Director of Alumni Relations

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Alumni Engagement and Donor Relations and in close collaboration with the Associate Vice President, Advancement Engagement, Alumni Relations, and Summa Leadership Giving as well as other members of Advancement leadership, the Director of Alumni Relations is responsible for developing a comprehensive, diverse, and inclusive program to engage Suffolk alumni in meaningful ways and promote philanthropic support of Suffolk.

The Director will research, develop, plan, implement, and evaluate a broad range of alumni engagement programming including events, digital and in person outreach, volunteer management, fundraising and special programs.

The ideal candidate will be a strong self-starter who takes initiative, works independently while balancing multiple priorities, and collaborates effectively with leadership, volunteers, and colleagues across the institution.

The Division of Advancement operates on a hybrid schedule, with three days per week in the office and two days remote, to ensure a consistent campus presence and support collaboration. Suffolk values in‑person engagement, which strengthens relationships across Advancement and the broader campus community and supports effective planning and execution of events and initiatives. Given the nature and scope of this Director‑level role, additional in‑office presence may be required based on business needs, event schedules, and operational priorities.

On remote days, the Director is expected to be fully available during regular working hours and responsive to colleagues, volunteers, and campus partners. In‑office days may occasionally shift to accommodate event preparation and key responsibilities.

Responsibilities include supervising alumni relations staff members, developing alumni programming that informs and engages the Suffolk community and enhances the University’s reputation including but not limited to Suffolk Weekend (Alumni/Family Weekend), 10 under 10 Recognition Night, Celebration of Black Excellence, and Reunion programs. The Director will also lead the development and support of alumni volunteer structures. The current volunteer structure includes five alumni volunteer groups:
Law Alumni Board, Sawyer Business School Alumni Board, College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Board, Suffolk University Black Alumni Network, and Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD). The director will also assist in fundraising initiatives including supporting Day of Giving, Reunion Giving and Class Giving efforts and involving volunteers in meaningful ways.

• Work with Assistant Vice President of Alumni Engagement & Donor Relations on developing goals and objectives for the Alumni Relations function within the Advancement Engagement department.
• Work closely with the Assistant Vice President of Alumni Engagement and Donor Relations to develop a comprehensive, diverse, and inclusive program to engage Suffolk’s 90,000+ alumni in meaningful ways and promote philanthropic support of Suffolk at the annual giving level.
• Plan, promote and implement alumni engagement events and programs.
• Provide program oversight to the Alumni Relations function and serve as key partner to Advancement Engagement areas of Annual Giving, Stewardship and Donor Relations.
• Achieve Advancement Engagement and Alumni Relations goals and metrics.
• Create collaborative relationships with other divisions on campus‑wide events and initiatives to provide alumni perspective and volunteers as needed.
• Assist with Advancement communications efforts.

• Supervise a team of approximately 2‑4 full‑time alumni relations employees.
• Develop operating plans and goals for the Alumni Relations program and each team member.
• Hire and onboard new team members as needed.
• Serve as a motivating supervisor.

• Oversee the alumni volunteer structure comprising of over 100 volunteer leaders.
• Serve as the alumni staff liaison and ex‑officio member for one or more alumni volunteer organizations such as CAS Alumni Board, SBS Alumni Board and/or Law Alumni Board.
• Build…