What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement position at Colgate University?
Colgate University
Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement
Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement
Requisition Number: 2025S033Posting
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Division:
Department: Alumni Engagement
Wage/Salary Range: $140,000-$160,000
Department Statement:
Colgate University, a top-ranked liberal arts institution, seeks a visionary Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement to provide strategic leadership in fostering meaningful connections with its global alumni community.
As a highly selective, residential liberal arts college, Colgate is dedicated to educating talented students for lives of leadership and service. The University has a deeply rooted culture of philanthropy and alumni engagement, with more than 56% of alumni actively participating each year through giving, volunteering, and attending both virtual and in-person programs. Signature events-such as Reunion, which welcomes more than 2,500 alumni and guests annually-exemplify the strength of Colgates alumni network.
This enduring alumni loyalty and generosity provide a powerful foundation as the University advances its historic and comprehensive Campaign for the Third Century. With over $680 million raised toward its $1 billion goal, the campaign is a cornerstone of Colgates Third-Century Plan, designed to propel the University into a new era of academic excellence and institutional impact.
The Associate Vice President will play a pivotal role in strengthening alumni engagement and mobilizing this passionate community in support of Colgates bold vision for the future.
Accountabilities:
Reporting to the vice president for advancement, the Associate Vice President (AVP) for Alumni Engagement serves as Colgate Universitys chief alumni engagement officer, providing strategic vision, leadership, and direction to strengthen alumni connections and enhance their lifelong relationship with the University.
Key Responsibilities:
Key Responsibilities:
In partnership with Advancement leadership:
- Advance Colgates mission and strategic priorities by fostering long-term, meaningful alumni engagement that aligns with the Universitys 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 Colgates 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 departments 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.
This position offers an exceptional opportunity for a strategic and dynamic leader to strengthen alumni engagement at one of the nations premier liberal arts institutions.
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 Universitys 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.
- 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
A Bachelors degree is required.
Other Information
Work Schedule:
Weekdays, Evenings, Occasional Weekends
Job Open Date: 04/16/2025
Job Close Date:
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions Summary
Salary : $140,000 - $160,000
