Job DescriptionAt the Indiana University Foundation, we believe alumni relationships are among IU's greatest strengths, and the Indiana University Alumni Association (IUAA) is at the heart of cultivating those lifelong connections. We're seeking an experienced, people-first leader to serve as our Senior Director of Alumni Engagement, a role that primarily supports the IU Alumni Association while partnering closely with colleagues across the IU Foundation and the broader advancement enterprise. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of alumni engagement by leading one of IU's most visible volunteer communities and helping transform how we connect alumni with each other and with Indiana University.
As Senior Director, you'll lead a talented team responsible for engaging alumni volunteers through domestic chapters, affiliate groups, affinity communities, networks, and emerging engagement models. More importantly, you'll help guide the organization through an exciting evolution from a traditional event-based approach to a modern, audience-first engagement strategy focused on building belonging, strengthening volunteer leadership, and creating meaningful pathways for alumni involvement. You'll be a hands-on leader who coaches and develops your team while also managing a portfolio of alumni communities yourself. Success in this role requires someone who thrives in both strategy and execution, enjoys building trust, embraces innovation, and can help create scalable processes that allow communities to flourish while remaining responsive to their unique needs.
If you're energized by developing leaders, cultivating volunteer communities, and creating experiences that inspire lifelong engagement, you'll find tremendous purpose here. You'll partner with colleagues across IU's campuses, advancement teams, and volunteer leaders to advance strategic priorities while influencing the future of alumni relations at one of the nation's premier public universities. Whether your background comes from higher education, nonprofit leadership, community development, membership organizations, or another volunteer-driven environment, if you've successfully led people, built strong relationships, and inspired volunteers around a shared mission, we'd love to meet you.
QualificationsSkills & Qualifications:- Demonstrated success leading volunteer engagement strategies and building thriving volunteer communities.
- Proven ability to coach, develop, and inspire high-performing teams while fostering trust, collaboration, and accountability.
- Experience leading organizational change and implementing new strategies, processes, or operating models.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to balance strategic planning with day-to-day execution as a working manager.
- Exceptional relationship-building skills with experience partnering across departments, senior leadership, and external stakeholders.
- Experience managing complex portfolios, multiple priorities, and cross-functional initiatives simultaneously.
- Strong financial acumen, including budget planning, oversight, and resource management.
- Ability to use data, assessment, and audience insights to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Sound judgment, professionalism, adaptability, and the ability to navigate ambiguity with confidence.
- Experience with CRM platforms, Microsoft Office, virtual collaboration tools, and engagement technologies.
- Willingness to travel occasionally and work select evenings or weekends to support programs and events.
Education & Experience:- Bachelor's degree required.
- Master's degree preferred.
- Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience in alumni relations, volunteer engagement, advancement, nonprofit leadership, higher education, community engagement, or a related field.
- Experience supervising staff, managing budgets, and leading strategic initiatives.
- An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
Additional InformationJoin a University That Is Never Daunted
Apply now! This position will be posted through August 7th, 2026. The compensation range for this position is $95,000- $100,000 commensurate with education, skills, and experience.
