Director Alumni Relations - Institutional Advancement

Position Summary: This position is responsible for leading a comprehensive, university-wide alumni engagement strategy that builds and strengthens lifelong relationships between alumni and the university.

This role develops and executes programs that foster meaningful connections with alumni through volunteer opportunities, philanthropy, career development, advisory boards, and lifelong learning.

This position partners with internal and external stakeholders to cultivate alumni engagement that supports the university's mission and strategic priorities.

This role acts as a positive culture champion for the division.

This position provides leadership to the Alumni Relations team, collaborates across university departments, and ensures alumni are actively recognized and engaged as key members of the university community throughout every stage of their personal, educational, and professional lives.

Salary & Benefits: * $80,000-$92,500, commensurate with experience.

* Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

Primary Duties: * Design and lead the implementation of a comprehensive alumni engagement plan that enhances alumni affinity, advocacy, giving, and lifelong learning while being a positive culture champion for the division.

* Serve as the primary ambassador for alumni engagement efforts, representing the university to alumni, volunteers, and community stakeholders.

* Lead a dedicated Alumni Relations team to deliver high-quality, inclusive engagement experiences.

* Strengthen alumni involvement through targeted opportunities such as advisory councils, mentoring, event participation, and lifelong learning initiatives.

* Consult and collaborate with internal and external partners on the planning, direction and facilitation of alumni events that connect to university priorities and promote tradition and affinity, perpetuate university traditions and mark milestones.

* Lead, support, and resource alumni boards and affinity and regional networks establishing policies for network formation and governance, procedures for communication and coordination, and metrics for evaluation.

* Build and maintain strategic partnerships with university departments including academic units, career services, and admissions to integrate alumni and support institutional initiatives including enrollment, philanthropy, advocacy and student success.

* Work with academic and enrollment teams to develop and promote clear pathways for alumni to continue their education whether through executive programs, stackable credentials, or flexible graduate programs.

* Use data-driven insights to measure engagement outcomes, assess effectiveness, and inform future strategies.

* Collaborate to maintain strategic data management for alumni records.

Provide consultation on the optimization and promote the use of technologies utilized in Alumni Relations.

* Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Bachelor's degree in related field or knowledge equivalent to that which would normally be gained through the completion of a four-year degree.

* Minimum of five to seven (5-7) years of experience within an educational institution or comparable experience in a related field.

* Demonstrated leadership in managing and mentoring teams across multiple functions, with a focus on performance improvement and collaboration.

* Proven ability to manage multiple projects from start to finish, ensuring timelines are met and outcomes achieved efficiently.

* Experience executing communications plans that deliver clear, timely, and compelling messages to target audiences.

* Strong communicator and collaborator who can work with other departments to ensure integrated and efficient project execution.

* Experience with databases and CRM systems.

* Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to guide strategy, measure success, and adapt approaches to evolving needs.

* Ability to handle information in a confidential and sensitive manner.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Master's degree preferred.

* Seven (7) or more years of experience working within an educational institution.

* Strong understanding of alumni, fundraising processes, prospect research, and volunteer engagement strategies.

* Experience with alumni and leading teams.

Working Conditions: * Normal office environment.

Some travel may be required.

How to Apply: * Please provide a cover letter and resume for this position.

The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically.

If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Institutional Advancement at . If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at . * Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e.

a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Application Deadline: * Application review begins Monday September 29.

2025.

This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.

The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability.

GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

See TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or (out of State). Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

University policy extends protections to additional identities.