Senior Associate Director, Alumni Networks, 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 centers on 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.

Senior Associate Director, Alumni Networks

As Boston University continues to emphasize developing enhanced programming that engages a broad spectrum of our alumni, it is critical that we continue to offer regional opportunities in our major markets. As a member of the Alumni Relations team, the Senior Associate Director, Alumni Networks is responsible for regional volunteer management across key domestic and international markets.  Key responsibilities will include building and strengthening the alumni community by overseeing several alumni networks in BU’s major domestic and international markets; recruiting and training alumni volunteers for regional alumni network roles; actively stewarding relationships with volunteers to maintain, build, and strengthen alumni connections; and supervising the work of the Assistant Director, Alumni Networks, providing best practices for front-line volunteer management.

Position Responsibilities

Volunteer Engagement (40%)

• Engage alumni, increase their connection to each other and to the University by organizing, managing, and directing regional alumni programming and communications to further the overall goals of Advancement.
• Identify and develop volunteer leaders who represent the full spectrum of the overall alumni body. 
• Initiate and maintain regular correspondence with alumni volunteer leaders, ensuring that volunteers are properly onboarded and offboarded.  
• Work with data team to develop annual metrics for regional alumni engagement to ensure that the proper resources are being allocated in the right regions
• Oversee and attend regional programs and events as needed.
• Ensure all assigned volunteers are stewarded and thanked appropriately for their level of service in a way that is consistent across the Advancement program. Conduct end-of-year program evaluations, including volunteer surveys, to ensure structure aligns with strategic priorities of the department
• In partnership with database administrators and staff, ensure all assigned volunteers and members are coded in the CRM with periodic contact reports, updates, and event activity, so that a robust pipeline of volunteers is established. 

Program Development (30%)

• Meet regularly with regional alumni volunteer leaders to determine, create, and execute a calendar of regional programming that includes but is not limited to: Welcome to Your Network receptions, Beanpot game watches, Giving Day initiatives, Pride programming, and local bespoke programs as needed, and when budget allows.
• Work with Career Programs teams to cultivate alumni interests regionally, as well as offering digital-first engagement through platforms managed by Career Programs.
• Partner with colleagues on the Alumni Networks team, as well as the Communications and Strategic Events teams to ensure that goals and resources required for overall alumni programs are available and properly allocated.
• Work closely with Annual Giving to encourage individual giving and pipeline development through the identification, engagement, and cultivation of annual gifts, and the development and support of targeted constituent giving programs, including Giving Day.  

Leadership and Management (30%)

• Supervise the Assistant/Associate Director of Alumni Networks to build and maintain second-tier networks both domestically and internationally 
• Work with the Managing Director and Alumni Networks colleagues to develop the team’s overall goals with measurable outcomes  

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experienced advancement professional with three to five years of alumni relations or related experience 
• The candidate should be energetic, enthusiastic, and dedicated, with proven experience managing volunteers, problem-solving, and the ability to work with others to create effective affinity programs across many platforms.
• Proven experience with volunteer management. Experience working with high-touch alumni councils and volunteers preferred. 
• Ability to foster a culture of inclusivity and philanthropy across all programs and events.
• Demonstrated analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills with follow-up abilities are essential.
• Strong communication and planning skills, and a strategic, goal-oriented approach to work.
• Demonstrated ability to develop good working relationships up, down, and across an organization, and easily communicate with a broad range of audiences.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends, and to travel. 

Additional Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education advancement, alumni relations, or university-based engagement program.
• Familiarity with CRM systems, engagement metrics, and data-informed decision-making to evaluate program effectiveness.
• Experience collaborating across departments to advance alumni engagement, relationship development, and fundraising initiatives.

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.