Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement

Job Summary:

The Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement is responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive engagement strategy that offers meaningful opportunities for volunteerism, service, professional development, and participation in events and programs that support the student experience. While the role primarily focuses on alumni, it also supports broader external engagement initiatives. The position's primary objective is to cultivate loyalty, deepen relationships, and increase annual engagement among alumni, parents, and friends of Alvernia University. In collaboration with the Chief Advancement, Government and Athletics Officer and the Associate VP of Institutional Advancement, the Director will strengthen constituent affinity, advance institutional priorities, and increase measurable engagement across the Alvernia community.

Essential Functions:

Mission, Culture & Leadership

• Model Alvernia's Franciscan values through compassionate service, ethical leadership, and commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful community for all.
• Cultivate a student and alumni culture that prioritizes transparency, accessibility, and proactive communication.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff, fostering professional growth, accountability, and collaboration.

Alumni Relations & Engagement

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for alumni engagement, facilitating growth, volunteer leadership development, and philanthropic involvement.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators related to alumni participation, volunteer leadership, event attendance, digital engagement, and philanthropic engagement in alignment with institutional goals.
• Plan, manage, and execute Alvernia's key alumni events, such as Homecoming and Family Weekend, alumni athletic events, and alumni - student academic department events, to increase engagement and enhance the student experience.
• Manage the Alumni Council, offering leadership development, coordinating regular meetings, and promoting involvement in university initiatives.
• Develop and steward alumni volunteer leadership opportunities that support mentorship, career networking, student engagement, admissions outreach, reunion programming, and philanthropic initiatives.
• Oversee alumni communications and digital engagement strategies across print, email, social media, web, and emerging platforms to strengthen constituent connection and participation.
• Organize and manage the Alvernia Women's Council program to enhance alumni, parent, student, and community engagement opportunities and intergenerational work.
• Build strong cross-campus partnerships with departments, including Academics, Student Life, Enrollment Management, Career Services, Athletics, Graduate and Adult Education, and others, to align engagement efforts with institutional priorities and to enhance student experiences.
• Develop and manage parent and family engagement strategies that strengthen connection to the University and support student success initiatives. Manage campus ESP for Parent Engagement.
• Supervise the Alumni and Constituent Engagement Coordinator and Work-Study students.
• Manage contact information, track engagement activities, communications, and monitor progress toward participation and giving goals through RENXT (Raisers Edge CRM)
• Represent the University at key events for alumni, parents, students, donors, and friends, both on campus and regionally.
• Develop and oversee the annual budget for alumni and constituent engagement, in collaboration with the Associate VP of Institutional Advancement and Chief Advancement, Government, and Athletics Officer.

Professional Development, Customer Service & Representation

• Lead or contribute to internal training and professional development initiatives that enhance compliance, service excellence, communication, and inclusive practices across the organization.
• Promote a high standard of customer service by modeling responsive, solutions-oriented interactions with students, clients, colleagues, and external partners.
• Serve as a positive ambassador for the organization by communicating its mission, values, and offerings effectively to internal and external audiences.
• Represent the university at recruitment and outreach events, including open houses, orientations, and community engagement programs.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform additional duties, as assigned to support departmental and organizational needs.

Qualifications/Education:

• Commitment to the organization's mission, values, and service-oriented culture.
• Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree in a related field preferred.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in [relevant field].
• Five (5) years of supervisory or team-lead experience, demonstrating the ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff.
• Proficiency in relevant systems, databases, and software applications.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, evaluate processes, and implement improvements.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing demands.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, or travel as required.

Physical Requirements:

• Regular and reliable attendance is essential for the performance of this role.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

Employee Benefits:

Join a team that values your well-being! We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family:

• Robust Health Coverage: Choose from three offered medical plans, plus dental and vision.
• Financial Security: Enjoy University-paid life/AD&D insurance and long-term disability, with options for short-term disability and supplemental coverage for you and your family (including accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans). Flexible spending accounts are also available.
• Exceptional Retirement: Start saving immediately with our 403(b) Retirement Plan. You'll get 100% immediate vesting, a University gift contribution, and a generous match up to 5% of your deferrals.
• Time Off & Flexibility: Take advantage of 18 paid holidays each year and the possibility of flexible or hybrid work options for many roles.
• Invest in Your Future: Enjoy tuition remission benefits for yourself and your dependents.
• On-Campus Wellness: Benefit-eligible employees on our main campus receive free access to our Medical & Counseling Center.
• Employee Meal Plan: This plan provides convenient, flexible dining options on campus at a reduced cost.