Associate Director of Alumni Engagement

Overview

The Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University is the only stand-alone graduate school of nutrition in the US. From bench science to policy, the Friedman School educates future leaders and advances solutions to today’s most pressing challenges in nutrition, health, and food systems.

The Office of Development and Alumni Engagement builds and sustains relationships with alumni, students, parents, corporate partners, and friends to secure the philanthropic support needed for the school’s priorities, including endowment, capital, and annual giving.

What You'll Do

The Associate Director of Alumni Engagement oversees all aspects of the Friedman School's alumni engagement program, with a particular focus on building and sustaining a strong base of alumni volunteers. Working closely with the Director of Development, the Associate Director develops and implements strategies that deepen alumni connection to the school through meaningful volunteer opportunities, strategic events, and outreach.

This role leads the recruitment, training, and management of alumni volunteers, with primary responsibility for the Alumni Association Executive Council and its committees, ensuring volunteers are positioned as effective ambassadors and partners in strengthening engagement. The Associate Director also oversees the planning and execution of alumni events, including reunion, regional events, and school-based activities, and manages all associated outreach and communications. In addition, they work closely with department staff to manage budgets, partner with other school or Advancement departments, and develop new programs that engage the school's graduates.

• Design and implement alumni programming and events to foster increased alumni involvement with the school. Launch new programs and/or seek ways to improve current programs to achieve engagement goals.
• Provide leadership and staffing for the Alumni Association, directing its Executive Council in programming and fundraising. Recruit, train, manage and inspire its volunteers.
• Manage Alumni Association Executive Council committees, including setting goals and supporting the execution of initiatives that expand alumni involvement.
• Strategically develop regional alumni chapters to reengage graduates in key geographies.
• Build strong relationships with alumni and volunteer leaders, fostering long-term connection to the school and a sense of shared investment in its success.
• Plan, manage, and lead alumni events, including managing registration, communication/mailings, catering, staffing, and logistics for large-scale alumni events both on and off-campus.
• Prepare briefings and talking points for school leadership and volunteers participating in events.
• Develop and carry out communication strategies across email, social media, web, print, and other channels to keep alumni informed and connected to the school.
• Partner closely with the Director of Annual Giving to align alumni engagement and volunteer activity with fundraising priorities and key campaigns (e.g., Tufts Marathon Team, Tufts Giving Tuesday)
• Manage content for the Friedman School’s alumni web pages, including online resources and alumni benefits.
• Serve as the primary liaison for university-wide activities and Friedman School departments that engage Friedman alumni (e.g. Ellie Block and Family Career Services Center, Student Affairs, TUAA Alumni Awards, etc.)
• Maintain budgets and ensure strong financial oversight for alumni programs and events.
• Contribute to special projects and initiatives as needed

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements:
Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 5-7 years of experience in alumni engagement, donor relations, development or comparable constituent relations experience.
• Must have exceptional interpersonal skills, with a track record of building strong relationships with alumni, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, with the ability to manage complex projects and multiple priorities with accuracy and follow-through.
• Proven ability to facilitate meetings and lead group discussions, keeping participants engaged and moving shared work forward.
• Superior written communication skills, and familiarity with marketing and communications strategies.
• Strong organization and project management skills, including planning, executing, and assessing programs and events.
• Knowledge of alumni engagement best practices and trends.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required for events. Travel required.
• Required computer/technical skills: Microsoft Office and some complex donor and information database experience (e.g. Salesforce, Razor's Edge, Millennium, proprietary system)
• Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills, superior organization skills, and a customer service orientation.
• Experience managing volunteers, committees, and event logistics is essential. Travel will be required.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in marketing or communications and/or fundraising experience will be a plus.
• Demonstrated interest in the health sciences and/or experience with complex databases, such as Salesforce, will be very helpful.

Pay Range

Minimum $65,900.00, Midpoint $82,300.00, Maximum $98,800.00

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.