Managing Senior Director of Alumni Engagement - University Advancement

Emory University; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Emory University in Atlanta is seeking a Managing Senior Director of Alumni Engagement to lead a high‑performing team and set long‑term strategies and annual priorities for volunteer management and program development that drive relationships.

The role oversees global networks, regional activities, and partnerships across campus to support donor cultivation and lifelong connections to alumni. Some travel and occasional nights/weekends are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and eight years of experience in alumni engagement, fundraising, or public relations with staff management.
• Significant experience in advancement, fundraising, alumni engagement, nonprofit or higher education.
• Proven success leading, coaching, and empowering high-performing teams.
• Experience developing engagement strategies to expand alumni involvement with measurable goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to present to diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, analytical, problem-solving skills; attention to detail.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, databases, CRM systems.
• High professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Sets engagement strategy, goals, and priorities to deepen alumni involvement.
• Directs planning, delivery, and evaluation of programs and events for alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff, and students.
• Oversees volunteer recruitment, training, leadership development across boards and groups.
• Cultivates and steward's alumni and volunteer relationships; connects interests with opportunities.
• Builds partnerships across campus and serves as liaison on and off campus.
• Directs program marketing and communications to boost participation and belonging.
• Oversees engagement information and the use of technology to support outreach and reporting.
• Responsible for budget/resource management and aligning staff with priorities.
• Manages a team of professional and support staff.
• Performs related responsibilities as required.

Education

Bachelor's degree + 8 years in alumni engagement

Job description

Discover Your Career at Emory University

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world‑class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.

Description

The Division of Advancement and Alumni Engagement utilizes resources, technology, and business for the purpose of constituent engagement, donor research and solicitation, and stewardship throughout Emory University and Health Systems. Our mission is to inspire and steward meaningful, lasting relationships that elevate engagement and giving to fulfill Emory’s mission to serve humanity. We are currently seeking a Managing Senior Director of Alumni Engagement.

The Managing Senior Director is charged with managing programs that drive alumni participation in the life of the university. They will lead a high‑performing team, set long‑term strategies and annual priorities for volunteer management and program development that drive relationships. This position oversees a portfolio that includes volunteer‑led communities, global networks, and regional activities, with close attention to how these support donor cultivation and life‑long connections to alumni. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Alumni and Constituent Engagement, this leader serves on the ACE leadership team and advances philanthropy across Emory's schools and units by strengthening constituent relationships, developing engagement talent, and building the pipeline that fuels the university's long‑term success.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Sets engagement strategy, goals, and priorities to deepen alumni involvement and lifelong connections to Emory.
• Directs the planning, delivery, and evaluation of programs and events for alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff, and students.
• Oversees volunteer recruitment, training, leadership development, and coordination across alumni boards, chapters, affinity groups, and volunteer programs.
• Cultivates and steward's alumni and volunteer relationships, connecting their interests and expertise with meaningful engagement opportunities.
• Builds partnerships across campus and may serve as the primary liaison and spokesperson on and off campus.
• Directs program marketing and communications that increase participation, strengthen belonging, and promote Emory's traditions.
• Oversees engagement information and the effective use of technology and online services to support outreach, reporting, and informed decisions.
• Responsible for budget/resource management, aligning staff capacity and expenditures with strategic priorities and university policies.
• Manages a team of professional and support staff.
• Performs related responsibilities as required.

ADDITIONAL JOB DETAILS:

• Maintain knowledge/expertise of best practices and current trends for alumni engagement.
• Some night and weekend work is required.
• Some travel may be necessary.
• This position requires coming in person two days a week.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree and eight years of experience in eight years of experience in alumni engagement, fundraising, or public relations with staff management experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Significant experience in advancement, fundraising, alumni engagement, nonprofit, higher education, or a related environment.
• Demonstrated success leading, developing, coaching, and empowering high‑performing teams, including providing effective feedback and fostering accountability.
• Successful candidates will have extensive experience in developing engagement strategies that expand the reach, depth, and diversity of alumni involvement, with measurable goals tied to participation, volunteerism, and philanthropic outcomes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare and deliver effective presentations to diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills, with exceptional attention to detail and sound judgment.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and complex organizational environments, manage competing priorities and deadlines, and adapt effectively to changing circumstances.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, build productive relationships, and deliver a high standard of service.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, databases, project‑management tools, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.

NOTE:

This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to Emory University on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs. Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines of department. This role requires residency in the state of GA. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: [phone] (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at [e-mail] or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.