Carnegie Mellon is enjoying its most productive fundraising years in its history, surpassing the initial fundraising goal for its $2 billion Make Possible campaign more than 18 months ahead of schedule.

University Advancement (UA) supports the entire CMU community in building relationships with key constituencies and securing the financial resources the university needs to continue its ascent. As the division grows, we are seeking a director, Alumni and Constituent Engagement. This is an exciting opportunity if you thrive in an interesting and fast-paced work environment.

Reporting to the assistant vice president for Alumni and Constituent Engagement, you will be responsible for developing, strengthening, and implementing programs and strategies related to the Carnegie Mellon Alumni Association Board (AAB), Alumni Awards, and critical alumni engagement programs such as Tartans on the Rise, as well as supervising alumni relations staff.

Your core responsibilities will include:

Alumni Association Board: Establishing goals and plans that align with the shared strategic plan of the Assistant Vice President of Alumni Engagement, the Alumni and Constituent Engagement team and the AAB. Developing and executing strategies to attract, recruit, onboard and offboard AAB directors of the highest caliber with consideration for bylaws, timelines and tenures. Nurturing strong, professional relationships with potential, current and past board members. Partnering with awards, nominating and other standing committee co-chairs to build agendas, timelines, review processes and annual plans and attend all meetings. Maintaining a deep knowledge of AAB bylaws, processes, procedures. Tracking and managing the annual flow of the board including processes, timelines, gatherings, traditions. Overseeing all logistical elements of board management including budgeting and scheduling meetings. Developing regular communications to keep the AAB apprised of University priorities and happenings.Alumni Association Board meetings: Partnering with the Assistant Vice President of Alumni and Constituent Engagement to identify timing and location of meetings and develop content that prioritizes the work of the board and connects alumni to alumni, students, and the university. Overseeing all board meeting logistics including but not limited to room blocks, catering, a/v, supplies, travel, budget, onsite management to ensure that meetings run smoothly, professionally and efficiently. Developing slide decks, introductory language for speaker and guests, and briefings.Alumni Awards and Tartans on the Rise: Identifying and developing tools for nomination and selection process in conjunction with other key partners. Partnering with Advancement Communications and Marketing and University Events to build communications, develop audience strategies, execute events and all other relevant and critical aspects of the program. Primary contact with honorees in all aspects of the program, including logistical needs. Partnering closely with colleges and departments to ensure a vast and diverse nomination pool. Documenting and improving processes where appropriate.Exceptional Customer Service: Providing responsive and high-quality support to volunteers, addressing their needs, concerns, and inquiries promptly. Acting as the primary point of contact for volunteers, offering guidance and solutions to challenges they encounter. Maintaining professional, productive relationships with past and current Alumni Association Board leadersData Analysis and Reporting: Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of programs, using data-driven insights to refine strategies.Supervise Staff: Including, but not limited to, hiring, retention, training, performance management and professional development.Budget Management: Developing and managing budgets; evaluating the use of funds within assigned programs.Building Relationships: Identifying and pursuing opportunities for collaboration and partnership among campus partners; serving as a liaison between alumni and various university departments. Networking and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders to ensure successful integration and coordination of programs within the larger university community.

Passion, excellence and flexibility are vital qualities within University Advancement. A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging; collaboration; and cultural awareness are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact and work with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should demonstrate:

The ability to:network effectively and build connections that drive engagementdevelop, implement and assess programs and initiativeswork closely and thoughtfully with alumni leaders and volunteersteach professional skills to staff, colleagues and volunteersengage senior university leaders, faculty members, and alumni of widely differing backgrounds in alumni programslead teams and work independentlywork well under pressure while managing inflexible deadlinesconceptualize at high levelspay attention to detail while managing multiple programs and budgetsdiplomatically manage difficult situations while maintaining composurebe flexible and patientmanage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while prioritizing work for self and volunteersExcellent verbal, written and interpersonal communications skillsDemonstrated problem-solving, reasoning, and analytical skillsHigh degree of self-confidence and creativity at both the strategic and tactical level

You should be able to travel domestically and be willing to work outside of normal business hours as needed. Evening and weekend work will occasionally be required; teleconferencing is required with varied times due to time zone differences. You should be able to work in a variety of environments related to indoor and outdoor university events.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree is required; master’s degree preferred with a broad knowledge of university advancement functions.Seven to ten years of experience, preferably within alumni relations.Experience in volunteer training and management, working closely with volunteer boards, meeting planning, program analysis and development, the development of success metrics.  Experience supervising and working directly with a diverse group of volunteers.Administrative experience in higher education at a research institution similar to Carnegie Mellon preferred.Excellent leadership skills.

Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and successfully complete a driver's license verification on an annual basis. Must complete the National Safety Council Defensive Driver Training once every three yearsSuccessful background check

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Alumni Relations

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: 

Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. 

Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. 

Statement of Assurance