Associate Director, Alumni Engagement

Salary/Grade: EXS/8. The target budgeted salary for this position is $75,000 - $80,000 annually. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, and market data.

About the Role

The Associate Director of Alumni Engagement serves as a volunteer engagement officer for the Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA) Communities team. Reporting to the Senior Associate Director of Alumni Engagement, this role drives strategies for club leaders and reunion committees to deliver impactful engagement outcomes. Hybrid work options are available (up to three days in-office, two remote). This position requires occasional work outside regular office hours and travel. We will be recruiting for two positions.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning

• Significant participation in developing strategic plans.
• Primary responsibility for administering and maintaining existing strategic plans relating to specific market segments, programs, events, support teams, or high-level volunteers to meet goals for engagement and participation.
• Recommends changes and improvements to processes, objectives, and goals based on evaluation of completed programs to dramatically increase engagement and participation and maximize effective and efficient use of resources.

Collaboration

• Moderate- to high-level collaboration with internal department partners and moderate collaboration with broader University partners to identify and integrate resources to accomplish strategic goals.
• Key partnerships include:
  • Alumni Engagement Officers
  • Regional Development Officers
  • Annual Giving
• Recruits, engages, trains, and manages volunteers.
• Coordinates volunteer strategies with other development staff, including volunteer events, programming, marketing materials, and social networking efforts.
• Manages and implements a variety of leadership training opportunities both in-person and virtually designed to meet the needs of entry-level to advanced alumni leaders globally.
• Requires travel throughout the regions in the portfolio.

Events

• Oversees development and management of events and programs designed to expand constituent engagement and participation across the globe.
• Reviews and approves event plans and summaries ensuring overall goals and objectives are attained.
• Works directly with high-level volunteers and donors to ensure individual needs are met.

Administration

• Manages development and execution of programming and marketing related to engagement and philanthropy.
• Provides necessary documentation and follow-up to volunteers and internal contacts and inputs all volunteer and alumni activity in the database.
• Monitors and analyzes volunteer engagement metrics.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices.
• Optimizes the use of technology, including social media for marketing, communications, and data reporting and analysis.
• Assists in the development of dashboards and metrics which provide quantitative analysis of program and event outcomes.

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 4 years of development, marketing, sales, or equivalent roles requiring relationship management, program oversight, and volunteer coordination.
• Experience working with volunteers.

Minimum Competencies

• Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Demonstrates organization, curiosity, an analytical mindset, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Relationship Building & Volunteer Engagement: Builds trust, manages relationships, and supports volunteers effectively.
• Adaptability & Problem Solving: Responds flexibly to change, demonstrates resilience, and finds creative solutions.
• Communication & Influence: Clear, compelling written and verbal communication tailored to diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Alumni relations experience preferred.

Preferred Competencies

• Working Across Perspectives: Effectively collaborates with individuals from varied backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints, adapting communication and engagement approaches.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we provide meaningful and competitive benefits, including:

• Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Paid vacation, holidays, medical/sick leave, and parental leave.
• Tuition benefits for the employee and dependents.
• Pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care.
• Generous retirement savings options.
• Wellness programs.

Work-Life and Wellness

Northwestern offers programs and services to help navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, including:

• Flexible work arrangements where possible.
• Programs to help locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care.

Professional Growth & Development

Northwestern supports employee career development through:

• Tools and resources for professional potential development and continuing formal education.