Director of Alumni Relations

Founded in 1906, Suffolk University is comprised of three schools—the College of Arts and Sciences, Suffolk University Law School, and the Sawyer Business School. Suffolk has an alumni population of over 90,000 living graduates worldwide.

Suffolk University’s alumni engagement programs are critical to advancing the University’s mission and strategic goals. Our Alumni Relations programs serve to engage and inform current and future alumni, involve them as volunteers in meaningful ways, strengthen their pride in and attachment to Suffolk, and continue to build a culture of philanthropy with Suffolk’s 90,000+ alumni across their entire life cycle.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Alumni Engagement and Donor Relations and in close collaboration with the Associate Vice President, Advancement Engagement, Alumni Relations, and Summa Leadership Giving as well as other members of Advancement leadership, the Director of Alumni Relations is responsible for developing a comprehensive, diverse, and inclusive program to engage Suffolk alumni in meaningful ways and promote philanthropic support of Suffolk. The Director will research, develop, plan, implement, and evaluate a broad range of alumni engagement programming including events, digital and in person outreach, volunteer management, fundraising and special programs.

Work Environment & Schedule

The Division of Advancement operates on a hybrid schedule, with three days per week in the office and two days remote.

Primary/Principal Responsibilities

• Supervising alumni relations staff members
• Developing alumni programming including Suffolk Weekend, 10 under 10 Recognition Night, Celebration of Black Excellence, and Reunion programs
• Leading the development and support of alumni volunteer structures
• Assisting in fundraising initiatives including Day of Giving, Reunion Giving and Class Giving efforts

Program Development

• Work with Assistant Vice President on developing goals and objectives
• Plan, promote and implement alumni engagement events and programs
• Achieve Advancement Engagement and Alumni Relations goals and metrics

Staff Management and Coaching

• Supervise a team of approximately 2-4 full-time alumni relations employees

Volunteer Management

• Oversee the alumni volunteer structure comprising of over 100 volunteer leaders

Fundraising

• Manage a portfolio of 30 annual giving prospects
• Lead the senior class gift and Law School 3L/4L Class gift campaigns

Requirements/Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 4-5 years of relevant experience required. Advanced degree preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge NXT or similar constituent database, and Microsoft Office
• Ability to work weekends and evenings as assigned