Director of Alumni Engagement

Chatham University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Chatham University seeks a creative, relationship-oriented Director of Alumni Engagement to lead alumni programming and donor relations across three campuses. The role combines strategy and execution, developing programs, and overseeing events and volunteer initiatives to strengthen alum connections and advance the university’s mission.

The ideal candidate will have five+ years in alumni relations, strong project management, and excellent communication skills, with willingness to travel and work

Qualifications

• At least five years’ experience in alumni relations.
• Experience managing diverse volunteers and alumni networks.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Develop alumni engagement programs aligned with the university’s strategic plan.
• Coordinate activities with fundraising staff to identify major gift prospects.
• Ensure events are well executed and mission-driven.
• Establish relationships with alumni locally, regionally, nationally.
• Grow volunteer engagement and mentor students; engage alumni across campuses.

Skills

Alumni relations

Volunteer management

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Virtuous CRM

Job description

Chatham University welcomes your interest in employment opportunities and encourages you to review open positions. Please note that Chatham does not accept unsolicited applications.Director of Alumni EngagementChatham University seeks a creative, relationship-oriented, and execution-focused professional to serve as Director of Alumni Engagement . Reporting to the Senior Director of Advancement, this role is responsible for designing and delivering meaningful engagement experiences that strengthen relationships with alumni and donors and inspire philanthropic support. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys both strategy and execution, developing engagement programs while actively managing events, communications, and volunteer initiatives. The Director will play a key role in building a vibrant, connected alumni community and enhancing the donor experience across the institution.The Director of Alumni Engagement oversees and directs all aspects of alumni programming that seek to engage alumni with the University and to develop relationships that encourage alumni to advance the university’s mission by volunteering, mentoring, attending events, and making financial contributions. The Director will play a vital role in developing distinct alumni engagement programs relevant for Chatham’s diverse alumni population: alumnae from its time as an undergraduate women’s college, graduates of its professional and graduate degree programs, and now alumni as an all-gender institution served on three campuses. Specifically, the Director of Alumni Engagement directs, manages, and administers all matters that enhance the university’s ability to weave alumni into the fabric of the University, from managing reunion programs and event planning to growing and overseeing volunteer engagement opportunities to encouraging alumni to become mentors to students and to financially support the university.The Director of Alumni Engagement will build effective relationships with departments including enrollment management, student affairs and career development, and marketing and communications to effectively engage alumni.Duties and Responsibilities:Develop programs consistent with the University’s strategic plan and ensure that programs effectively address objectives and priorities, operate within budget limitations, and comply with appropriate policies.Coordinate activities with fundraising staff in order to identify and cultivate major gift prospects and to build programming opportunities that encourage philanthropic support.Ensure that events are well executed, mission-driven, and aligned with engagement and fundraising goals.Establish and build relationships with alumni locally, regionally, and nationally; maintain regular communication with alumni via direct contact and the coordination of alumni communication programs such as e-mail, the website, and print communications.Develop and enhance geographic, academic, and affinity group alumni programs through the planning and implementation of events and other alumni gatherings and engagement.Conceptualize, plan, and coordinate alumni volunteer efforts in conjunction with other university departments.Qualifications:At least five years’ experience working in an effective, comprehensive alumni relations office.Experience managing diverse groups of volunteers, boards, and alumni networks.Strong project management and organizational skills.Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.Familiarity with advancement CRM’s, preferably Virtuous.Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends.Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.Salary Range:$55,000 - 60,000. 40-hour work week.Exact compensation based on candidate skills and experience.How to Apply:Applications accepted only via www.chatham.edu/careers (direct link ishttps://chatham.wd12.myworkdayjobs.com/ChathamUniversity/job/Pittsburgh-PA/Director-of-Alumni-Engagement_JR00000962 ) and follow the instructions to complete the application process. To ensure full consideration, please include:Cover Letter outlining your qualifications for the positionCurriculum Vitae or ResumeContact information for three professional referencesAll application materials should be uploaded at the same time at the time of application. The system will not allow applicants to make edits to their applications after submission.Chatham University strives to promote a campus environment that understands and embraces multiculturalism while increasing individuals' intercultural competence. We actively work to build and sustain a diverse and culturally vibrant campus, which promotes employee and student success and retention.Chatham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Chatham University does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, age, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital or family status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.