Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Development, at the Graduate School of Journalism, the Director of Alumni Relations is a senior member of the department’s leadership team and is responsible for designing and directing the School’s alumni relations program, aligned with the overall goals of the school. 

The Director of Alumni Relations will lead the overall vision, strategic planning, management, and execution of an alumni engagement program that is focused on developing and strengthening short and long-term meaningful relationships with alumni. The Director will be expected to work closely with development colleagues in the Office of Alumni & Development, and to collaborate with communications, special events, faculty, and other key internal partners to contribute to the success of the school and the program. 

The Director will be responsible for implementing both a creative and systematic approach to alumni engagement, both in-person and online, and in both content and delivery of programming. Key activities under the direction of the Office of Alumni Relations include planning and overseeing Alumni Weekend, steering the Alumni Board and other volunteer leaders, directing and executing ad hoc events and engagement opportunities for various constituencies, and alumni communications. 

The successful candidate will be a strategic and innovative leader who has a demonstrated understanding of and interest in journalism, and an enthusiasm for inspiring a culture of engagement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Alumni Relations program, including evaluating current efforts, and spearheading future programming and communications directed at alumni engagement, in alignment with alumni interests and goals of the school.

• Play a leadership role in working with key internal partners that interact with alumni to establish an integrated approach and optimize alumni engagement with the school.

• Lead oversight and growth of the Alumni Board and its committees, and work closely with alumni chair(s).

• Lead the vision and execution of Alumni Weekend, the school’s biggest alumni event of the year, as well as other in-person and online events.

• Drive alumni communications and outreach efforts: through regular dissemination of information to alumni via monthly alumni newsletter and other avenues; creatively thinking of ways for alumni to communicate and connect with one another.

• Encourage alumni engagement as volunteers and as contributors to the school, and seek ways to leverage opportunities for the school’s graduates through the alumni network.  

  • Leads special projects and other related duties as needed or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required. Minimum 5 years related experience in alumni relations, or related transferable experience required, with demonstrated success in annual giving or applicable ability preferred.

Other Skills: Excellent writing and communication skills, tact, sensitivity, and mature judgment are required. Must be professional, organized, creative, and efficient, able to work successfully both individually and as part of a team. This position requires evening and weekend work as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with higher education and with journalism preferred.

   

Other Requirements

• Type other requirements and/or special indicators if CUIMC

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to hiring qualified local residents.