Senior Director Alumni Relations

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world.

Time Type:
Full time Job Type: Regular FLSA Status:
Exempt Work Modality:
Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week) Union:

Job Description:

Summary:

The SDAR provides strategic leadership and oversight for AUWCL's comprehensive alumni engagement program, serving more than 22,000 J.D. and LL.M. alumni.

• Developing and implementing forward-thinking, data-informed strategies to engage more than 22,000 alumni.
• Establishing SMART goals and evaluating outcomes to improve engagement, participation, and satisfaction.
• Expanding outreach through communications, events, and digital platforms.
• Increasing the number and diversity of actively engaged alumni aligned with institutional priorities.

• Managing and growing regional chapters, affinity groups, and alumni networks, with intentional expansion into geographic and professional communities.
• Supervising and supporting alumni volunteers, including recruitment, onboarding, recognition, and ongoing engagement of volunteer leaders and advocates.
• Providing strategic direction to the AUWCL Alumni Association to strengthen volunteer leadership and philanthropic support.
• Ensuring appropriate allocation and stewardship of budgets to support alumni-led activities and initiatives.
• Analyzing alumni data (demographics, geography, interests, professions) to inform strategy and identify engagement opportunities.
• Conducting surveys and feedback initiatives to align programming with alumni interests and needs.
• Supporting alumni-driven engagement opportunities nationwide, leverage the WCLs alumni association to grow the base of active and engaged volunteers as advocates and philanthropic supporters of the school.

• Directly supervising one staff member, including goal setting, performance management, professional development, and daily oversight.
• Providing leadership in planning and execution of alumni chapter events, including signature programs (e.g., Reunion, Meyers and Moore Society dinner), and regional events.
• Overseeing all logistical planning, including venue selection, catering, A/V, program development, vendor coordination, and event production elements.
• Ensuring exceptional event execution through proactive planning, problem-solving, and on-site leadership.
• Maintaining a consistent and high-quality alumni experience across all events.
• Managing alumni swag inventory and distribution of alumni-branded materials and event collateral.

• Serving as an active member of the Central Alumni Relations cohort, collaborating with colleagues across AU to advance alumni engagement and strategic initiatives and participating in monthly meetings.
• Coordinating and producing alumni-facing content for the monthly newsletter and Advocate magazine.
• Partnering with internal stakeholders to share relevant institutional news and alumni achievements.
• Ensuring accurate and timely entry of alumni engagement data into the university’s advancement CRM.
• Managing requests from AU’s central alumni relations team and the WCL Dean’s Office.
• Supporting cross-campus collaboration to align alumni engagement efforts with broader institutional goals.

5.) Other Duties as Assigned Supervisory Responsibility:
Supervises the Assistant Director of Alumni Relations.

Competencies:

Building and Supporting Teams. Building a Customer Focused Organization. Developing Plans. Evaluating and Implementing Ideas. Acting Strategically.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Full-time. 35 hours per week.

Salary Range: $ - $ annually.

Required

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent. 8 - 10 years of relevant experience.

Preferred

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree. 10+ years of relevant experience.

Travel Required:

Frequent national travel required.

• At least…