Director, Alumni Engagement & Strategic Partnerships

NEIU; Illinois; On-site; USD 90,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern Illinois University is seeking a Director of Alumni Relations to provide strategic leadership for alumni engagement across the university’s three campuses. The role reports to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and partners with major university leadership to advance loyalty, philanthropy, and meaningful connections with 90,000+ alumni.

The candidate will lead planning and execution of programs, oversee CRM records, manage budgets, and supervise two direct reports,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
• 7+ years progressive experience in alumni relations, event management, fundraising, or related fields.
• 3+ years supervisory experience.
• Ability to engage and collaborate with diverse groups of faculty, staff, students, administrators, board members, volunteers, and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Proficient knowledge of the fundraising cycle, especially the role of alumni relations in this process.
• Proficiency in utilizing CRM software platforms.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to responsibly manage operational budgets.
• Ability to provide strategic thought leadership in annual planning processes.
• Creativity, initiative, and strong problem-solving skills.
• A healthy sense of humor.
• Multilingual ability (Spanish language strongly preferred).

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary direction and creative leadership for the Office of Alumni Relations.
• Develop and execute annual plans using data-informed strategies and tactics that drive measurable outcomes.
• Advise the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and leadership team on alumni engagement opportunities and progress.
• As needed, provide strategic counsel and reporting to the University President and Cabinet, Board of Trustees, NEIU Foundation Board, and other key stakeholders.
• Re-establish and provide ongoing leadership for the NEIU Alumni Advisory Board, coordinating mutually determined goals and objectives.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the University and NEIU alumni.
• Design and implement innovative alumni programs including affinity groups, NEIU Alumni Association membership initiatives, and regional engagement strategies.
• Develop programs that attract, engage, and connect alumni of all ages and backgrounds.
• Ensure alumni engagement plans serve all three NEIU campus locations: Main Campus (Albany Park), El Centro (Avondale), and Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (Bronzeville).
• Steward, evaluate, and grow NEIU Alumni Association membership.
• Lead a team in planning and executing signature alumni events including: Commencement, Amplify | Elevate, Academic Honors, Chuck Kane Scholarship Golf Outing, Giving Tuesday, Proud to be NEIU Day, and Golden Eagle Welcome Day.
• Conduct post-event analyses to measure outcomes and inform future planning.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and University leadership.
• Partner closely with campus units including Enrollment Management, Career Development, Student Leadership Development, Student Union Events and Conference Services, Marketing and Communications, Academic Colleges and Departments, and Government Relations.
• Coordinate alumni advocacy efforts and communications with the Office of Government Relations.
• Serve as a senior leader and key thought partner within the Division of Institutional Advancement.
• Foster cooperative relationships that align Alumni Relations efforts with broader institutional strategic goals.
• Develop and implement multi-channel communication strategies to keep alumni informed and engaged.
• Create compelling content for in-person activities, speeches, online platforms, email campaigns, social media, web presence, and printed materials.
• Articulate and enthusiastically convey NEIU’s mission, values, achievements, and priorities.
• Work collaboratively with the Vice President and the Development team to support annual funding goals.
• Identify and cultivate high-achieving alumni for philanthropic support and volunteer leadership.
• Support major gifts outreach through strategic relationship-building from the Alumni Relations perspective.
• Engage alumni through the Alumni Awards program and other recognition opportunities.
• Support Institutional Advancement-led fundraising events / initiatives across the institution.
• Maintain accurate alumni records in the CRM (Raiser’s Edge NXT) to track engagement, giving, and participation.
• Make data-informed decisions and recommendations for future planning.
• Provide sound financial planning and budgetary oversight for Alumni Relations’ state budget as well as Alumni Relations’ funds within the NEIU Foundation.
• Maintain accurate financial records and follow University and Foundation protocols for contracts, purchases, and reporting.
• Supervise and mentor two direct reports.
• Manage at least one student worker position (Work-Study and/or NEIU Alumni Association resources).
• Provide team-building, engagement, and professional development opportunities.
• Build and encourage staff pursuits while fostering a collaborative, energetic team culture.
• Pursue appropriate professional development opportunities for yourself and your team to stay current with best practices and industry trends.
• As needed, perform other duties critical to the Division’s or University’s progress as approved by the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
• Travel as needed for alumni events and relationship cultivation with key alumni stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

CRM software

Budget management

Strategic planning

Spanish language

Team supervision

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Northeastern Illinois University is seeking a Director of Alumni Relations to provide strategic leadership for alumni engagement across the university’s three campuses. The role reports to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and partners with major university leadership to advance loyalty, philanthropy, and meaningful connections with 90,000+ alumni.

The candidate will lead planning and execution of programs, oversee CRM records, manage budgets, and supervise two direct reports,