Career & Alumni Engagement Specialist

Career & Alumni Engagement Specialist

Job #: 042586

Location: Syracuse, NY

Pay Range: $62,400

Hours:
Standard University business hours
8:30am - 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am - 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Job Type: Full Time

Job Description:

The Career and Alumni Engagement Specialist is an externally focused role that strengthens students career outcomes by integrating alumni, employers, and industry partners into the career development experience in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA). The position leads alumni- and employer-facing career initiatives, including mentoring, networking, and career programming, that connect students with professional pathways and real-world insight. Through sustained relationship-building, the Specialist expands access to mentors, speakers, employers, and career opportunities while ensuring alumni involvement is intentional, well-supported, and aligned with student career-readiness goals.

This position reports directly to the Director of Academic and Career Advising and has a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Assistant Dean for Advancement to support coordination related to alumni engagement, communication, and stewardship activities.

The Specialist works collaboratively with Career Services staff, Advancement colleagues, faculty partners, alumni, employers, and external industry representatives. The role operates within established priorities and works across teams to ensure coordinated career programming, alumni engagement, and external outreach.

This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by the union SEIU, Local 200United.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree.
• Relevant experience in higher education, alumni engagement, career services, advancement, employer relations, or a related professional environment.
• Experience coordinating programs, events, or external partnerships preferred.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong organizational and project management skills, including coordinating career programs, events, and initiatives involving alumni and employers.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships with alumni, employers, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and independently with initiative and accountability.
• Comfort using databases, engagement platforms, career management systems, and standard office technology.
• Ability to track participation and engagement, analyze outcomes, and summarize results for planning and reporting.
• Strong attention to detail, effective time management skills, and a high level of professionalism.
• Familiarity with career services platforms, alumni engagement tools, or employer-facing systems preferred.

Responsibilities:

Alumni Engagement:

• Part of a team that plans, coordinates, and delivers alumni engagement events and programs that support student career exploration, preparation, and networking, both in-person and virtual.
• Recruit and coordinate alumni participation in career-focused student programs throughout the year through social media promotion, in-person, and virtual event opportunities.
• Coordinate event logistics, communications, timelines, and post-event follow-up with alumni participants.
• Collect and share alumni career stories and outcomes to support ongoing engagement.

Employer Engagement:

• Identify alumni connections within employer organizations to strengthen engagement and collaboration.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to align employer engagement with student needs and career outcomes.
• Support the development and maintenance of relationships with employers and industry partners relevant to VPA programs.
• Coordinate employer participation in career events, recruiting activities, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records of employer contact information and participation data.

Alumni Mentor Network Management:

• Recruit, onboard, and orient alumni mentors representing a wide range of VPA disciplines and career paths.
• Promote mentor participation and maintain regular communication with mentors and students.
• Monitor platform activity, track consultations and outcomes, and follow up with inactive participants.

Alumni Participation and Relationship Support:

• Coordinate follow-up communication with alumni participants to sustain involvement over time.
• Track alumni interactions and flag engaged individuals for the Advancement Office to follow up with.
• Support stewardship communications, including donor acknowledgment letters and recognition for alumni who contribute time, expertise, or financial support.
• Maintain accurate records across platforms that support communication, recognition, and cultivation activities.

Student Career Advising and Development:

• Serve as a student-facing resource for career development by providing virtual and in-person appointments, including rsum reviews, interview preparation, job search strategies, and career planning.
• Connect students to employment and internship opportunities through proactive outreach and employer engagement.
• Maintain ongoing awareness of the evolving career needs, industry trends, and professional development requirements specific to VPA students through regular student engagement, feedback collection, and monitoring of relevant employment sectors.

Other Duties:

• Support alumni-related activities connected to the VPA Council and other advisory groups. Assist with special projects and initiatives as assigned. Participate in team meetings, planning sessions, training, and professional development. Other duties and projects as assigned.