Assistant Director of Alumni Relations

The Assistant Director of Alumni Relations develops and implements programs and engagement opportunities that strengthen relationships between Clarkson University and its alumni. The position maintains both an assigned regional alumni portfolio and a programmatic portfolio, building meaningful relationships with alumni and volunteers while managing several of Clarkson's signature alumni programs.

The Assistant Director works collaboratively with Alumni Relations, Development, Donor Experience and campus partners to create engagement opportunities that strengthen alumni affinity, cultivate volunteer involvement and support the broader advancement goals of the University.

Regional Alumni Engagement & Development Partnership
* Manage an assigned regional alumni portfolio aligned, where possible, with Development gift officer territories.
* Build and maintain relationships with alumni and volunteers within assigned regions through personal outreach, programs, events and other engagement opportunities.
* Support and strengthen regional alumni chapters and volunteer networks within assigned territories.
* Recruit, cultivate and support regional volunteers, including alumni who can serve as event hosts, connectors, speakers and University ambassadors.
* Develop regional engagement opportunities based on alumni interests, constituent data and University priorities.
* Identify alumni who may have potential for deeper engagement and share relevant relationship intelligence with Development colleagues.
* Establish an intentional working relationship with corresponding Development gift officer(s), regularly sharing engagement information and opportunities to coordinate relationship-building.
* Partner with Development and Donor Experience on selected regional Development events. Contribute regional and alumni insight during planning and execute agreed-upon event logistics and alumni engagement activities.
* Travel as needed to support regional and University-sponsored alumni programs and events.

Reunion & Alumni Engagement Programs
* Lead the planning and execution of Clarkson's Reunion program, including program development, event logistics, budget management, volunteer coordination, communications and promotion.
* Work collaboratively with Alumni Relations colleagues and campus partners to deliver a cohesive and meaningful alumni experience.
* Develop opportunities within Reunion and other programs to strengthen alumni relationships and encourage continued involvement with Clarkson.
* Recruit, communicate with and support Reunion volunteers and class leaders.

* Evaluate participation and feedback and recommend improvements to future Reunion programs.
* Serve as Alumni Relations team lead for the annual Hockey Telecast program, coordinating planning and execution with alumni hosts, volunteers and University partners.
* Develop resources and communications to support participating alumni groups and hosts.
* Lead or support additional Alumni Relations programs and special projects as assigned.

Alumni Awards & Alumni Gateway
* Manage the Alumni Association Leadership Board awards process, including nominations, research, committee support, recipient communications and recognition activities.
* Coordinate the preparation of award recipient biographies and related materials.
* Partner with University Archives, AALB and other stakeholders on Alumni Gateway exhibits and messaging.
* Maintain and recommend updates to alumni recognition displays and related content within the Alumni Gateway.
* Identify opportunities to use alumni recognition and storytelling to strengthen alumni pride and engagement.

Affinity Engagement & Alumni Programs
* Develop and support alumni affinity groups based on shared experiences, interests, identities, academic programs, activities and other meaningful connections to Clarkson.
* Partner with alumni volunteers and campus colleagues to identify opportunities for new or expanded affinity engagement.
* Support affinity-based communications, programs, events and volunteer leadership.
* Evaluate affinity engagement and recommend strategies for strengthening participation and connection.

Volunteer Engagement
* Recruit, cultivate and steward alumni volunteers for Alumni Relations and broader University opportunities.
* Develop meaningful opportunities for alumni to contribute their time, expertise and connections to Clarkson.
* Identify alumni with potential for increased involvement and volunteer leadership.
* Partner with colleagues across Clarkson seeking alumni volunteers and facilitate appropriate connections.
* Maintain accurate volunteer and engagement information within Clarkson's constituent database.

Department & University Collaboration
* Collaborate with Alumni Relations colleagues to support major alumni programs and signature events.
* Partner with Development, Donor Experience and other University departments on alumni engagement opportunities.
* Contribute to departmental planning, assessment and continuous improvement.
* Maintain accurate records of alumni interactions, volunteer involvement and program participation.
* Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimal Qualifications:
* A combination of education and relevant professional experience that demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform the responsibilities of the position.
* Relevant experience in alumni relations, higher education, institutional advancement, volunteer management, constituent engagement, event/program management, communications or a related field.
* Demonstrated experience managing programs or events, building relationships with constituents or volunteers, and collaborating effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree.
* Three or more years of relevant experience in alumni relations, higher education, institutional advancement, volunteer management, constituent engagement, event/program management or a related field.
* Experience working with alumni or other constituent groups and cultivating volunteers.
* Experience using constituent relationship management systems, preferably Slate.

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
* Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-based environment with diverse groups of volunteers on and off campus.
* Strong organizational, project management and event planning skills.
* Ability to manage multiple programs, deadlines and priorities simultaneously.
* Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
* Experience using CRM platforms; experience with Slate preferred.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite of products.
* Ability and willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends in support of other University and regional events such as Commencement, COGO, and Reunion Weekend.
* Ability to travel alone and with colleagues.

The physical demands characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Health & Safety: All staff has a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff is therefore required to adhere to the University's Health, Safety, and Environmental Policy & Procedures.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

Special Instructions to Applicants: An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, Clarkson actively seeks and encourages applications from veterans and people with disabilities.

All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully passing a background check (including, but not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, and criminal records