Director, Alumni and Constituent Engagement - University Advancement

Carnegie Mellon is enjoying its most productive fundraising years in its history, raising more than $950M over the last three years. 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 a director, Alumni and Constituent Engagement. This is an exciting opportunity if you thrive in an interesting and challenging work environment. Reporting to the executive director, Alumni and Constituent Engagement you will develop, strengthen, implement and direct all aspects of various activities in alumni relations for major programmatic areas such as the domestic and international networks, as well as alumni identity groups and student organization alumni networks. You will also manage a team of assigned alumni relations staff.

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.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Network Engagement Strategies: Designing and implementing comprehensive engagement strategies that increase alumni participation within networks. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate these strategies into the broader alumni engagement framework.
• 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.
• Developing, implementing, and evaluating strategies that support and manage a group of active networks both domestically and abroad, as well as identity and affinity.
• Establishing goals and objectives for alumni networks that support the overall vision of the office. Evaluating the use of resources based on program effectiveness.
• Supervising staff including, but not limited to, hiring, firing, training, performance management and professional development.
• Developing and managing budgets; evaluating the use of funds within assigned programs.
• Identifying and pursuing opportunities for collaboration and partnership among campus partners; serving as a liaison between alumni and various university departments. Networking and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders to ensure successful integration and coordination of networks within the larger university community.
• Participating on various committees of the Alumni Association Board to align their goals and work to that of the Alumni Association.
• Other duties as assigned.

Passion, excellence and flexibility are vital qualities within University Advancement. A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; collaboration; and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact 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:
  • effectively network and build connections that drive engagement develop, implement and assess programs and initiatives
  • engage senior university leaders, faculty members, and alumni of different backgrounds in alumni programs
  • develop and manage projects and related budgets
  • teach professional views and skills to staff, colleagues and volunteers
  • manage staff and alumni volunteers
  • conceptualize at high levels
  • be patient when working with volunteers
  • manage multiple inflexible deadlines
  • pay close attention to detail
  • work independently and in small teams
  • manage difficult situations while maintaining composure
  • prioritize work and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
  • work well under pressure
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent leadership skills

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. 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.
• Seven to ten years of experience within alumni relations preferably working directly with alumni chapters or networks, or comparable experience. Experience in volunteer training and management, program analysis and development, the development of success metrics and supervisory experience.
• Experience working directly with a diverse group of volunteers is preferred.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, reasoning, and analytical 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