Director of Alumni Relations

North Carolina State University; North Carolina; On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Retirement programs

Disability plans

Life insurance

Paid time off

Holidays

Tuition assistance

Childcare benefits

Wellness programs

Job summary

North Carolina State University is seeking a Director of Alumni Relations in Raleigh, NC to lead a strategic alumni engagement program within the College of Veterinary Medicine. The role focuses on fostering lifelong connections, increasing alumni involvement, and promoting philanthropic support.

The position requires collaboration with leadership, faculty, and advancement teams to grow student success, strengthen programs, and elevate the college's reputation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of experience related to the area of assignment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for alumni relations and oversee engagement efforts within the College of Veterinary Medicine.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive alumni relations program to boost engagement and philanthropic support.
• Collaborate with college leadership, faculty, and development teams to align initiatives with fundraising priorities.
• Plan and execute events, programs, and volunteer initiatives across North Carolina and beyond.

Skills

Leadership

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Strategic planning

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

CRM software

Engagement analytics tools

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Information

Posting Number PG195029EP

Internal Recruitment No

Working Title Director of Alumni Relations

Anticipated Hiring Range $80,000 - $90,000, commensurate with experience

Work Schedule 8am – 5pm; Monday through Friday (with evening and weekend availability, as needed)

Job Location Raleigh, NC

Department College Of Veterinary Medicine

About The Department

The North Carolina Veterinary Medical Foundation, Inc. advances the mission of the College of Veterinary Medicine by strengthening educational programs, supporting distinguished faculty, promoting research, and fostering meaningful partnerships with alumni and friends. Through strategic communications and development efforts, the Foundation works to expand private support and deepen engagement with the CVM community.

Wolfpack Perks And Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well‑being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• Medical , Dental , and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership , and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part‑Time or Full‑Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

The Director of Alumni Relations provides strategic leadership and oversees all alumni engagement efforts within the College of Veterinary Medicine. This position is responsible for fostering meaningful, lifelong connections between the College and its alumni community, increasing alumni involvement, advancing institutional goals, and promoting philanthropic support.

The Director works closely with college leadership, faculty, development teams, and external stakeholders to develop and implement a comprehensive alumni relations program that boosts engagement, supports student success, and helps the College grow its reputation and long‑term success.

Key Responsibilities

Alumni Engagement, Events & Volunteer Programs

• Cultivate strong relationships with alumni across all career stages, including recent graduates, mid‑career professionals, and distinguished alumni
• Design and deliver high‑impact engagement opportunities, including events, programs, and volunteer initiatives
• Partner with faculty and leadership to strengthen alumni connections to academic programs and student experiences
• Oversee the planning and execution of alumni events, including reunions, regional gatherings, continuing education programs, and signature college events
• Ensure events are aligned with strategic priorities and deliver meaningful value to participants
• Leverage both in‑person and virtual formats to expand reach and accessibility
• Develop and manage alumni volunteer programs, advisory boards, and ambassador networks
• Engage alumni leaders in meaningful roles that support student mentorship, career development, and institutional advancement

Strategic Leadership, Analytics & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and lead a comprehensive alumni relations strategy aligned with the College’s mission, vision, and fundraising priorities
• Establish clear goals, metrics, and benchmarks for alumni engagement, participation, and impact
• Identify and implement innovative approaches to engage a varied and global alumni base
• Utilize data and analytics to inform strategy, track engagement, and measure outcomes
• Maintain accurate alumni records in partnership with advancement services
• Continuously assess and refine programs to improve effectiveness and impact

Development & Strategic Communications

• Partner closely with development teams to support donor pipeline development and stewardship efforts
• Identify, qualify, and help cultivate alumni with philanthropic potential
• Integrate alumni engagement strategies with fundraising campaigns and initiatives
• Collaborate with communications teams to develop targeted alumni messaging and storytelling strategies
• Oversee alumni communications including newsletters, digital engagement, and social platforms
• Ensure consistent, compelling, and brand‑aligned communication with alumni audiences

Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel frequently throughout North Carolina, with occasional out of state travel as needed to engage donors and prospects.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends to support donor cultivation events and advancement activities.

Other Responsibilities

• Additional Duties as Assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications

• Proven ability to build effective relationships with faculty, administrators, volunteers, and advancement colleagues within a large, complex research university or comparable organization.
• Strong leadership and team collaboration skills, with the ability to guide and support advancement staff while contributing to a positive, team oriented culture.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Self motivated and proactive, with the ability to take initiative and advance fundraising opportunities independently.
• Solution oriented mindset with strong judgment and the ability to navigate complex situations with professionalism and discretion.
• High level of computer literacy and familiarity with advancement databases and fundraising tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree preferred; 3‑5 years of experience in direct alumni relations and/or 5‑7 years of experience in advancement, development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in building and executing strategic engagement programs
• Strong relationship‑building skills with the ability to engage varied stakeholders
• Experience working in higher education, academic medicine, or veterinary medicine
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with senior leadership
• Experience leveraging CRM systems and engagement analytics

Required License(s) Or Certification(s)

• A valid North Carolina driver’s license is required within 60 days of the start date and must be maintained as a condition of employment.

Regular local travel and some regional/out‑of‑state travel are required for this position.

Valid NC Driver's License required Yes

Commercial Driver's License required No

Recruitment Dates

Job Open Date 11/09/2026

Anticipated Close Date Open until filled

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail] .

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.