Director, Alumni and Parent Engagement

Union College Career Center in Becker Hall • Schenectady, NY

1d • $90,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement is responsible for creating, sustaining and strengthening lifelong relationships between the College, its alumni and current parents. Through strategic planning and execution of programs, communications and events, the Director fosters meaningful engagement that builds community, activates volunteers and advances philanthropic involvement. The Director provides strategic vision, operational leadership and hands-on management for all alumni and parent engagement initiatives, including signature events. This role leads staff, manages budgets and vendor relationships, identifies program needs and develops metrics to assess effectiveness and impact. A collaborative and relationship-driven leader, the Director works closely with campus partners, senior campus leaders, key volunteers and board members to increase participation and align alumni and parent engagement efforts with the College’s institutional priorities. A deep appreciation for the interconnected nature of alumni engagement, volunteerism and fundraising is essential, as is the ability to translate engagement into long-term institutional affinity and support.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and/or a combination of relevant education, training, certifications and 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in alumni relations, advancement, engagement or a closely related field, preferably within higher education.
• Demonstrated success in planning, executing and assessing alumni and/or parent engagement programs, including large-scale events and volunteer initiatives.
• Proven leadership and supervisory experience, including the ability to manage, mentor and develop professional staff.
• Strong strategic planning, project management and organizational skills with the ability to effectively manage multiple details, priorities and deadlines.
• Experience developing and managing budgets, contracts and vendor relationships.
• Experience using data and metrics to inform strategy, measure engagement and improve program outcomes.
• Experience managing alumni boards or advisory committees.
• Familiarity with reunion programs, regional alumni networks and class-based volunteer models.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with a range of constituencies including alumni, parents, volunteers, trustees, faculty, staff and campus leaders.
• Able to introduce and drive innovation in ways small and large.
• Able to exercise exceptional judgment, ensure strict confidentiality and demonstrate outstanding professionalism in a range of situations.
• A creative mindset, tact, flexibility, attention to detail and commitment to customer service are essential.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across departments and contribute effectively as a member of a leadership team.
• Commitment to fostering a sense of respect and belonging among alumni, parents and the broader campus community.
• Occasional travel, weekend and evening work are required.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for the Alumni and Parent Engagement team by establishing performance goals, measures of success and standards of excellence to ensure high-quality programming, deliver service to alumni and volunteers and achieve targeted outcomes.
• Lead, manage and mentor staff responsible for alumni and parent engagement initiatives, fostering a collaborative, results-oriented work environment.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive alumni and parent engagement strategy that increases participation, strengthens affinity and supports institutional priorities.
• Manage and support the Alumni Council, working closely with the Council’s Executive Committee to guide engagement, programming and initiatives. Responsibilities include oversight of Council finances and operating budget, alumni trustee elections, and awards and recognition programs honoring alumni, faculty and staff.
• Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of meaningful alumni and parent programs and events, including but not limited to ReUnion Weekend, Homecoming and Family Weekend, the President’s Reception, virtual programs and regional alumni events.
• Coordinate and manage select class ReUnion committees to enhance engagement and participation, drive philanthropy and contribute to the overall alumni experience during ReUnion Weekend.
• Collaborate with the Office of Annual Giving to integrate alumni engagement and ReUnion programming with annual giving efforts, strengthening philanthropic outcomes and donor participation.
• Partner with Advancement Communications to develop and execute an alumni communication strategy, including written and digital communications, social media and consistent messaging and branding.
• Develop and manage annual and long-range program plans and budgets, ensuring responsible fiscal stewardship and effective use of resources.
• Establish, monitor and analyze key performance metrics to assess program effectiveness, inform decision-making and identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Benchmark with peer and aspirational institutions to identify best practices and emerging trends in alumni and parent engagement.
• Serve as a member of the College Relations leadership team and collaborate with senior administrators, trustees, volunteers and campus colleagues to advance institutional goals.

Benefits

• Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
• Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays (in accordance with policy)
• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
• Employee Scholarships toward Certifications, Seminars, Training and Professional Development
• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
• Tuition programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director