Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Carnegie Mellon University in its search for a Senior Director for Alumni Relations, Tepper School of Business.

The Senior Director for Alumni Relations, Tepper School of Business will work actively with the school's Dean and Associate Dean of Advancement, Tepper School Alumni Board, leading faculty members, key administrators, Office of Alumni Engagement, and other essential stakeholders of the Tepper School of Business to strengthen and lead alumni engagement across 20,000 (and growing) Tepper alumni. The Senior Director will partner with the Associate Dean of Advancement on a comprehensive and compelling alumni relations program for the Tepper School that enhances lifelong engagement with the school and the university and engages Tepper alumni at their points of interests—professionally, intellectually, and personally. In partnership with the Associate Dean, the Senior Director will bring to fruition an innovative, forward-looking alumni engagement program that includes the development, implementation, and evaluation of strategies and programs that deliver best in class alumni relations programming to Tepper alumni domestically and globally.

Carnegie Mellon University is a global, research-intensive university with more than 14,000 students, more than 120,000 alumni, and approximately 5,000 faculty and staff. In 2023, U.S. News & World Report ranked CMU #24 among national universities, #4 in terms of Most Innovative Schools, and in 2024, Times Higher Education World University ranked CMU as #24 among global research universities in the world. Many of CMU’s seven schools and colleges and their departments maintain top national and international rankings in computer science, computer engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, engineering, business, drama, art, and music, among others. CMU is also one of a small number of academic institutions in the nation boasting a fully-fledged Federally Funded Research and Development Center, the Software Engineering Institute. CMU’s confluence of scholarly excellence, robust federal and industry interface, and heritage of innovation has consistently placed it among the world’s most dynamic and impactful research institutions.

The Senior Director for Alumni Relations, Tepper School of Business will:

in partnership with the Associate Dean of Advancement, Tepper School of Business, oversee multiple aspects of an innovative, forward-looking alumni engagement program for more than 20,000 Tepper alumni including the development, implementation, and evaluation of strategies and programs that deliver best in class alumni relations programming to Tepper alumni domestically and globally;

establish goals and objectives for the Tepper School alumni engagement programs, collaborating on the initiative, building, maintenance, and measurement of the effectiveness of integrative alumni relations programs for the school, and revising priorities and plans as needed;

evaluate and assess the effectiveness and impact of all aspects of the school’s alumni engagement programs, and develop a strategic framework/plan to guide the program forward, in alignment with the broader Tepper advancement goals;

leverage technology and process innovations to engage, cultivate, and steward more Tepper alumni;

partner with Tepper's corporate, annual giving, and major gifts fundraising teams to ensure an integrative alumni engagement approach

manage the Tepper School Alumni Board, a 24-member board;

effectively utilize the resources of the Tepper School currently including, but not limited to, the annual Reunion Weekend for MBA's, Summer Welcome Receptions, Webinars, Regional Alumni Events, Monthly Alumni News, E-Alumni Magazine, Alumni Profiles for the Web, and other

identify opportunities to collaborate and partner with CMU’s Office of Alumni Engagement to ensure alignment with the goals of the Alumni Association Board, Board of Trustees, and senior officers of the university;

proactively set a robust strategy for and support alumni engagement activities for the Dean, leading faculty members, key administrators, and other essential stakeholders of the Tepper School;

serve as a liaison between Tepper alumni and various departments both within the school and programs across the university;

evaluate the use of resources, both human and financial, based on program effectiveness and outcomes;

develop and manage the Tepper alumni relations budget;

support the use of Tepper alumni speakers for classes and student clubs;

network and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to ensure successful integration and coordination of Tepper alumni relations programs within the larger university community;

represent the Tepper School and Tepper alumni across the university and externally with constituencies both national and global;

leverage events including CMU’s Homecoming Weekend, Spring Carnival and Alumni Awards, Commencement, regional and campus events, presidential functions, and other university sponsored events and programs on behalf of the school; and

supervise two alumni relations FTEs that support the program.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within the Tepper School of Business. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact 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:

a commitment to the vision of the Tepper School of Business—to create value for business and society by providing intellectual leadership, advancing the science and practice of management, and developing ethical leaders to be the agents of change in a world driven by technology and innovation;

experience developing, managing, and expanding alumni engagement programs with global reach including the development, implementation, and evaluation of strategies and programs that deliver innovative alumni relations programming;

experience establishing goals and objectives for alumni engagement programs of similar breadth than those of the Tepper School, including building, maintaining, and measuring the effectiveness of school- and college-based alumni relations programs, and revising priorities and plans as needed;

an ability to collaborate and build consensus among multiple internal and external stakeholders to develop integrative approaches to alumni engagement, including school-based and centralized corporate, annual giving, and major gifts fundraising teams; faculty and key administrators; and alumni associations and boards;

an ability to engage senior university leaders, faculty members, and alumni of widely differing backgrounds in alumni programs;

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required

10 years of experience in advancement or related field spanning both alumni relations and development; advancement experience in higher education at a research institution similar to CMU is preferred

A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered

Requirements:

Successful background check

Additional Information:

This position in based in Pittsburgh, PA

Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.

Typical Work Schedule:  Monday-Friday from 8:30-5:00pm. An alternate work schedule allowing for evening and weekend hours will be required on occasion.

Travel Requirements: You should be able to travel both domestically and internationally and be willing to work outside of normal business hours as needed.

NOMINATION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

CMU has retained Aspen Leadership Group to help manage this search. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and resume.

Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of CMU as well as the responsibilities and qualifications stated in the position prospectus.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the successful candidate has been selected.

To apply for this position visit:

Senior Director for Alumni Relations, Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University.

To nominate a candidate, please contact Gregory Leet:

gregoryleet@aspenleadershipgroup.com.

All inquiries will be held in confidence

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

Job Function

Position Type

Full Time/Part time

Pay Basis

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