Director of Alumni Engagement and Signature Events, American University - Charity Search Group

Position Title: Director of Alumni Engagement and Signature Events

Reports to: Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations 

Position: Full-Time, On-site, Exempt

Location: Washington, D.C.; Maryland; Virginia

Salary: $95,000 - $105,000 annually

About American University

“We are a University of strivers and dreamers, of activists and artists, of scholars and servant-leaders. We realize that when we all contribute, we all succeed. We are, quite literally, one AU.” – President Sylvia Burwell

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly ranked schools and colleges, internationally renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Our students distinguish themselves with their service, leadership, and ability to rethink global and domestic challenges and opportunities.

At AU passion becomes action; students actively engage in the world around them; and the leaders of today train the leaders of tomorrow.

We are looking for candidates who reflect the diversity of our student body. At AU, we are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. American University was founded to respond to the needs of a changing world, with a set of guiding values—among them diversity, equity, and inclusion. AU cannot be excellent without being truly inclusive, and without taking the concrete, specific steps to improve our campus climate.

BIPOC, LGBTQ+, immigrants, multilingual, mature or differently abled candidates, and people of all faiths or none at all are encouraged to apply.

About Change Can’t Wait: The Campaign for American University

With a $500 million goal, Change Can’t Wait will create transformative educational opportunities for students, advance research with impact, and build stronger communities locally, nationally, and globally. Why us? Changemaking is in our DNA. Why now? We know change can’t wait.

Find out more about the campaign here.

The Role

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations (AVP), the Director of Alumni Engagement & Signature Events serves as a senior alumni relations officer, providing leadership and oversight of the Alumni Engagement (AE) team and the day-to-day operational management, strategic planning/goal-setting, and staffing decisions for the AE team. The Director of Alumni Engagement & Signature Events supervises a team of dedicated professionals who perform at the highest levels managing alumni volunteers and signature event development, including presidential events across in the National Capitol Region, as well as student and young alumni programming and our emerging reunions. Develops, fosters, and strengthens University relationships with alumni, donors, prospects, students, and internal constituents. 

Organizational Characteristics

This position reports directly to the Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations and will supervise two (2) full-time staff members. This position may also supervise student and/or part-time staff.

Requirements

Alumni Engagement & Event Management (40%)

Oversee all presidential signature events hosted by, or in partnership with, the Office of Alumni Relations, both virtual and live. Ensure that the presidential processes regarding calendar, approvals, and briefings, among others, are maintained with consistency and efficiency, working in concert with the other Directors of Alumni Relations as necessary. Work in concert with the AVP and the Vice President of University Advancement to ensure productive collaboration with the Office of the President.

Team Leadership (30%)

Provide management and leadership for the alumni engagement team. In addition to managing the team, the Director of Alumni Engagement & Signature Events will actively seek professional development, career pathing, and succession planning opportunities for professional staff. Collaborate with the AVP to ensure the effective execution of administrative and operational initiatives in alignment with strategic goals and utilize a set of metrics to track progress toward goals. Ensure integration of Alumni Relations operations with the appropriate internal units for ongoing project management, programming, and technology needs.

Volunteer & Alumni Board Engagement (15%)

In collaboration with the AVP, oversee the engagement of the former AU Alumni Board. This includes the conceptualization, implementation, and management of an integrated engagement strategy for these alumni; and managing the Nominations Committee of the Alumni Board. 

Cross-Department Collaboration (10%)

Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with cross-divisional University offices, particularly with the Division of Student Affairs, Admissions, the central events staff, and the President’s Office, to leverage existing and new opportunities.

Additional Duties (5%)

Perform other duties as assigned to enhance the mission and goals of the Office of Alumni Relations and University Advancement. Participate in relevant professional organizations and establish a professional cohort designed to augment ongoing professional development and the implementation of best practices.

Dimensions

Number of Personnel Directly Supervised: Will supervise a minimum of two (2) full-time professional staff members. May also supervise students and part-time staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in training or experience required. 
• A minimum of eight years of experience in creatively and sensitively approaching alumni relations, signature-level event management/execution, volunteer management, and marketing and/or brand management is essential. 
• Demonstrated ability to create, manage, and set priorities and to work with diplomacy and discretion.
• Must possess an aptitude to work effectively with people at all levels of an institution, including trustees, deans, faculty, staff, and alumni. 
• Proven skills and a track record in staff management and team building are required.  
• Strong leadership experience with a demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, manage, and develop a goal-oriented team of professional and administrative staff. 
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and written and oral communication skills, including public speaking.  
• This position requires evening and weekend work and travel as necessary. 
• Knowledge of fundraising is preferred, but not required.

Additional Information About the Position

Availability to work some nights and weekends, as well as to travel, regionally and internationally as required.

Benefits

American University offers a comprehensive benefits package and competitive compensation. 

American University has retained the services of Charity Search Group to coordinate the search for this position. To apply, please complete this online application. If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact Pascale Hughes at pascale@charitysearchgroup.com ​or visit www.charitysearchgroup.com

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin,  religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance,  gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.