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 & Constituent Engagement. This is an exciting opportunity if you thrive in an interesting and fast-paced work environment.
Reporting to director, Alumni & 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 be coordinating and managing alumni volunteers, programs, events and services related to corporate and entrepreneur engagement.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement: Developing and executing strategies to attract, recruit, and onboard alumni volunteers. Nurturing strong relationships with current and potential volunteers to ensure sustained engagement and commitment.
• Programmatic Growth: Developing and executing strategies to increase the impact and reach of current programs such as Tartans@Work within various corporations and industries of strategic institutional importance. Collaborating with volunteers to create new programming in areas with significant alumni presence and interest.
• Entrepreneur Engagement: Fostering and maintaining relationships with alumni entrepreneurs to facilitate mentorship opportunities, networking events, and collaboration initiatives aimed at supporting current students and recent graduates in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
• 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 supporting 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 engagement initiatives, using data-driven insights to refine strategies. Collaborating with volunteers to ensure the submission of annual plans and year-in-reviews that meet the Networks of Excellence guidelines. Preparing regular reports on growth, engagement levels, and key performance indicators.

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:
  • network effectively and build connections that drive engagement
  • relate well to and understand the needs and interests of undergraduate and graduate alumni and students within corporate and startup spaces
  • initiate, analyze, monitor, evaluate, and alter strategic plans related to specific core responsibilities
  • manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while prioritizing work for self and volunteers
  • lead teams and work independently
  • 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
  • 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
  • be flexible and patient
• Excellent organizational, verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, reasoning and problem-solving skills
• High degree of self-confidence and creativity 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 preferably within alumni relations, development, corporate engagement, career development or related field; seven or more years preferred of progressive experience working directly with alumni chapters or networks, events planning, volunteer management or comparable experience.
• Experience working directly with a diverse group of volunteers, and/or experience in a corporate or startup environment preferred.
• Administrative experience in higher education at a research institution similar to Carnegie Mellon preferred.
• Strong volunteer management and event planning skills.
• Practical understanding of entrepreneurship and corporate culture.

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

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays . Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access , and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page .

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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