Associate Director, Alumni Engagement

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

McMaster University seeks an Associate Director of Alumni Engagement to lead the development and execution of strategic alumni engagement initiatives that deepen lifelong connections with the University. You will work with faculty leadership, volunteers, and alumni to grow a comprehensive program supporting institutional priorities and diverse alumni activities.

The role focuses on creating meaningful opportunities for alumni to stay connected across student and young alumni engagement,

Qualifications

• Minimum six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in alumni engagement, advancement, relationship management, or a related field.
• Experience working with senior leaders and executive stakeholders.
• Knowledge of alumni engagement within a post-secondary or academic environment.
• Strong understanding of digital engagement tools, CRM platforms, and data analytics.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning and Program Development.
• Build and cultivate strong relationships with alumni through communications, events, volunteer opportunities, and engagement activities.
• Develop communications and digital content, including event invitations, newsletters, email campaigns, and engagement materials.
• Monitor industry trends and assess program effectiveness to improve outcomes.
• Lead or participate in University Advancement projects, committees, and strategic initiatives.

Skills

Strategic planning

Relationship building

Project management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Master's degree or PhD asset

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM systems (Advance)

Data analytics

Job description

At McMaster University, we are driven by a shared purpose: advancing human and societal health and wellbeing. Through world-class research, transformative education, and meaningful community impact, we are addressing some of the world's most complex challenges and creating positive change locally and globally.

Consistently ranked among Canada's top universities and recognized internationally for research excellence, innovation, and student success, McMaster is home to more than 37,000 students, over 250,000 alumni worldwide, and a vibrant community of scholars, researchers, learners, and partners. From pioneering discoveries in health sciences and engineering to advancing social innovation and community wellbeing, McMaster's impact extends far beyond our campus.

As we look toward the future, philanthropy will play an increasingly important role in enabling the University's aspirations. Through strategic partnerships with donors, alumni, foundations, corporations, and community leaders, McMaster is creating opportunities to accelerate discovery, enhance student experiences, support breakthrough research, and strengthen its impact on society.

About University Advancement:

University Advancement serves as the bridge between McMaster's mission and the philanthropic community that helps bring that mission to life. Through alumni engagement, fundraising, stewardship, advancement services, and strategic partnerships, University Advancement fosters meaningful relationships that create lasting impact for the University and the communities it serves.

Guided by a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation, University Advancement is building a culture of philanthropy and lifelong engagement that supports McMaster's strategic priorities and future ambitions. The division is entering an exciting period of growth and opportunity as it continues to strengthen fundraising capacity, deepen donor engagement, and position the University for future campaign success.

About the role:

The Associate Director, Alumni Engagement is a key member of the Advancement team and plays a critical role in strengthening the University's reputation by cultivating meaningful and lifelong relationships with alumni. This position leads the development and execution of strategic alumni engagement initiatives that inspire connection, foster pride, encourage lifelong learning, and create opportunities for alumni to engage with the University and one another.

Working collaboratively with faculty leadership, University Advancement colleagues, volunteers, and alumni, the Associate Director will build and grow a comprehensive alumni engagement program that advances institutional priorities and strengthens alumni participation across a broad range of activities and experiences.

This portfolio will focus on creating meaningful opportunities for alumni to remain connected throughout their lives, including student and young alumni engagement, regional and international programming, alumni travel, reunions, lifelong learning, recognition and awards, affinity-based initiatives, alumni communities, and professional networking opportunities.

This portfolio will focus on strengthening alumni belonging while fostering vibrant communities that support personal and professional development, lifelong learning, networking, volunteerism, and institutional connection.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning and Program Development
• Partner with faculty/unit leadership and University Advancement colleagues to establish annual and long-term goals and objectives for alumni engagement.
• Develop strategic plans and measurable targets to evaluate, strengthen, and activate alumni relationships.
• Benchmark alumni engagement initiatives against leading practices and continuously assess programming effectiveness, return on investment, and outcomes.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and growth within the alumni engagement portfolio.
• Building a Robust Alumni Engagement Program
• Build and cultivate strong relationships with alumni through communications, events, volunteer opportunities, targeted outreach, and engagement activities.
• Design and deliver a broad range of alumni programs, events, lifelong learning opportunities, and engagement experiences that foster connection, loyalty, and pride.
• Leverage traditional and emerging engagement channels to expand alumni outreach and encourage meaningful interaction.
• Maintain and strengthen alumni networks while developing targeted strategies for diverse alumni segments.
• Collaborate closely with annual giving, major gifts, and planned giving teams to support alumni participation in philanthropy.
• Develop compelling and effective communications and digital content, including event invitations, newsletters, email campaigns, and engagement materials.
• Represent the University and the McMaster Alumni Association at events, meetings, and public engagements.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, service, innovation, and inclusion in support of the University's academic and research mission.
• Demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenous engagement in leadership practices and program delivery.
• Recruit, engage, support, and recognize alumni volunteers, ambassadors, and committees.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management to Alumni Engagement Officer(s).
• Manage relationships with senior volunteers, advisory groups, and committees.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across University Advancement, faculties, and administrative units.

Administration and Operations

• Ensure compliance with University policies and procedures related to advancement activities and revenue generation.
• Develop and manage budgets, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to achieve program objectives and outcomes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Monitor industry trends, alumni engagement practices, and stakeholder expectations to enhance program effectiveness.
• Develop and refine policies, procedures, and practices that contribute to a positive alumni experience.
• Maintain accurate records of alumni engagement activities and volunteer participation using CRM and relational database systems.
• Lead or participate in University Advancement projects, committees, and strategic initiatives as required.
• Contribute to senior-level planning discussions and provide leadership support in the Associate Vice-President's absence when appropriate.

Qualifications

Education

• Degree from the University is considered an asset.
• Advanced degree at the master’s or doctoral level is considered an asset.

Experience

• Minimum six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in alumni engagement, advancement, relationship management, stakeholder engagement, or a related field.
• Experience working with senior leaders and executive stakeholders.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Understanding of alumni engagement within a post-secondary or academic environment.
• Knowledge of university operations and advancement principles.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenous engagement.
• Strategic thinker with a creative, entrepreneurial mindset.
• Strong analytical, organizational, project management, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional relationship-building abilities with demonstrated tact, diplomacy, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Experience engaging senior executives, volunteers, donors, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive within a complex and highly collaborative environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Experience developing strategic engagement plans, proposals, and communications materials.
• Strong understanding of digital engagement tools, CRM platforms, and data analytics.
• High degree of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
• Advanced computer skills, including experience with relational databases and constituent relationship management systems (e.g., Advance).

Leadership and Supervision

This position provides leadership and supervision to:

• Alumni Engagement Officer(s) within assigned faculty or unit.
• Alumni ambassadors, volunteer committees, and advisory groups.
• Cross-functional project teams and collaborative initiatives.

What You'll Bring

You are a relationship-builder who is passionate about creating meaningful connections and delivering exceptional engagement experiences. You bring a strategic mindset, strong leadership capabilities, and a commitment to fostering a vibrant and connected alumni community. You thrive in collaborative environments, embrace innovation, and are motivated by creating impact through engagement, partnership, and community building.

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff, faculty, and alumni community and supports the University mission, the ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions.

Associate Directors within the Office of Alumni Engagement are required to work on-site a minimum of four days per week.