Alumni Engagement Director

Clarkson University; Village of Potsdam (NY); On-site; USD 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Clarkson University is seeking an Assistant Director of Alumni Relations to develop and implement programs that strengthen ties with alumni. The role combines regional portfolio management with signature alumni programs and collaboration across campus divisions.

The position emphasizes relationship-building, volunteer recruitment, event planning, and leadership of reunion activities, hockey telecast support, and alumni recognition initiatives. Travel and evenings/weekends are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or preferred.
• Three or more years of relevant alumni relations or advancement experience.
• Experience with alumni or volunteers and CRM systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned regional alumni portfolio aligned, where possible, with Development gift officer territories.
• Build and maintain relationships with alumni and volunteers within assigned regions through personal outreach, programs, events and other engagement opportunities.
• Support and strengthen regional alumni chapters and volunteer networks within assigned territories.
• Recruit, cultivate and support regional volunteers, including alumni who can serve as event hosts, connectors, speakers and University ambassadors.
• Develop regional engagement opportunities based on alumni interests, constituent data and University priorities.
• Identify alumni who may have potential for deeper engagement and share relevant relationship intelligence with Development colleagues.
• Establish an intentional working relationship with corresponding Development gift officer(s), regularly sharing engagement information and opportunities to coordinate relationship-building.
• Partner with Development and Donor Experience on selected regional Development events. Contribute regional and alumni insight during planning and execute agreed-upon event logistics and alumni engagement activities.
• Travel as needed to support regional and University-sponsored alumni programs and events.
• Lead the planning and execution of Clarkson’s Reunion program, including program development, event logistics, budget management, volunteer coordination, communications and promotion.
• Work collaboratively with Alumni Relations colleagues and campus partners to deliver a cohesive and meaningful alumni experience.
• Develop opportunities within Reunion and other programs to strengthen alumni relationships and encourage continued involvement with Clarkson.
• Recruit, communicate with and support Reunion volunteers and class leaders.
• Evaluate participation and feedback and recommend improvements to future Reunion programs.
• Serve as Alumni Relations team lead for the annual Hockey Telecast program, coordinating planning and execution with alumni hosts, volunteers and University partners.
• Develop resources and communications to support participating alumni groups and hosts.
• Lead or support additional Alumni Relations programs and special projects as assigned.
• Manage the Alumni Association Leadership Board awards process, including nominations, research, committee support, recipient communications and recognition activities.
• Coordinate the preparation of award recipient biographies and related materials.
• Partner with University Archives, AALB and other stakeholders on Alumni Gateway exhibits and messaging.
• Maintain and recommend updates to alumni recognition displays and related content within the Alumni Gateway.
• Identify opportunities to use alumni recognition and storytelling to strengthen alumni pride and engagement.
• Develop and support alumni affinity groups based on shared experiences, interests, identities, academic programs, activities and other meaningful connections to Clarkson.
• Partner with alumni volunteers and campus colleagues to identify opportunities for new or expanded affinity engagement.
• Support affinity-based communications, programs, events and volunteer leadership.
• Evaluate affinity engagement and recommend strategies for strengthening participation and connection.
• Recruit, cultivate and steward alumni volunteers for Alumni Relations and broader University opportunities.
• Develop meaningful opportunities for alumni to contribute their time, expertise and connections to Clarkson.
• Identify alumni with potential for increased involvement and volunteer leadership.
• Partner with colleagues across Clarkson seeking alumni volunteers and facilitate appropriate connections.
• Maintain accurate volunteer and engagement information within Clarkson’s constituent database.
• Collaborate with Alumni Relations colleagues to support major alumni programs and signature events.
• Partner with Development, Donor Experience and other University departments on alumni engagement opportunities.
• Contribute to departmental planning, assessment and continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate records of alumni interactions, volunteer involvement and program participation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Relationship building

Teamwork

Event planning

Project management

CRM experience

Microsoft Office

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Slate CRM

CRM systems

Job description

Clarkson University is seeking an Assistant Director of Alumni Relations to develop and implement programs that strengthen ties with alumni. The role combines regional portfolio management with signature alumni programs and collaboration across campus divisions.

The position emphasizes relationship-building, volunteer recruitment, event planning, and leadership of reunion activities, hockey telecast support, and alumni recognition initiatives. Travel and evenings/weekends are required.