Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement

Wilkes University, in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of Alumni & Constituent Engagement
. This key leadership role is responsible for planning, developing, and executing an alumni and constituent relations program that provides meaningful engagement opportunities and strengthens the University's relationships with alumni, donors, parents, students, and employees. The Director will play a critical role in fostering a vibrant, connected community that supports the University's mission and vision.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Advancement, the Director will oversee the Associate Director of Alumni & Constituent Engagement and provide strategic guidance to alumni volunteers and staff. This position requires a dynamic leader who can create innovative programs, build lasting relationships across a diverse set of constituencies, and advance the University's goals for engagement, philanthropy, and community connection.

• Gives direction to the Alumni Board of Directors, providing vision and assistance in the development of initiatives to support the Association efforts on behalf of the University. Serves as ex officio Executive Director of the Alumni Association.
• Sets direction for alumni programming and communications. Supervises alumni relations staff and manages the alumni office budget including budget planning, forecasting and tracking.
• Develops vision, strategies, benchmarks and goals for alumni/constituent engagement within Advancement and ensures fulfillment of these objectives. Creates strategies which will effectively engage a diverse set of constituents.
• Builds and maintains relationships with on-campus constituencies to best partner on engagement opportunities (colleges, student affairs, students, administration, etc.).
• Management of alumni volunteers to connect alumni with each other and the University (10%).
• Other duties as assigned:
  Participates in all aspects of program and department planning and in the establishment of department goals and objectives.

• Bachelor's degree required;
  Master's degree preferred
• Degree in Communications, higher education, or related field preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively increasing responsibility in a college, university or secondary school alumni relations department, managing specific programs required
• Experience in donor relations preferred

• Events and database management experience
• Mentoring experience
• Proven goal- and metric-driven mindset
• Excellent leadership skills
• Excellent written and oral interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to build relationships with various groups of people
• Budget management and project management experience
• Creativity in improving efficiencies and in developing new programming
• Ability to deal with a diverse constituency; meet deadlines; work in a team environment; focus on results; motivate and organize volunteers
• Willingness to work evenings/weekends and travel as required

Wilkes University, located in Wilkes-Barre, PA, offers the programs, activities and opportunities of a large university in the close mentoring environment of a small college. Faculty members work side by side with students as they tackle the most pressing questions of our day, supported by a culture that encourages creative scholarly activities, new ideas and sustainable practices. The community embraces differences, collaborates with mutual respect, and works with intention to provide an inclusive, supportive environment for all.

Since 1933, Wilkes has been preparing students for lifelong success. For more than 90 years, it has remained dedicated to providing an education students will value for life, strengthened by a mission to empower learners through transformative experiences, civic values and transferable skills. National rankings recognize this commitment to access and affordability and highlight the strong return on investment for graduates.

Wilkes is ranked by The Economist as 25th in the nation for economic value and is recognized by The…