Associate Director of Alumni Engagement

Description

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• The Associate Director of Alumni Engagement plays a key leadership role in implementing St. Bonaventure University’s alumni engagement strategy. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement, this position coordinates alumni communications initiatives, manages alumni volunteer leadership networks, and develops programs designed to strengthen lifelong connection between alumni and the university.
• The Associate Director serves as the primary operational partner to the Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement, ensuring that strategic alumni engagement priorities are translated into coordinated programs, communications, and volunteer initiatives that expand alumni participation and leadership involvement.
• This role collaborates extensively with colleagues across Advancement, including Annual Giving, Advancement Events, Athletics Development, and University Communications to ensure alumni engagement initiatives are coordinated, visible, and aligned with institutional priorities and philanthropic goals.

Examples of Duties

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Alumni Engagement Program Leadership

Lead the planning and implementation of assigned alumni engagement programs and initiatives designed to strengthen lifelong connection between alumni and St. Bonaventure University. Coordinate alumni programming including regional gatherings, networking opportunities, and engagement initiatives across alumni communities such as young alumni networks, regional alumni chapters, and affinity groups. Partner closely with the Associate Director of Advancement Event Operations to support logistical planning and execution of alumni events.

25%

Alumni Volunteer Leadership and Engagement

Serve as the primary staff liaison for alumni volunteer leaders including young alumni initiatives, regional chapter leaders, and affinity\-based alumni communities. Recruit, train, and steward alumni volunteers who assist with engagement programs, mentoring initiatives, and alumni leadership activities. Identify and cultivate emerging alumni leaders who may serve in future volunteer leadership roles including Alumni Council, reunion committees, and advancement volunteer initiatives

20%

Alumni Communications and Storytelling

Coordinate the development and management of alumni engagement communications in collaboration with Advancement and University Communications. Manage alumni messaging across digital platforms including email campaigns, newsletters, and social media channels. Develop alumni\-centered storytelling content that highlights alumni achievements, student impact, and university milestones to strengthen alumni pride and connection to the university.

15%

Alumni Mentoring and Student Engagement

Partner with the Office of the President and the Career and Professional Readiness Center to support alumni participation in student mentoring and networking initiatives. Recruit, prepare, and steward alumni volunteers who serve as mentors, speakers, or career networking participants. Assist with promotion and engagement strategies that encourage alumni and student participation in mentoring opportunities.

10%

Advancement Collaboration and Alumni Giving Participation

Collaborate with Annual Giving and Advancement colleagues to support alumni participation in philanthropic initiatives including Giving Day, Athletics Giving Day, and other engagement\-driven campaigns. Coordinate alumni volunteer outreach that supports participation and strengthens alignment between alumni engagement and philanthropic priorities

10%

Alumni Engagement Data and Reporting

Maintain accurate alumni engagement records within the university’s CRM system. Track alumni participation, volunteer engagement, and program outcomes. Assist the Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement in monitoring engagement metrics and identifying trends that inform program improvements.

10%

Digital Alumni Engagement

Develop and support digital engagement initiatives that connect alumni to the university through online programming, storytelling, and virtual networking opportunities.

5%

Team and Operational Support

Support the Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement in advancing strategic priorities and coordinating implementation of alumni engagement initiatives across the division. Provide operational support for Alumni Council initiatives, volunteer leadership meetings, and engagement activities. Supervise student workers or graduate assistants as assigned.

5%

Supplemental Functions:

Attend alumni programs, university events, and advancement activities as required. Provide support for major alumni engagement initiatives including Homecoming, Reunion, and other university\-wide events. Perform other duties that support the mission and goals of the Division of Advancement.

Typical Qualifications

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Education:

Bachelor’s degree required.

Years of Experience:

4–6 years of progressive experience in alumni engagement, advancement, nonprofit engagement, higher education administration, communications, or related field preferred.

Experience working with volunteer leadership groups, alumni communities, or membership\-based organizations is highly desirable.

Certification and/or Licensure:

Valid driver’s license required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Superior written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage diverse constituencies including alumni, students, volunteers, and university leadership.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously.
• Ability to recruit, motivate, and steward volunteer leaders in meaningful engagement roles.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship\-building skills.
• Ability to analyze data and track engagement outcomes to inform program improvements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with CRM systems and digital communication tools.
• Experience with graphic design or visual content development (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar platforms) is preferred.
• Ability to travel and work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays as required.
• Commitment to the mission and values of St. Bonaventure University.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

Standard office environment with regular use of computer systems. Ability to travel and attend off\-campus alumni events. Occasional lifting and extended standing during events may be required. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Full\-time employees at SBU enjoy unparalleled Benefits

Abundance of Time off

Tuition Remission

• 100% undergraduate tuition remission for employee, spouse, and dependents
• 80% graduate tuition remission for employee (online and ground programs)
• 50% for spouse (ground programs only)

Full Benefit package

• 403b Retirement Plan \+ 10% Employer contribution after 2 years
• Health Insurance with $250 Wellness card
• Dental Insurance
• Employer Paid Life insurance
• Short\-term Disability
• Employer Paid Long\-term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program

Other Perks

• Free access to campus fitness center
• 2 free Division 1 Men’s Basketball Season tickets
• Golf course membership discount
• Other National and Local discounts available

St. Bonaventure University is located in the scenic Enchanted Mountain region of Western New York, approximately 75 miles south of Buffalo, New York, with easy access to major metropolitan areas. A close\-knit and caring community guided by its values of compassion, wisdom and integrity, St. Bonaventure is dedicated to academic excellence as informed by its Franciscan and liberal arts traditions. The university is committed to developing an inclusive community and preparing leaders dedicated to ethical conduct and compassionate service.

The university currently enrolls approximately 2,000 undergraduate students and more than 1,000 graduate students in its schools of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Communication, and Health Professions. U.S. News \& World Report ranks SBU in the top 15% of regional universities in the North, for both value and overall. St. Bonaventure is a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference (NCAA Division I), with athletes participating in 20 sports.