Senior Director, Alumni Engagement

Cornell University, a nationally ranked Ivy League institution, is looking for a Senior Director, Alumni Engagement to join the SC Johnson College of Business in Ithaca, NY.

The Senior Director of Alumni Engagement at the SC Johnson College of Business is responsible for leading the college's alumni engagement strategy and overseeing initiatives that foster strong connections across the alumni community. Reporting to the Associate Dean of Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D), the Senior Director manages a team of seven engagement officers and directs programs that strengthen constituents' connection with the college, Cornell, and one another.

The Senior Director's portfolio includes leadership of the college's reunion activities, regional alumni programming, next-generation alumni initiatives, diversity-focused engagement, and lifelong learning opportunities. This role requires balancing the college's established engagement practices with innovative approaches to enhance alumni participation, philanthropy, and volunteerism.

The Senior Director will develop and implement both short- and long-term strategies to strengthen engagement with key audiences, including alumni, students, parents, and friends. The position requires a strategic and collaborative leader with strong communication skills and experience managing teams. The Senior Director will work to instill a culture of engagement and philanthropy throughout the alumni lifecycle, aligning efforts with the overall goals of the college and Cornell.

Key Responsibilities

We are looking for someone who can:

• Provide leadership and direction in the overall planning, implementation and direction of a comprehensive alumni affairs program, including traditional and non-traditional alumni programs.
• Develop and maintain relationship with key faculty, deans, school deans and department heads for the purpose of involving alumni in the educational mission of the College.
• Develop and nurture relationships with key alumni leaders and college volunteers, including advisory council members and trustees.
• Assist in the development of strategies and activities designed to strengthen specific relationships and involvement of key alumni, donors and donor prospects.
• Responsibly manage significant budgetary resources.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and 7-10 years of relevant experience, including management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse constituents and build lasting relationships.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; able to adapt messaging for different audiences.
• Proven success in creating ideas, developing, and managing events and programs.
• Strong problem-solving skills with sound judgment and attention to detail.
• Ability to negotiate with diplomacy and integrity.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex environments, identify opportunities, and drive initiatives forward.
• Skilled at managing multiple priorities under pressure and meeting deadlines.
• Works independently and collaboratively across teams.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and advocating for individuals of all backgrounds.
• Proven experience connecting diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing practices to business goals.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

Working Environment

-Typically lifts less than 10 lbs

-Normal concentration

-Limited exposure to hazards

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Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

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The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell's union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.