Director of Student & Alumni Engagement, School of Pharmacy

SUMMARY

In support of the university's mission and objectives, the Director of Student and Alumni Engagement provides strategic initiatives that strengthen engagement across the student lifecycle-from recruitment through alumni involvement-while advancing the mission and strategic priorities of the School of Pharmacy.

Reporting to the Dean, this position develops and executes strategies that foster meaningful relationships with students, alumni, employers, donors, and community partners to enhance student success, career readiness, alumni engagement, and philanthropic support.

The Director provides career services, employer engagement, alumni relations, student milestone events, scholarship administration, strategic communications, and selected advancement initiatives. Working collaboratively across the university, the Director develops partnerships, evaluates program effectiveness, and advances initiatives that support accreditation standards, institutional priorities, and long-term organizational success.

Career Services, Employer Engagement & Communications

• Develops and implements the school's strategy for career services, employer engagement, and professional development.
• Cultivates partnerships with employers, healthcare organizations, alumni, and professional associations to expand experiential learning, networking, and employment opportunities.
• Leads communication and marketing initiatives that strengthen the school's visibility through digital communications, publications, newsletters, and social media.

Student Engagement Leadership

• Leads planning, execution, and continuous improvement of student milestone events, including Hooding, White Coat, Affirmation, and Reaffirmation ceremonies.
• Oversees programming for School chapel services and other student engagement initiatives that support professional formation and the school's mission.

External Relations Advancement & Scholarship Administration

• Partners with the Dean to cultivate relationships with donors, alumni, employers, and community stakeholders.
• Oversees the administration of student scholarships and financial awards while ensuring equitable, accurate, and timely processes.
• Leads planning and execution of signature events, including expos, leadership councils, alumni receptions, and awards galas that strengthen institutional relationships and organizational visibility.
• Supports fundraising and philanthropic initiatives that advance School priorities.

Alumni Engagement & Strategic Partnerships

• Develops and implements a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy that promotes lifelong relationships with graduates.
• Leads initiatives that facilitate the transition from student to engaged alumnus through ongoing professional and networking opportunities.
• Maintains the integrity of alumni records and utilizes engagement data to inform strategic planning, outreach, and program assessment.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, or related field, required; Master's degree preferred, or equivalent experience.

EXPERIENCE

3+ years of related work experience, required.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES

• Customer Service Orientation - Keeps internal and/or external key stakeholder(s), students, parents, faculty, staff and community partners in mind at all times.
• Professionalism - Displays a high level of professionalism, e.g. timeliness, reliability, communication, and work ethic.
• Christ-first Faith - Provides spiritual support to community members, including students, on their Christian faith journey.
• Business & Financial/Budget Acumen - Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of financial concepts, accounting, marketing and organizational functions.
• Confidentiality - Maintains the necessary confidentiality and discretion required for the position.
• Effective Communication - Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated messaging across a wide variety of audiences.
• Establishes Trust - Gains the confidence of others by actions and words that promote being honest, forthcoming, and vulnerable.
• Project and Time Management - Effective planning and priority setting. Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Teamwork & Collaboration - Creates a climate that fosters commitment to a common vision and shared values that promote cooperation and working together through trust and support of others both departmentally and cross-functionally

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work non-routine hours during certain times of the year.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to traverse campus and stairs.
• Ability to lift/move objects up to 25 pounds.