Director of Alumni & Parent Engagement

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in‑person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus.

Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range: $95,000 - $114,000

Staff Level: S6

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Standard University business hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (academic year); 8:00 am – 4:30 pm (summer). Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Full‑time

Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Advancement, the Director of Alumni & Parent Engagement serves as the primary relationship manager for Falk College’s external constituent communities, including alumni, parents, corporate partners, and industry leaders. This role is responsible for designing and executing an integrated engagement strategy that deepens alumni and parent connections to the College, builds mutually beneficial corporate relationships, and creates pathways that advance philanthropic support of Falk College’s mission.

The Director provides strategic leadership for the Falk College Emerging Leaders Council (ELC), manages engagement events and programming, and works collaboratively with the development team to move prospects along the donor pipeline. The ideal candidate is a creative, entrepreneurial relationship‑builder with strong communication skills, sound judgment, and a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in alumni relations, corporate engagement, development, or a related field, preferably in higher education or a nonprofit organization.
• Demonstrated experience building and managing relationships with diverse external constituencies including alumni, donors, and corporate partners.
• Experience in event planning and execution, including regional and virtual programming.
• Knowledge of the sport industry or higher education advancement is preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.

• Expert written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to make a compelling case for philanthropic and corporate support.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency in CRM systems (experience with Salesforce/Affinaquest or Citrus preferred) and Microsoft 365 applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across teams and with senior leadership, faculty, and external constituencies.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on goal achievement and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.
• Willingness and availability to travel domestically (approximately 10‑15%).

• Develop, implement, and manage an integrated alumni and parent engagement program aligned with the College’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Cultivate relationships with alumni and families through personal outreach, events, social media, and digital communications.
• Strategize the transition of recent graduates into the alumni engagement pipeline and enhance mentorship opportunities.
• Partner with Falk Marketing & Communications to develop alumni‑facing content and promotional materials.
• Collaborate with the Admissions and Student Success offices to expand alumni engagement in measurable ways.
• Champion giving programs and supplement donor recognition and stewardship strategies in collaboration with the development team.
• Contribute to engagement scorecard tracking and provide event analytics for debriefing.

• Provide management, oversight, and strategic direction for the Falk College ELC, the College’s young alumni board.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, meeting planning, and program…