Associate Director, Engagement Strategy

Lehigh University; Bethlehem (Northampton County); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Lehigh University’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations is looking for a relationship builder and community architect to join its team. As Associate Director of Engagement Strategy, you’ll shape how Lehigh shows up for alumni who have historically been underserved, turning belonging into a lifelong connection to the university they called home.

Lehigh is a research university with a strong sense of community, and you’ll lead affinity networks, design engagement programs, recruit

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• Three to five years of work related experience; Prior experience working with diversity programs and community organizing preferred.
• Experience building social media channels and adept use of digital communication preferred.
• Experience in higher education, community activism, or non-profits preferred.
• Occasional evening and weekend work including traveling as a Lehigh representative as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow established affinity communities including BALANCE (Black and Latinx Network for Community and Equity) and LAPA (Lehigh Alumni Pride Association)
• Build programming pathways for emerging alumni groups spanning First Generation, Asian, and Jewish alumni networks
• Design and execute engagement strategies that connect identity-based alumni communities at regional, national, and virtual levels
• Recruit, develop, and steward alumni volunteers to lead and sustain affinity group activities
• Partner with campus departments and advancement colleagues to align community initiatives with Lehigh’s broader alumni engagement goals
• Collaborate with communications teams to develop targeted outreach and storytelling for each community
• Plan and deliver signature events and experiences that reflect the values and interests of each alumni group
• Track participation data and program outcomes to continuously strengthen the alumni experience
• Identify and cultivate new affinity community opportunities as Lehigh’s alumni population evolves
• Represent Development and Alumni Relations at internal and external events, serving as a visible champion for inclusive engagement

Skills

Communication skills

Social media experience

Volunteer recruitment

Diversity programs experience

Project management

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

Lehigh University’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations is looking for a relationship builder and community architect to join its team. As Associate Director of Engagement Strategy, you’ll shape how Lehigh shows up for alumni who have historically been underserved, turning belonging into a lifelong connection to the university they called home.

Position Number: S98760

This position is a Grade: 9 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $56,030-$68,190 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.

What You’ll Drive

• Lead and grow established affinity communities including BALANCE (Black and Latinx Network for Community and Equity) and LAPA (Lehigh Alumni Pride Association)
• Build programming pathways for emerging alumni groups spanning First Generation, Asian, and Jewish alumni networks
• Design and execute engagement strategies that connect identity-based alumni communities at regional, national, and virtual levels
• Recruit, develop, and steward alumni volunteers to lead and sustain affinity group activities
• Partner with campus departments and advancement colleagues to align community initiatives with Lehigh’s broader alumni engagement goals
• Collaborate with communications teams to develop targeted outreach and storytelling for each community
• Plan and deliver signature events and experiences that reflect the values and interests of each alumni group
• Track participation data and program outcomes to continuously strengthen the alumni experience
• Identify and cultivate new affinity community opportunities as Lehigh’s alumni population evolves
• Represent Development and Alumni Relations at internal and external events, serving as a visible champion for inclusive engagement

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field
• Three to five years of work related experience; Prior experience working with diversity programs and community organizing preferred
• Experience in higher education, community activism, or non-profits preferred
• Experience building social media channels and adept use of digital communication preferred
• Ability to complete projects on time and on budget, and report on status and progress
• Clear, confident communication - written and verbal - across diverse audiences
• Familiarity with Lehigh’s alumni community or a comparable research university environment is a genuine advantage
• Occasional evening and weekend work including traveling as a Lehigh representative as needed

Why Lehigh

Lehigh is a research university with a strong sense of community and Development and Alumni Relations sits at the heart of that. You’ll join a team that takes seriously the idea that every alumnus deserves a meaningful connection to Lehigh, regardless of background. The university offers competitive compensation, generous benefits including above-average retirement contributions, substantial paid leave, and robust professional development support. You’ll have real scope to build something lasting: programs that expand who feels seen and celebrated within the Lehigh community.

Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh’s Accommodations Specialist.

Special Considerations

• The duties of this position may allow the employee to work partially remote as deemed appropriate by their supervisor.

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.

Advertised: September 10, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time