AVP, Alumni Relations

Summary The Assistant Vice President (AVP), Alumni Relations serves as the chief alumni relations officer at American University, providing strategic vision, leadership, and operational oversight for all centralized alumni programming, engagement, and outreach. This senior leader develops and executes a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy aligned with the university’s strategic priorities, coordinates across schools and administrative units, sets measurable goals based on the CASE framework, and ensures deep, long‑term relationships with the university’s 160,000+ living alumni worldwide. Essential Functions Strategic Leadership and Alumni Engagement – Develop, implement, and continuously refine a multi‑year alumni engagement strategy aligned with university priorities; set and track measurable goals across CASE engagement dimensions; use data analytics, engagement scoring, and predictive modeling to inform strategy; partner with senior leaders to integrate engagement into campaign planning; serve as strategic advisor on emerging technologies and AI‑driven personalization. Volunteer Management and Board Leadership – Oversee strategic direction and governance of the AU Alumni Board, including recruitment, onboarding, and training; build a diverse, inclusive volunteer pipeline; develop alumni chapter, regional, and affinity group leadership; create clear goals, operating plans, succession planning, and measures of success. Cross‑Unit Coordination and Collaboration – Assess and coordinate alumni engagement, communications, and programming across all schools and administrative units; manage a multi‑channel marketing plan; partner with Career Services, Admissions, and other units to expand alumni career mentoring and recruitment programs; leverage technology to build a connected global alumni community. Alumni Programs, Events, and Lifelong Learning – Oversee planning and execution of signature alumni events and experiential learning; assess program effectiveness through metrics, surveys, and cost‑benefit analysis; expand opportunities for early‑career, mid‑career, and diverse alumni; focus on high‑density alumni areas such as the DMV. Team Leadership and Management – Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing alumni relations team; recruit, hire, train, and evaluate staff; manage the operating budget; foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Cultivation, Solicitation, and Philanthropic Engagement – Maintain a portfolio of high‑potential alumni prospects; collaborate with development staff to align engagement with fundraising goals; build an engagement‑to‑giving pipeline; supervise the Director of Alumni Engagement and other senior team members. Required Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree. 10+ years of relevant experience in alumni relations, development, advancement, or a related field. Ten or more years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, with at least five years in a senior management role overseeing alumni engagement at an institution with a significant alumni body (100,000+ preferred). Demonstrated success developing and executing comprehensive alumni engagement strategies. Proven experience recruiting, managing, and stewarding high‑level volunteer boards and advisory committees. Strong track record of building relationships with senior administrators, deans, trustees, faculty, and external stakeholders. Coordinated with development colleagues and performed direct fundraising solicitation for major gifts or leadership annual giving. Experience using data analytics, engagement scoring, and CRM systems to measure outcomes and drive improvement. Excellent communication skills for reports, presentations, and stakeholder engagement. Proficiency with advancement CRM systems (e.g., Ellucian Advance, Salesforce, Blackbaud) and Microsoft Office; familiarity with digital engagement platforms and emerging technologies. Ability to manage multiple complex priorities in a fast‑paced environment with maturity, integrity, and sound judgment. Preferred Education and Experience Master’s degree or equivalent in higher education administration, nonprofit management, communications, business administration, or a related field. Experience supporting or leading a comprehensive fundraising campaign. Knowledge of CASE alumni engagement metrics, benchmarking, and best practices. Experience with digital engagement platforms, AI‑driven personalization tools, and virtual/hybrid event technologies. Familiarity with DEI best practices in alumni programming and volunteer management. Advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills, including market research and data‑driven decision‑making. Travel Required This position requires approximately 20%–40% travel, including regional and national travel for alumni events, volunteer cultivation, and professional conferences. Additional Eligibility Qualifications Candidate must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Benefits AU offers a competitive benefits package. For more information, see the university’s benefit options. Other Details Hiring is contingent on a successful background check. Employees in staff positions must deliver services from the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or on‑site at the university. The job announcement may not cover all duties and may change at any time. Equal Opportunity Statement American University is an equal‑opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, or genetic information. Employment Status American University is an E‑Verify employer. This is a full‑time, executive position requiring 35 hours per week, with evening and weekend work frequently required for events and programming. A hybrid work schedule may be available in accordance with university policy. Salary Range $185,000.00 – $210,000.00 annually. #J-18808-Ljbffr