Associate Director of Alumni Relations (Volunteer Engagement & Reunions)

The Associate Director of Alumni Relations (Volunteer Engagement & Reunions) advances Bellarmine University's mission by designing, leading, and integrating volunteer engagement strategies and reunions that strengthen lifelong relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the University. This role exists to ensure volunteers are meaningfully engaged, well-supported, and aligned with institutional priorities while delivering strategic, consistent, and compelling communications that deepen alumni connection, participation, and philanthropic support.

Provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Bellarmine University's comprehensive volunteer structure, ensuring clarity of purpose, alignment with institutional priorities, and meaningful engagement experiences for all volunteers.

Facilitates the launch, ongoing management, and evolution of the Bellarmine President's Council, serving as the primary staff liaison to Council members. Responsibilities include member recruitment and onboarding, agenda development, meeting facilitation, follow-up actions, and alignment of Council activities with presidential and institutional priorities.

The Associate Director provides strategic leadership and comprehensive management of the university's reunion programs, with a primary focus on fostering meaningful alumni engagement and strengthening lifelong connections to the institution. This role oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of milestone reunion cycles, partnering closely with alumni volunteers, campus stakeholders, and advancement colleagues to design inclusive, high-impact experiences. Responsibilities include recruiting, training, and supporting reunion committees; developing and implementing outreach and communication strategies; and aligning reunion activities with broader institutional priorities, including philanthropic goals. The Associate Director ensures a cohesive and memorable alumni experience by managing timelines, budgets, and event logistics, while also evaluating program effectiveness to inform continuous improvement and long-term engagement strategies.

This is an on-site position.

No supervisory responsibilities at this point.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops and oversees a comprehensive volunteer engagement strategy that supports alumni relations, annual giving, major gifts, athletics, and institutional priorities.
• Recruits, trains, supports, and recognizes alumni and donor volunteers, including advisory boards, regional leaders, reunion committees, and event volunteers.
• Serves as a strategic partner to Development and University leadership to align volunteer efforts with fundraising, engagement, and stewardship goals.
• Builds strong relationships with alumni leaders, faculty, staff, and campus partners to foster collaboration and maximize engagement impact.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Interpersonal and Professional Skills:

• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills, particularly with volunteers, alumni leaders, and donors.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence, motivate, and inspire volunteers and staff.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proven ability to collaborate across departments and build trust with campus partners.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when representing the University.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment with occasional high-profile deadlines and events.

Job Requirements:

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in higher education, alumni relations, volunteer management, communications, advancement, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating volunteers and managing complex relationships.
• Experience leading teams and projects.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in higher education, particularly within advancement or alumni relations.
• Familiarity with alumni databases, CRM systems, and digital communication platforms.
• Experience supporting fundraising or campaign-related volunteer initiatives.