POSITION SPECIFICSPenn State is currently seeking a Director of Alumni Career Services in supporting the Penn State Alumni Association (PSAA) leads the development and execution of a comprehensive, data-informed alumni career engagement strategy designed to provide lifelong value to alumni while strengthening their connection to the University and the Alumni Association. This role advances alumni engagement, participation, volunteer involvement, and philanthropic investment by creating meaningful career development, mentoring, and networking opportunities across the full student-to-alumni lifecycle. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, you can play an integral role in Penn State's future and contribute to one of the most successful fundraising and alumni relations operations in the country.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Engagement, and as a key member of the Engagement Team's leadership group within the PSAA, the Director works closely with colleagues across the University to identify needs, recommend solutions, and deliver high-impact career services strategies that support alumni at every stage of their professional journey.
The Director of Alumni Career Services will articulate Penn State's needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications as well as:
Leadership - Lead and manage the Alumni Career Services team, setting priorities, developing portfolio assignments, overseeing performance, and supporting staff development.
- Develop, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive alumni career services plan that is in-line with the PSAA's strategic plan, supports alumni across all phases of career development.
- Manage the Alumni Career Services budget and allocate resources to support strategic priorities and program delivery.
- Establish and track key performance metrics for alumni career services initiatives; analyze outcomes and provide regular reporting to inform decision-making and demonstrate impact.
- Represent the Alumni Association on internal and external committees, work groups, and professional organizations.
Strategy and Programming - Develop and implement strategies that leverage Penn State's global alumni network to advance alumni career growth through virtual and in-person programs, services, events, and networking opportunities.
- Direct expansion, diversification, execution, and assessment of professional development and mentoring initiatives, including resource creation, content delivery, promotional planning, and marketing support.
- Direct, develop, and provide the ability for the PSAA to offer and execute on scalable individual career support through one-on-one career assessments and virtual coaching sessions.
- Determine and lead the strategy for integrating technology, digital engagement tools, and AI-enabled platforms into alumni career services, including assessing current systems and identifying new solutions to enhance reach and effectiveness.
- Increase alumni participation in career-focused programming by designing accessible, relevant, and scalable offerings that meet the needs of diverse alumni audiences.
- Oversee the development, refinement and future iterations of the Young Alumni Ambassador Program.
Partnerships - Establish and strengthen strategic partnerships with university offices, including University Career Services, to create collaborative opportunities that support alumni career development.
- Leverage existing career services platforms and University resources to enhance alumni career advancement and increase access to professional opportunities.
- Represent alumni engagement at career-related events, including relevant University-sponsored programs.
- Coordinate with the Director of Volunteer Engagement to identify areas where the extensive PSAA affiliate group network can be leveraged to expand and strengthen career programming and networking and develop necessary resources and plans to allow for local execution, scaling the PSAA's reach.
- Collaborate with campus colleagues to identify, cultivate, and steward prominent alumni, donors, prospects, and volunteers through meaningful career development engagement opportunities.
- Lead alumni engagement strategy and execution for the Alumni Association's workplace alumni program through partnering with campus colleagues and industry network volunteers to identify and engage C-suite alumni and other workplace leaders in building employer-based alumni programs; leverage and promote current Alumni Career Services offerings to expand networking and career-related opportunities within partner organizations and alumni networks; collaborate with schools, colleges, and strategic campus offices to coordinate professional development programs, faculty speaker events, and other initiatives that deepen engagement with corporate networks and evaluate opportunities to establish new employer-based alumni networks based on interest, organizational alignment, available resources, and concentration of alumni within a company.
- Promote internship, mentoring, and professional opportunities for both alumni and students, including opportunities connected to alumni-owned businesses and employer partners.
The successful candidate will have:
- Master's degree, 8+ years of relevant, progressively responsible experience, including 3+ years of supervisory experience or equivalency with adult career services background preferred alongside experience in program development, alumni engagement, donor relations, volunteer management, or a related field.
- Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills.
- The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues.
- Direct experience with post-secondary graduate career coaching, counseling, and advising.
- Demonstrated experience leading teams and developing staff.
- Strong strategic planning, organizational, and project management skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Experience using CRM systems and career-focused platforms.
- Ability to analyze data, assess outcomes, and use metrics to guide strategy and reporting.
- Experience working in higher education, advancement, alumni relations, or a nonprofit environment preferred.
- A proven ability to self-motivate and work both independently and as part of a team.
- A commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored.
DDAR is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSMaster's Degree8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None
This position is based at the University Park campus, located in State College, Pennsylvania. State College is ranked among the lowest-stress and safest small cities in the country, with excellent public schools, beautiful parks and other natural assets, and a broad range of cultural and athletic events and venues: statecollegepa.us and statecollege.com.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $72,300.00 - $108,444.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. 
