Senior Director of Alumni Relations & Communications

SUNY Delhi

$95K *
Delhi, NY 13753In-Person
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • 7+ years in alumni relations, advancement communications, or fundraising.
  • Experience managing alumni programs and events.
  • Strong communication and project management skills necessary.
  • Leadership experience with staff and volunteers essential.
  • Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge/NXT or similar CRM platforms required.
  • Strong strategic thinking and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement alumni engagement strategies.
  • Plan and oversee alumni events and traditions.
  • Build and manage volunteer leadership and advisory councils.
  • Promote philanthropy through initiatives targeting students and alumni.
  • Collaborate on engagement and fundraising strategies.
  • Lead a multichannel communications strategy for advancement.
  • Ensure strategic alignment with institutional branding.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive New York State UUP (FT) benefits package.
  • Includes health, retirement, and professional development opportunities.
  • Work-life balance with a Monday - Friday schedule and flexibility for events.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

The Senior Director of Alumni Relations & Communications leads strategy and execution for alumni engagement and advancement communications to increase participation, strengthen relationships, and grow philanthropic support. Reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, this role oversees alumni relations, communications, and key engagement events aligned with institutional priorities and campaigns. The position collaborates closely with campus leadership, the Foundation, and external stakeholders, while supervising the Director of Advancement Services and Communications and partnering with annual giving and marketing teams.

Key Responsibilities

Alumni Relations & Engagement
  • Develop and implement strategies to increase alumni participation, volunteerism, and giving.
  • Plan and oversee events such as reunions, networking programs, and major campus traditions (e.g., Homecoming).
  • Build and manage alumni volunteer leadership, advisory councils, and targeted engagement programs (students, parents, affinity groups, athletics, etc.).
  • Promote a culture of philanthropy through student and alumni initiatives.
  • Collaborate across departments to integrate engagement, stewardship, and fundraising efforts.

Advancement Communications
  • Lead a comprehensive multichannel communications strategy (digital, print, social, email, etc.).
  • Oversee storytelling and messaging that highlight institutional impact, alumni success, and donor contributions.
  • Manage advancement communications including reports, campaign materials, and donor stewardship content.
  • Ensure alignment with institutional branding in partnership with Marketing & Communications.

Leadership, Strategy & Analytics
  • Serve on the Advancement leadership team and contribute to strategic planning and campaigns.
  • Supervise and mentor staff, fostering collaboration and performance.
  • Use data and metrics to guide engagement strategies and measure success.
  • Support senior leadership with communications, presentations, and donor engagement efforts.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree
  • 7+ years of experience in alumni relations, advancement communications, fundraising, or related field
  • Proven success managing alumni programs, events, and communications
  • Strong communication, organizational, and project management skills
  • Leadership and supervisory experience with staff and volunteers
  • Proficiency with Raiser's Edge/NXT or similar CRM platforms
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across teams
  • Strong communication, organizational, and project management skills
  • Strong strategic thinking, relationship-building, and storytelling skills

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in a related field
  • Experience in higher education advancement or fundraising campaigns
  • Experience working with alumni boards, volunteers, or donor engagement initiatives

Additional Information:

  • Starting July 15, 2026
  • Work schedule: Monday - Friday, with occasional evenings/weekends and travel.
  • Starting Salary: $95,000
  • Reports to: Vice President of Institutional Advancement
  • Budget Title: Director of Fundraising, SL5
  • This position offers full New York State UUP (FT) benefits which are among the most comprehensive in the country with an excellent fringe benefits package
  • Click here for more Information for Prospective Employees

Application Instructions:

To apply, please submit:
  • Letter of interest
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Contact information for three professional references

Optional statement requested:
  • SUNY Delhi is energized to lead the charge in developing a welcoming and intellectually diverse environment for all, a place where diversity, equity, and success guide our achievement, scholarship, character, and global citizenship. Please provide a short statement on your commitment to diversity and how you would incorporate it into this role.

For full consideration, please apply by June 26, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at SUNY Delhi

More Education, Government & Non-Profit Jobs

Find similar Senior Director of Alumni Relations & Communications jobs: