Director of Alumni Engagement

Director of Alumni Engagement

Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) is a recognized leader in applied life sciences, healthcare, and pharmacy education dedicated to translating scientific innovation into medical solutions. The Director of Alumni Engagement is an entrepreneurial, systems-oriented leader responsible for building a vibrant, high-value network for KGI’s diverse graduate community. Moving beyond traditional event planning, the Director will design and execute a comprehensive engagement strategy that connects alumni, students, and industry partners while leveraging AI-forward tools and data-driven insights.

KGI offers a unique blend of entrepreneurial agility and deep academic rigor within the prestigious Claremont Colleges consortium. The Director will work within this mission-driven environment to build networks that are not just social but professionally vital to the industries we serve.

• Design a value-driven alumni engagement strategy that moves beyond generic events to high-impact, interconnected programming.
• Demonstrate fluency in KGI’s core domains (biotech, pharmacy, genetics, etc.) to effectively engage alumni in industry-specific dialogue.
• Implement a sustainable, systems-thinking approach that aligns alumni engagement with admissions, student experience, academic excellence, and corporate partnerships.
• Partner closely with Advancement colleagues to align engagement activities with fundraising priorities and cultivate philanthropic support.
• Activate the Alumni Advisory Council, guiding actionable initiatives and leveraging industry expertise for institutional growth.
• Create and maintain a robust alumni data strategy using Raiser’s Edge (or equivalent) to track engagement metrics, ensuring data integrity and actionable reporting.
• Leverage AI and emerging technologies to scale outreach, optimize mentorship matching, and analyze engagement data for continuous improvement.
• Manage the department budget, negotiate vendor costs, and supervise student workers to ensure flawless execution of the annual operating plan.
• Other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Advancement.

• Bachelor’s degree with at least five years of demonstrated success in alumni relations, business development, nonprofit, or corporate relations.
• Experience or awareness within biotech, life sciences, or healthcare sectors preferred.
• Familiarity with AI-driven engagement tools, CRM systems such as Raiser’s Edge, and strategies for digital community building.
• Industry literacy: confident conversations with professionals in biotechnology, pharmacy, genetics, and healthcare.
• Systems-thinking mindset: view engagement as an interconnected ecosystem supporting admissions, student experience, and corporate partners.
• Entrepreneurial mindset: create compelling “value propositions” that attract busy industry professionals.
• AI & digital fluency: adopt and leverage AI tools to scale outreach and enhance operational efficiency.
• CRM expertise: advanced proficiency in donor database management and data-driven segmentation.
• Analytical skills: interpret engagement data to assess ROI and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Executive presence: exceptional verbal and written communication, able to interact with C-suite executives, faculty, donors, and graduates.
• Collaborative leadership: manage the Alumni Advisory Council and guide volunteers toward actionable goals.
• Project management: strong organizational skills, managing complex projects, budgets, and events simultaneously.
• Agility: work independently in a fast‑paced environment with a solution-oriented attitude.

Salary range: $78,000 – $85,000 annualized. This staff, full‑time, exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package. For more information, visit KGI Benefits Administration.

Applicants must submit a letter of interest, résumé, and three professional references (manager, direct report or coworker). The confidential review of applications will continue until an appointment is made.

Keck Graduate Institute is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against qualified employees or…