Senior Director of Alumni Engagement & University Relations

Universityofnotredame; Notre Dame (IN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Notre Dame seeks an Executive Director of the Alumni Association and Associate Vice President for University Relations to provide strategic leadership for lifelong engagement with alumni, parents, families, and friends around the world.

Reporting to the Vice President for University Relations, this senior leader will guide a high‑performing Alumni Association team and a broad volunteer network, serving as a visible ambassador and spokesperson for Notre Dame.

Qualifications

• Experience leading large teams and volunteer networks.
• Strong strategic thinking and engagement planning.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Vision: Establish a compelling vision and long-term strategy for alumni engagement aligned with the University's priorities and mission.
• Strategic Leadership and Vision: Anticipate changing needs of alumni across generations and geographies, evolving programs and engagement strategies.
• Strategic Leadership and Vision: Use data, technology, and alumni feedback to evaluate impact and identify opportunities for engagement.
• Strategic Leadership and Vision: Serve as a member of University Relations leadership and trusted advisor to the VP for University Relations.
• Team and Organizational Leadership: Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing Alumni Association team.
• Team and Organizational Leadership: Set clear expectations and empower leaders to maximize impact.
• Team and Organizational Leadership: Align structures, talent, resources, and programs with strategic priorities.
• Team and Organizational Leadership: Develop future leaders and provide growth opportunities.
• Alumni Board and Volunteer Leadership: Build a strong partnership with the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
• Alumni Board and Volunteer Leadership: Strengthen collaboration with board leadership and volunteers.
• Alumni Board and Volunteer Leadership: Inspire, equip, and steward the extensive network of volunteer leaders.
• Alumni Board and Volunteer Leadership: Ensure volunteers understand priorities and represent Notre Dame effectively.
• Alumni Engagement and Community: Strengthen lifelong relationships through faith, service, learning, career development, and community activities.
• Alumni Engagement and Community: Lead major alumni experiences and traditions.
• Alumni Engagement and Community: Deepen engagement across generations and worldwide.
• Alumni Engagement and Community: Partner across colleges, Athletics, Student Affairs, and other units to connect alumni with Notre Dame's life and mission.
• University Ambassador and Spokesperson: Represent Notre Dame to alumni, parents, friends, volunteers, and communities worldwide.
• University Ambassador and Spokesperson: Communicate the University’s mission and priorities with authenticity and clarity.
• University Ambassador and Spokesperson: Represent Notre Dame at alumni gatherings and events.
• University Ambassador and Spokesperson: Build trusted relationships across the Notre Dame family.
• Leadership in a Complex Environment: Navigate cultural, social, institutional, and public issues with wisdom and diplomacy.
• Leadership in a Complex Environment: Build bridges across perspectives while keeping Notre Dame’s mission at the center.
• Leadership in a Complex Environment: Anticipate issues affecting alumni relationships or the University’s reputation and collaborate with leadership.

Job description

The University of Notre Dame seeks an Executive Director of the Alumni Association and Associate Vice President for University Relations to provide strategic leadership for lifelong engagement with alumni, parents, families, and friends around the world.

Reporting to the Vice President for University Relations, this senior leader will guide a high‑performing Alumni Association team and a broad volunteer network, serving as a visible ambassador and spokesperson for Notre Dame.