Director of Alumni Relations

Position Title:

Director of Alumni Relations Description Founded in 1906, Suffolk University is comprised of three schools the College of Arts and Sciences, Suffolk University Law School, and the Sawyer Business School. Suffolk has an alumni population of over 90,000 living graduates worldwide. Description Suffolk Universitys alumni engagement programs are critical to advancing the Universitys mission and strategic goals. Our Alumni Relations programs serve to engage and inform current and future alumni, involve them as volunteers in meaningful ways, strengthen their pride in and attachment to Suffolk, and continue to build a culture of philanthropy with Suffolks 90,000+ alumni across their entire life cycle.

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 Universitys 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 including 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 Suffolks 90,000+ alumni in meaningful ways and promote philanthropic support of Suffolk at the annual giving level including:
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.…