Associate Director, Alumni and Constituent Engagement - University Advancement

Carnegie Mellon is enjoying its most productive fundraising years in its history, surpassing the initial fundraising goal for its $2 billion Make Possible campaign more than 18 months ahead of schedule.
University Advancement (UA) supports the entire CMU community in building relationships with key constituencies and securing the financial resources the university needs to continue its ascent. As the division grows, we are seeking an associate director, Alumni and Constituent Engagement. This is an exciting opportunity if you thrive in an interesting and fast-paced work environment.
Reporting to the director, Alumni and Constituent Engagement, you will be responsible for developing initiatives to promote and foster high quality, life-long relationships between the University and its alumni. You will also coordinate and manage alumni volunteers, programs, events and services related to domestic networks.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement: Developing and executing strategies to attract, recruit, and onboard alumni volunteers to expand network reach. Nurturing strong relationships with current and potential volunteers to ensure sustained engagement and commitment.
• Network Growth and Activation: Creating and implementing plans to increase the number of active alumni networks in various domestic, international, identity, or affinity groups. Collaborating with volunteers to establish new networks in areas with significant alumni presence and interest. Developing, implementing, and evaluating strategies that support and manage a group of active networks.
• Leadership Identification, Development, and Succession Planning: Identifying potential network leaders and cultivating relationships with them to ensure their commitment and effectiveness. Developing and maintaining succession plans to ensure a smooth transition of leadership within alumni networks. Providing ongoing training and support to network leaders, enhancing their leadership and management skills.
• Exceptional Customer Service: Providing responsive and high-quality support to volunteers, addressing their needs, concerns, and inquiries promptly. Acting as the primary point of contact for volunteers, offering guidance and solutions to challenges they encounter.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of network engagement initiatives, using data-driven insights to refine strategies. Collaborating with network leaders to ensure the submission of annual plans and year-in-reviews that meet the Networks of Excellence guidelines. Preparing regular reports on network growth, engagement levels, and key performance indicators.
• Other duties as assigned.

Passion, excellence and flexibility are vital qualities within University Advancement. A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging; collaboration; and cultural awareness are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact and work with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should demonstrate:

• The ability to:
  • relate well to and understand the needs and interests of undergraduate and graduate alumni/students
  • interact with campus community and external constituents to produce effective programs
  • proactively develop cooperative relationships with key faculty and staff members, colleagues and alumni volunteers
  • initiate, analyze, monitor, evaluate, and alter strategic plans related to specific core responsibilities
  • network effectively and build connections that drive engagement
  • manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, while prioritizing work for self and volunteers
  • lead teams and work independently
  • pay attention to detail while managing multiple programs and budgets
  • diplomatically manage difficult situations while maintaining composure
  • make oral presentations for large and small groups
  • work well under pressure while managing inflexible deadlines
• Excellent organizational, verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, reasoning and problem-solving skills
• High degree of self-confidence, creativity and patience at both the strategic and tactical level.

You should be able to travel domestically and be willing to work outside of normal business hours as needed. Evening and weekend work will occasionally be required; teleconferencing is required with varied times due to time zone differences. You should be able to work in a variety of environments related to indoor and outdoor university events.

Qualifications 

• A bachelor’s degree is required; master’s degree preferred with a broad knowledge of university advancement functions.
• Five to seven years of experience within alumni relations/development or related field; seven or more years preferred of progressive experience in events planning, volunteer management, or student affairs. Budgetary oversight experience preferred.
• Progressive experience working directly with a diverse group of volunteers, alumni chapters and/or networks preferred.
• Administrative experience in higher education at a research institution similar to Carnegie Mellon preferred.
• Strong volunteer management and event planning skills.

Requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and successfully complete a driver's license verification on an annual basis. Must complete the National Safety Council Defensive Driver Training once every three years
• Successful background check

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Alumni Relations

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: 

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon ” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. 

• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. 

• Statement of Assurance