Accountabilities:

• Advance Colgate's mission and strategic priorities by fostering long-term, meaningful alumni engagement that aligns with the University's goals.
• Position alumni engagement as a University-wide priority, ensuring the department serves as a central hub for strategically coordinating engagement efforts across all alumni populations.
• Build and nurture collaborative partnerships with University leadership, faculty, and key campus stakeholders to develop and implement strategic alumni engagement initiatives.
• Expand and enhance alumni volunteer leadership by identifying and engaging alumni in impactful roles both on and off campus. Ensure a diverse and robust pipeline of volunteers, drawing from alumni who have demonstrated interest in supporting Colgate and hold prominence in their fields. Opportunities include serving on panels, committees, boards, and other advisory roles.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy to increase Colgate's Alumni Engagement Index by strengthening volunteer participation, event attendance, and communications engagement. Adapt initiatives based on emerging trends and evolving University priorities.
• Oversee and enhance alumni engagement programs that foster connections through affinity and identity-based groups, intellectual and regional initiatives, and the Colgate Professional Networks.
• Lead the development and implementation of marketing and communications strategies to effectively promote alumni engagement opportunities.
• Serve as the primary University liaison to the Alumni Council, including fulfilling the role of Executive Secretary.
• Provide leadership and oversight for the alumni engagement team, ensuring effective recruitment, mentorship, and professional development of staff. Foster a high-performance culture through clear expectations, strategic delegation, and timely, constructive feedback. Ensure fair and equitable employment decisions regarding hiring, promotions, salary adjustments, and performance management.
• Manage and oversee the department's budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and in alignment with University policies and priorities.
• Oversee Reunion Weekend, a signature annual event. Serve a key partner in event planning for other signature Colgate weekends such as Homecoming and Arts, Creativity, and Innovation Weekend.

Professional Experience/Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in higher education, including at least five years in progressive management roles overseeing alumni engagement and/or advancement.
• Proven success in volunteer engagement and cultivation, with the ability to inspire, mobilize, and sustain meaningful alumni participation.
• Superior strategic and leadership skills, with a deep understanding of alumni relations best practices and emerging trends in the field.
• Demonstrated ability to envision, develop, and implement innovative alumni engagement programs that enhance institutional connections and support University priorities.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the intellectual depth, confidence, and credibility to engage effectively with alumni, faculty, University leadership, and key stakeholders.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with a track record of working effectively across academic and administrative teams.
• Comfort with fundraising and related activities, with an understanding of how alumni engagement supports philanthropic success.
• A data-driven mindset, with the ability to leverage metrics, analytics, and assessment tools to measure engagement, optimize resources, and manage budgets effectively.
• Adaptability and willingness to travel extensively, maintaining strong connections with alumni nationwide and beyond.
• A collaborative, collegial, and high-integrity leadership style, with a strong work ethic, sound judgment, and a sense of humor.
• Deep appreciation for Colgate University's history, mission, and achievements, with the ability to effectively articulate its impact to a diverse audience of alumni, parents, students, faculty, and staff.
• A strong desire to engage fully with both the University and the local community.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience in alumni relations and/or advancement within a higher education setting.
• Proven ability to assess, refine, and elevate alumni engagement programs within a complex institutional environment.
• Experience developing and implementing alumni engagement and advancement strategies that align with institutional goals and priorities.

Education:

EEO Statement:

About Colgate University

Colgate University is a highly selective residential liberal arts institution distinguished by academic excellence and interdisciplinary inquiry. Located on a beautiful campus in upstate New York, Colgate takes pride in the active engagement of its students and faculty in local, national, and global communities.

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