Alumni and Community Relations Director

New York, NY

Summary

The firm is seeking an Alumni and Community Relations Director to lead two strategic priorities – Alumni Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility. This role drives alumni engagement through programming and initiatives while developing and executing the firm’s CSR strategy by creating opportunities for lawyers, Business Professionals, alumni and clients to engage in impactful community outreach efforts. The Director also leads external client substantive programming, partnering with key stakeholders to deliver impactful learning sessions that strengthen client relationships. The Director reports to the Chief Professional Development Officer and works collaboratively across departments including legal practice groups, Business Development, Firm and Client Events, Legal Talent Management, the Client Value Team, and Professional Responsibility. This position is based in New York on a hybrid (4 days in office) schedule.

Responsibilities

Alumni Relations

• Develop and execute a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy that maintains meaningful connections with former attorneys
• Build and maintain relationships with alumni across industries, seniority levels, and geographic locations
• Identify opportunities to leverage alumni relationships for business development, recruiting, and firm reputation
• Lead Alumni Relations team and collaborate with broader Professional Development department to develop and implement new initiatives

Alumni Programming & Offerings

• Design and implement alumni programming including networking events, educational panels, career development workshops, and social gatherings
• Manage alumni communications including newsletters, event invitations, and firm updates
• Coordinate firm-wide and practice group-specific alumni initiatives
• Work with firm’s Career Development team to connect alumni with in-house positions at client organizations

Database & Communications

• Track and analyze alumni career paths and engagement metrics
• Oversee alumni database management and data integrity
• Develop targeted communications strategies for different alumni segments
• Collaborate with Marketing on alumni-related content and storytelling

Client Programming Development

• Oversee a small team responsible for building and managing client training relationships
• Build relationships with client legal departments, learning & development teams, and general counsels to identify opportunities to expand client programming relationships
• Partner with practice groups, Client Value Team and Business Development to identify client training needs and ensure content stays current and aligned with client relationship strategies
• Oversee the on-demand programming library accessible online to clients and alumni

Corporate Social Responsibility & Volunteer Initiatives

Program Development

• Support the firm’s corporate social responsibility and volunteer initiatives
• Develop strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations aligned with firm values
• Design volunteer opportunities that engage employees across offices and seniority levels as well as clients

Event Coordination

• Plan and execute firm-wide and office-specific volunteer events
• Manage nonprofit relationships including communications, event logistics, and impact measurement
• Coordinate employee participation and track volunteer hours and impact

Strategic Partnerships

• Identify and cultivate relationships with charitable organizations
• Manage nonprofit partnerships including board service, sponsorships, and recognition opportunities
• Align volunteer initiatives with firm priorities, client and employee interests

Communications & Engagement

• Promote volunteer opportunities and celebrate employee participation
• Track and report on community impact metrics
• Collaborate with Marketing to share community engagement stories internally and externally

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; JD, advanced degree, or relevant professional certification preferred
• 7-10+ years of experience in alumni relations, professional development, client services, or related fields, preferably in legal or professional services
• Demonstrated success managing complex programs and building strategic relationships
• Exceptional project management skills with ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders

Compensation

Salary: $225,000.00 to $275,000.00 plus bonus.