Principal Associate - Students & Grads Tech Alumni Initiatives Work Lead

Capital One; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based incentives

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Capital One is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as Alumni Initiatives Work Lead for Students & Grads Tech. You will shape the post-program alumni ecosystem, directing the IC execution team and aligning cross-functional workstreams, in a fast-paced environment that rewards innovation.

You will own the engagement strategy across the S&G Tech Alumni portfolio, guiding daily delivery, prioritization, and cross-pod coordination while enabling scalable associates development and a cohesive

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 2+ years in program/project mgmt or employee development/engagement.
• Tech company experience preferred.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication.

Responsibilities

• Alumni Strategy & Oversight: drive overarching framework and engagement strategy for the S&G Tech Alumni portfolio.
• Execution Partnership & Guidance: guide daily task prioritization and project delivery across the IC team.
• Global Expansion Strategy: lead alumni strategy for Mexico City ahead of February 2027 graduation.
• Ecosystem Liaison: build cross-functional support models with program teams.
• Operational Leadership & Escalations: host weekly standups and manage operational decisions.

Skills

Program management

HR/engagement

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Metrics interpretation

Professionalism

Empathetic communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Google Slides

Google Sheets

Job description

We are seeking an exceptional, strategic leader to take on the role of Alumni Initiatives Work Lead for Students & Grads Tech. The Students & Grads Tech team builds Capital One’s pipeline of top junior talent by delivering a program that communicates our technology innovation and impact while developing outstanding associates at the start of their careers. In this role, you will serve as an Individual Contributor (IC) driving the overarching framework and engagement strategy for the S&G Tech Alumni portfolio, providing high-level direction across all workstreams and unifying our alumni initiatives into a cohesive, impactful post-program ecosystem.

As the Work Lead for our specialized alumni pod, you have a unique opportunity to pioneer the future of associate engagement at scale. We are looking for an ambitious self-starter who thrives in ambiguity, embraces autonomy, and is energized by the opportunity to lead the charge on brand-new initiatives. You will serve as the primary operational leader driving task prioritization, project delivery, and cross-functional alignment, while guiding the strategic work of a dedicated IC execution team. The ideal candidate possesses a mix of strategic vision, operational excellence, and entrepreneurial drive to shape an unprecedented alumni experience.

Why You Want This Job!

• Impact. You will drive the strategy that empowers our tech alumni, building a seamless post-program ecosystem and strengthening a community of over 3,100 associates.
• Challenge. You will have full operational autonomy to shape strategy, lead high-priority efforts, and streamline execution across multiple cross-functional workstreams.
• Great work environment. You can enjoy a fast-paced and fun work environment where innovation is rewarded and where you can learn from talented coworkers.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Alumni Strategy & Oversight: Drive the overarching framework and engagement strategy for the S&G Tech Alumni portfolio, acting as a self-starter to pioneer new initiatives in a dynamic, evolving space while providing high-level direction across all workstreams.
• Execution Partnership & Guidance: Oversee the strategic work of the Alumni IC team—guiding daily task prioritization, project delivery, and operational workflows to ensure alignment as they drive day-to-day delivery.
• Global Expansion Strategy: Direct the alumni strategy for Mexico City to establish a seamless post-program ecosystem ahead of the first TDP-MX cohort graduation in February 2027.
• Ecosystem Liaison: Work closely with program teams across S&G to build cross-functional support models and serve as the central subject matter expert for alumni engagement.
• Operational Leadership & Escalations: Host weekly alumni standups for joint problem-solving, act as the immediate point of contact for operational decisions and escalations, and participate in bi-weekly cross-pod syncs to maintain portfolio alignment.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 2 years of experience working in program or project management or at least 2 years of working in employee development or engagement or a combination of both

Preferred qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in program management, human resources, recruiting, or consulting.
• Experience working at a technology company
• Experience with project management
• Proficient knowledge of G Suites including Google Slides and Google Sheets
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional strategic initiatives and driving operational delivery
• Ability to interpret metrics and translate insights into overarching portfolio strategy
• High degree of professionalism and integrity when interacting with all customer contacts
• Strong empathetic communication skills with varying levels of leaders and associates

At this time, Capital One will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.

The minimum and maximum full-time annual salaries for this role are listed below, by location. Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one of these locations, and refers to the amount Capital One is willing to pay at the time of this posting. Salaries for part-time roles will be prorated based upon the agreed upon number of hours to be regularly worked.

McLean, VA: $120,800 - $137,900 for Principal Recruiter

Richmond, VA: $109,900 - $125,400 for Principal Recruiter

Candidates hired to work in other locations will be subject to the pay range associated with that location, and the actual annualized salary amount offered to any candidate at the time of hire will be reflected solely in the candidate’s offer letter.

This role is also eligible to earn performance based incentive compensation, which may include cash bonus(es) and/or long term incentives (LTI). Incentives could be discretionary or non discretionary depending on the plan.

Capital One offers a comprehensive, competitive, and inclusive set of health, financial and other benefits that support your total well-being. Learn more at the Capital One Careers website. Eligibility varies based on full or part-time status, exempt or non-exempt status, and management level.

This role is expected to accept applications for a minimum of 5 business days.

No agencies please.

Capital One is an equal opportunity employer (EOE, including disability/vet) committed to non-discrimination in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Capital One promotes a drug-free workplace. Capital One will consider for employment qualified applicants with a criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable laws regarding criminal background inquiries, including, to the extent applicable, Article 23-A of the New York Correction Law; San Francisco, California Police Code Article 49, Sections 4901-4920; New York City’s Fair Chance Act; Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Records Screening Act; and other applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding criminal background inquiries.

If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Capital One Recruiting at 1-800-304-9102 or via email at [e-mail]. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.