Director of Alumni Relations at Suffolk University – Boston, Massachusetts

Founded in 1906, Suffolk University is comprised of three schoolsthe College of Arts and Sciences, Suffolk University Law School, and the Sawyer Business School. Suffolk has an alumni population of over 90,000 living graduates worldwide.

Description

Suffolk Universitys alumni engagement programs are critical to advancing the Universitys mission and strategic goals. Our Alumni Relations programs serve to engage and inform current and future alumni, involve them as volunteers in meaningful ways, strengthen their pride in and attachment to Suffolk, and continue to build a culture of philanthropy with Suffolks 90,000+ alumni across their entire life cycle.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Alumni Engagement and Donor Relations and in close collaboration with the Associate Vice President, Advancement Engagement, Alumni Relations, and Summa Leadership Giving as well as other members of Advancement leadership, the Director of Alumni Relations is responsible for developing a comprehensive, diverse, and inclusive program to engage Suffolk alumni in meaningful ways and promote philanthropic support of Suffolk. The Director will research, develop, plan, implement, and evaluate a broad range of alumni engagement programming including events, digital and in person outreach, volunteer management, fundraising and special programs. The ideal candidate will be a strong self-starter who takes initiative, works independently while balancing multiple priorities, and collaborates effectively with leadership, volunteers, and colleagues across the institution.

Work Environment & Schedule
The Division of Advancement operates on a hybrid schedule, with three days per week in the office and two days remote, to ensure a consistent campus presence and support collaboration. Suffolk values in-person engagement, which strengthens relationships across Advancement and the broader campus community and supports effective planning and execution of events and initiatives. Given the nature and scope of this Director-level role, additional in-office presence may be required based on business needs, event schedules, and operational priorities. On remote days, the Director is expected to be fully available during regular working hours and responsive to colleagues, volunteers, and campus partners. In-office days may occasionally shift to accommodate event preparation and key responsibilities.

Primary/Principal Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include supervising alumni relations staff members, developing alumni programming that informs and engages the Suffolk community and enhances the Universitys reputation including but not limited to Suffolk Weekend (Alumni/Family Weekend), 10 under 10 Recognition Night, Celebration of Black Excellence, and Reunion programs. The Director will also lead the development and support of alumni volunteer structures. The current volunteer structure includes five alumni volunteer groups including Law Alumni Board, Sawyer Business School Alumni Board, College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Board, Suffolk University Black Alumni Network, and Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD). The director will also assist in fundraising initiatives including supporting Day of Giving, Reunion Giving and Class Giving efforts and involving volunteers in meaningful ways.

Program Development

• Work with Assistant Vice President of Alumni Engagement & Donor Relations on developing goals and objectives for the Alumni Relations function within the Advancement Engagement department.
• Work closely with the Assistant Vice President of Alumni Engagement and Donor Relations to develop a comprehensive, diverse, and inclusive program to engage Suffolks 90,000+ alumni in meaningful ways and promote philanthropic support of Suffolk at the annual giving level including:
• Plan, promote and implement alumni engagement events and programs.
• Provide program oversight to the Alumni Relations function and serve as key partner to Advancement Engagement areas of Annual Giving, Stewardship and Donor Relations.
• Achieve Advancement Engagement and Alumni Relations goals and metrics.
• Create collaborative relationships with other divisions on campus-wide events and initiatives to provide alumni perspective and volunteers as needed.
• Assist with Advancement communications efforts.

Staff Management and Coaching

• Supervise a team of approximately 2-4 full-time alumni relations employees.
• Develop operating plans and goals for the Alumni Relations program and each team member.
• Hire and onboard new team members as needed.
• Serve as a motivating supervisor.

Volunteer Management

• Oversee the alumni volunteer structure comprising of over 100 volunteer leaders.
• Serve as the alumni staff liaison and ex-officio member for one or more alumni volunteer organizations such as CAS Alumni Board, SBS Alumni Board and/or Law Alumni Board.
• Build partnerships with the alumni volunteers. Manage the identification and recruiting of board membership in alignment with the Universitys strategic plan and supporting them in becoming a full representation of the Universitys diverse alumni population.
• Review and help to update current Alumni Volunteer structure and policies and governance materials with senior Advancement leaders and volunteer leaders.
• Build connections with other institutions on volunteer management best practices.

Fundraising

• Manage a portfolio of 30 annual giving prospects. Create relationships and work to increase support.
• Ensure alumni volunteers are continuing a culture of philanthropy and work with them to achieve 100% giving participation.
• Oversee volunteers for annual giving campaigns including Day of Giving program and class rep reunion program.
• Lead the senior class gift and Law School 3L/4L Class gift campaigns

Requirements/Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree with a minimum of 4-5 years of relevant experience required. Advanced degree preferred.
• The ideal candidate will demonstrate initiative and be strategic, well-organized and goal oriented with an enthusiastic and positive personality, strong interpersonal skills, and a collaborative work style.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated success with developing and sustaining relationships with donors and volunteers.
• Experience and/or strong interest in supervising a team.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with both internal and external constituents with demonstratedintegrity and a spirit of enthusiasm for the University.
• Understanding of and appreciation for the mission and goals of the University.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and a strong commitment to help developing and implementing the Universitys Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies and goals.
• Flexibility in initiating and responding to changing priorities and situations.
• Ability to organize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail and prioritization to meet deadlines.
• Experience with Raisers Edge NXT, or a similar constituent database, and Microsoft Office.
• A high level of diplomacy, tact and confidentiality.
• Ability to work weekends and evenings as assigned.
• Eagerness to perform additional duties as assigned and assist with special projects as assigned.

Salary: $71, 250.00 - 118,750.00