Director of Alumni Relations

Reporting and scope

Usually reports to the Director of Advancement or a VP of Development / Advancement. Authority covers alumni programs, the alumni association and alumni volunteer structures.

Core responsibilities

• Plans reunions, regional events and alumni programs
• Supports the alumni association board and class or chapter volunteers
• Maintains alumni records and contact data with advancement services
• Builds alumni participation in the annual fund with the development team
• Runs alumni communications such as newsletters and online community
• Connects alumni with students through mentoring and career programs

How it differs

Director of Advancement and Director of Development own fundraising goals; Director of Alumni Relations owns engagement and participation, which feeds giving. Membership Director serves dues-paying members rather than former students.

By organization size

In small schools this is often a one-person role, sometimes combined with the annual fund. Large universities run alumni relations as a department with regional and affinity staff, sometimes through a separately incorporated alumni association.