Director, GW Alumni Association

I. JOB OVERVIEW

Job Description Summary:

The Director of the Alumni Association will lead the strategic vision and operational management of a 320,000-member alumni body at one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious higher education institutions. The Director will foster lifelong relationships between the university and its alumni, spearheading programs and initiatives that engage, inform, and inspire graduates to stay connected, give back, and champion the institution’s mission.

The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a proven track record in alumni relations, communications, and volunteer engagement, with a deep commitment to building community and cultivating a vibrant, active alumni network.
Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy that supports the university’s long-term goals, including increasing participation in alumni events, volunteer opportunities, and philanthropic efforts.
• Oversee the creation and execution of innovative programs that encourage lifelong learning, career development, and mentorship opportunities for alumni.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key alumni leaders, university stakeholders, and institutional partners.

Program Development & Management

• Design and manage high-impact events, from large-scale reunions and homecomings to regional gatherings and virtual engagements.
• Establish targeted affinity programs to engage diverse alumni groups, such as young alumni, international graduates, and industry-specific networks.
• Collaborate with university departments to integrate alumni into key institutional priorities, such as student recruitment, career services, and advocacy.

Communication & Outreach

• Lead a multi-channel communication strategy, including newsletters, social media, alumni magazine contributions, and digital platforms, to keep alumni informed and engaged.
• Develop marketing and storytelling campaigns that highlight the achievements of alumni and the impact of their contributions to the university.

Volunteer & Donor Engagement

• Recruit, train, and manage a network of alumni volunteers to support university initiatives, including fundraising, admissions outreach, and mentorship.
• Partner with the Advancement office to support alumni giving campaigns, stewardship programs, and donor cultivation efforts.

Data & Metrics Management

• Oversee the maintenance and analysis of alumni data, ensuring its accuracy and utility for engagement efforts.
• Develop performance metrics to evaluate the success of alumni engagement programs and report findings to university leadership.

Key Competencies

• Exceptional communication and storytelling abilities.
• Visionary thinker with the ability to execute complex initiatives.
• Collaborative leader skilled in building relationships across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Data-driven approach to decision-making and strategy development.
• Passion for higher education and a deep understanding of the alumni lifecycle.

This role requires some travel and occasional evening/weekend work to attend alumni events. It is a highly collaborative position that works closely with university leadership, faculty, staff, and alumni worldwide.

Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 7 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 5 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in alumni relations, advancement, or a related field, with a demonstrated ability to lead large-scale programs is desired.
• Proven success in developing and implementing strategic initiatives to increase alumni engagement and support.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire a large and diverse community of alumni.
• Experience with volunteer management, event planning, communications, and fundraising is desired.
• Proficiency with alumni databases and digital engagement tools is preferred.

Hiring Range

$72,235.20 - $99,250.68

GW Staff Approach to Pay

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit

II. JOB DETAILS

Campus Location:

Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department:

Development & Alumni Relations

Family

Dev & Alumni Relations

Sub-Family

Alumni Relations

Stream

Individual Contributor

Level

Level 4

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full-Time

Hours Per Week:

40

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday (daytime hours) Occasional evenings/weekends Domestic travel

Will this job require the employee to work on site?

Yes

Employee Onsite Status

Hybrid

Telework:

Yes

Required Background Check:

Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status

Internal Applicants Only?

No

Posting Number:

S013397

Job Open Date:

10/23/2024

Job Close Date:

12/31/2024

If temporary, grant funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:

Background Screening

Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement:

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.