Alumni Relations Associate, Advancement

Boston University Advancement

Boston University Advancement is at a pivotal moment, guided by new leadership and a clear strategic framework for growth and impact. Our work is organized around three core priorities: securing $500 million in philanthropy annually; deepening relationships with a strategically defined segment of alumni and donors; and strengthening the organizational foundation while launching focused priority areas across the University.

Advancement is evolving into a highly collaborative, matrixed model that integrates new University leadership, regional engagement, and the distinctive strengths of BU’s schools and colleges. With more than 250 advancement professionals, the organization is building the capacity, partnerships, and culture required to deliver sustained philanthropic momentum and institutional impact.

Alumni Relations Associate

Reporting to the Managing Director of Alumni Relations, the Alumni Relations Associate provides operational, analytical, and programmatic support across the Alumni Relations team, including Networks, Career Programs, and Affinity Programs. The Associate will play an important role in coordinating team operations, managing alumni data and reporting, supporting program development and execution, and identifying opportunities to improve processes and systems.

This position requires strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities with a high degree of independence. The Associate will work across the Alumni Relations team and collaborate with colleagues throughout Advancement and the University, as well as alumni, volunteers, faculty, staff, vendors, and University leadership. The ideal candidate is comfortable working with constituent data and CRM systems, translating data into actionable reports and insights, coordinating projects from planning through completion, and developing effective processes that support the team's goals.

The Alumni Relations Associate will also serve as a key operational partner to the Managing Director, helping to coordinate priorities, track follow-up and deliverables, and ensure the effective execution of Alumni Relations initiatives.

Position Responsibilities

Database Management & Analytics (35%)

• Manage and maintain alumni engagement data within the University's CRM, ensuring accurate and timely documentation of contacts, volunteer activity, event participation, and other engagement activities.
• Develop and run CRM queries and reports to generate targeted alumni lists for programs, communications, outreach, and engagement initiatives.
• Analyze alumni data and translate findings into actionable lists, reports, and summaries to support planning and decision-making.
• Coordinate the upload and reconciliation of contact reports and other constituent data, identifying and resolving data inconsistencies as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain recurring reports for the Managing Director and Alumni Relations team to track engagement activity, program participation, and other key metrics.
• Identify opportunities to improve data management, reporting processes, and CRM practices across the Alumni Relations team.

Internal Program & Project Coordination (35%)

• Coordinate the planning, execution, and follow-up of Alumni Relations team programs, meetings, roundtables, retreats, and other internal initiatives.
• Independently manage project logistics, timelines, communications, registrations, materials, vendors, speakers, catering, space, and other program needs.
• Develop project plans, timelines, meeting materials, and follow-up processes to ensure initiatives are executed effectively and on schedule.
• Coordinate with faculty, University leadership, Advancement colleagues, vendors, and other stakeholders to support successful program execution.
• Track action items, deliverables, and next steps and proactively communicate updates, risks, and outstanding needs to relevant stakeholders.
• Contribute ideas and recommendations for improving Alumni Relations programs, processes, and team operations.

Alumni Relations Operations & Administrative Support (30%)

• Provide day-to-day operational support to the Managing Director and Alumni Relations team, including calendar coordination, meeting scheduling, travel arrangements, expense reporting, and University paperwork.
• Coordinate communications and logistics for meetings and engagements involving the Managing Director, including outreach to alumni and other constituents.
• Establish and maintain organized systems for managing event materials, contact reports, correspondence, and other Alumni Relations records.
• Prepare meeting agendas, materials, notes, and follow-up communications as needed.
• Monitor administrative processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, organization, and service across the Alumni Relations team.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource to colleagues regarding Alumni Relations processes, systems, and administrative procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2–4 years of relevant experience in alumni relations, higher education administration, advancement, program coordination, project management, or a related field.
• Experience managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated analytical and organizational skills, including the ability to collect, organize, interpret, and report data to support operational planning and decision-making.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, leadership, and external constituents.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and coordinate projects and administrative processes from planning through completion.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education, alumni relations, university advancement, fundraising, or constituent engagement.
• Familiarity with constituent relationship management (CRM) systems, such as Salesforce, Blackbaud, or similar platforms, including database queries, reporting, and data management.
• Experience developing and maintaining reports, tracking metrics, and translating data into actionable insights and recommendations.
• Experience coordinating programs, events, meetings, retreats, or other initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.

But that’s not all we’re looking for; we want someone who embodies our values:

• Teamwork, transparency, and mutual respect, because we value every member’s contributions and know that leadership can come from anywhere.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and a commitment to ensuring that each of us knows we belong here.
• Integrity in how we work and how we treat one another.
• Strategic thinking and curiosity in the relentless pursuit of fresh approaches and measurable results.
• Continuous growth and improvement, both as individuals and as a team.
• Joy and shared appreciation for working hard toward goals that matter.

To apply and learn more about Advancement at Boston University and other job opportunities, please stop by the Advancement Talent website: https://www.bu.edu/advancement-talent/.

We recognize that no candidate brings every experience or qualification to a role. If you're excited about this opportunity and believe your skills and experiences could contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply, even if your background doesn't align perfectly with every qualification listed. We value diverse perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking, and we're committed to building a team where everyone can thrive.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural, protective, or culturally significant hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

If you require reasonable accommodation in order to complete the employment application process, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at 617-358-1796.