volunteer networks and senior university leaders.
• Use data and engagement metrics to inform strategy and participation.
• Develop innovative ways for alumni and communities to connect with the University.
• Collaborate with Advancement leadership, the University Executive and colleagues across communications and student experience.

Skills

Alumni relations

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Job description

Associate Director, Alumni & Community Engagement | Australian National University

Corporate Diversity Pathways (CDP) has been exclusively appointed by The Australian National University (ANU) to lead the search for its next Associate Director, Alumni & Community Engagement.

This is a senior leadership opportunity to shape how ANU connects with a global alumni community of more than 150,000 people across 150 countries, while strengthening broader community engagement and building the relationships that support the University’s future.

The appointment comes at an important time for ANU. Following its 80th anniversary in 2026 and the launch of ANU by 2030, the University is placing community, connection, trust and contribution at the centre of its future direction.

Reporting to the Head of Engagement and Operations within Advancement and Engagement, the Associate Director will provide strategic leadership across alumni relations, community engagement, programs, events and communications.

Leading a team of 11 direct and indirect staff members, the role will set the direction for ANU's engagement with alumni and wider communities, with a focus on strengthening participation, connection, and long-term relationships.

The opportunity

The successful candidate will:

• Lead the development and implementation of ANU’s Alumni and Community Engagement Framework.
• Provide strategic leadership across alumni relations, community engagement, programs, events and communications.
• Lead, develop and support a high-performing multidisciplinary team.
• Build influential relationships with alumni, volunteer networks, senior University leaders and stakeholders across ANU.
• Use data, audience insight and engagement measures to inform strategy and improve participation.
• Develop innovative and meaningful ways for alumni and communities to connect with the University.
• Work closely with Advancement leadership, the University Executive, College Deans and colleagues across communications, student experience and engagement.
• Contribute to building a strong pipeline of relationships that supports the University’s broader advancement and philanthropic objectives.

We are particularly interested in speaking with experienced engagement leaders who have led significant alumni, membership, community or stakeholder programs and who can combine strategic thinking with strong people leadership and delivery.

Experience within higher education would be valuable, but we also welcome candidates from other complex organisations with large and diverse communities, membership bases or stakeholder networks.

Applications close Monday, 28 September 2026 at 11:55pm AEST.

The Position Description and Selection Criteria are available via the official ANU Jobs website:

http://jobs.anu.edu.au/cw/en/job/563387

M: [phone]

The preferred candidate must have the right to live and work in Australia and will be required to complete relevant pre-employment declarations and background checks.

ANU actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and is committed to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunity for people of all backgrounds and identities.

Salary: Competitive salary package + 17% superannuation