Assistant Director, Alumni Affinity Programs, Advancement

The Assistant Director will develop and coordinate programs and networking opportunities that strengthen connections between current students and alumni across various academic disciplines and interest areas, fostering mentorship relationships and career development initiatives. Additionally, this role will use data-driven assessment tools to measure program effectiveness and enhance future offerings and will partner with other Advancement units on successful program execution, including Annual Giving and Regional Networks.

Boston University Advancement

Boston University Advancement is at a pivotal moment, guided by new leadership and a clear strategic framework for growth and impact. Our work centers on three core priorities: securing $500 million in philanthropy annually; deepening relationships with a strategically defined segment of alumni and donors; and strengthening the organizational foundation while launching focused priority areas across the University.

 

Advancement is evolving into a highly collaborative, matrixed model that integrates new University leadership, regional engagement, and the distinctive strengths of BU’s schools and colleges. With more than 250 advancement professionals, the organization is building the capacity, partnerships, and culture required to deliver sustained philanthropic momentum and institutional impact.

 

Assistant Director, Alumni Affinity Programs

 

The Assistant Director, Alumni Affinity Programs, reports to the Director of Alumni Affinity Programs. The Assistant Director creates and implements programs to engage undergraduate Boston University students through the Student Alumni Association. This position will also manage the Boston University Young Alumni Council, a group comprised of BU graduates who completed their degree work within the last twenty years.

 

This person will serve as a primary liaison between BU Advancement and the Student Alumni Association and the Young Alumni Council. The Assistant Director will develop and coordinate programs and networking opportunities that strengthen connections between current students and alumni across various academic disciplines and interest areas, fostering mentorship relationships and career development initiatives. Additionally, this role will use data-driven assessment tools to measure program effectiveness and enhance future offerings and will partner with other Advancement units on successful program execution, including Annual Giving and Regional Networks.

 

This position requires strong organizational skills, excellent communication abilities, and a passion for building inclusive communities that celebrate the BU experience.

 

Position Responsibilities

 

Program Oversight (40%)

Student Alumni Association (SAA):

• Engage undergraduate student leaders from across campus to help strengthen student and alumni connections while fostering the importance of engagement and philanthropy.
• Work with student volunteers to plan programs for the student body, as well as strategic opportunities for students and alumni to engage with each other.
• Ensure SAA presence at critical campus moments, including orientation, Alumni Weekend, Family Weekend, Commencement, etc.
• Work with Director of Alumni Affinity Programs to develop plans for further engagement following a volunteer’s graduation from BU.

 

Boston University Young Alumni Council (BUYAC):

• Manage the BUYAC, a select group of recent graduates (2006-2026) who seek to foster and increase opportunities for all young alumni wanting to engage with their alma mater.
• Ensure BUYAC presence at signature campus events including Alumni Weekend and Commencement, and develop regional strategy (working with Alumni Networks team) to increase engagement.
• Partner with Boston University Alumni Council (BUAC) to allow for networking opportunities with the BUAC.
• Work with Director of Alumni Affinity Programs to develop plan for further engagement following the conclusion of a volunteer’s term.

 

Volunteer Management (30%)

• Recruits and retains new student and alumni volunteers for SAA and BUYAC.
• Works with Director of Alumni Affinity Programs to create role definitions, descriptions, and best practices for volunteers.
• Collaborates with Alumni Relations colleagues to determine opportunities for partnerships as needed.
• Creates agendas and content, as well as schedules routine meetings with SAA and BUYAC members.
• Works with colleagues across Advancement to create philanthropy pipeline when appropriate

 

Program Execution (30%)

• Works with Director of Alumni Affinity Programs to plan, build, and execute annual programming for the SAA and BUYAC.
• Maintains and executes calendars of meetings and events, manages lists, compiles data and reports, conducts proactive follow-up and outreach.
• Partners with Marketing and Communications on the marketing of all programs.
• Maintains oversight of SAA and BUYAC budgets.
• Oversees content on SAA and BUYAC websites.
• Works with offices across campus (Center for Career Development, First Gen, Student Affairs, etc.) to implement programs that are topical and applicable for BU students and young alumni.
• Works with Director of Alumni Affinity Programs on evaluating annual programming to determine value, outcomes, and next steps.

Required Skills

QUALIFICATIONS

 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and three to five years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience managing, engaging, or supporting volunteers.
• Experience planning and executing programs, events, or engagement initiatives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills, including managing calendars, meetings, events, lists, follow-up, and multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to compile information, assess program effectiveness, and support data-informed decisions.
• Strong planning and decision-making skills with consistent attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to build effective working relationships across departments and organizational levels.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to motivate, train, and support volunteers and colleagues.
• Ability to manage and monitor program budgets.
• Commitment to building inclusive communities and creating programs that engage participants across academic disciplines, interests, and backgrounds.
• Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends and to travel as required.

 

Additional Qualifications

• Professional experience in advancement, alumni relations, higher education, student engagement, or a related field.
• Experience working with undergraduate students, recent graduates, or young alumni.
• Experience managing volunteer councils, advisory groups, student organizations, or affinity-based programs.
• Experience developing mentorship, networking, career-development, or philanthropic engagement opportunities.
• Experience partnering across multiple departments or functional areas to deliver programs.

 

But that’s not all we’re looking for; we want someone who embodies our values:

• Teamwork, transparency, and mutual respect, because we value every member’s contributions and know that leadership can come from anywhere.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and a commitment to ensuring that each of us knows we belong here.
• Integrity in how we work and how we treat one another.
• Strategic thinking and curiosity in the relentless pursuit of fresh approaches and measurable results.
• Continuous growth and improvement, both as individuals and as a team.
• Joy and shared appreciation for working hard toward goals that matter.

 

To apply and learn more about Advancement at Boston University and other job opportunities, please stop by the Advancement Talent website: https://www.bu.edu/advancement-talent/.

We recognize that no candidate brings every experience or qualification to a role. If you're excited about this opportunity and believe your skills and experiences could contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply, even if your background doesn't align perfectly with every qualification listed. We value diverse perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking, and we're committed to building a team where everyone can thrive.

 

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural, protective, or culturally significant hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

If you require reasonable accommodation in order to complete the employment application process, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at 617-358-1796.

Required Experience