Description

Director of Alumni Relations

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) seeks a dynamic, strategic leader to serve as Director of Alumni Relations during an exciting time of growth and transformation. As a key member of the Institutional Advancement team, you'll have the unique opportunity to shape the future of alumni engagement for a university with 90,000+ graduates across the Chicago region and beyond.

In a period of substantial growth for the University, including new buildings, laboratories, and new academic program offerings, this role is an opportunity to build and develop relationships with our extraordinary alumni. You'll refresh and energize programs, forge meaningful connections, and create lasting traditions that strengthen the bond between NEIU and its diverse alumni community. If you're passionate about building communities, driving engagement, and making a measurable impact, this role offers the platform and support to do your best work.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Alumni Relations provides strategic leadership for all alumni engagement initiatives, serving as the chief liaison between the University and its 90,000+ alumni. Reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the Director works collaboratively across the institution to build loyalty, institutional pride, and meaningful connections that support NEIU's mission and philanthropic goals.

In 2025, a comprehensive three-year strategic plan for the Office of Alumni Relations was developed and vetted with the Division of Institutional Advancement, University leadership, and shared governance. The Director will be responsible for carrying out this strategic plan while having the flexibility and autonomy to add to it, adjusting approaches and tactics as needed to ensure goals remain both ambitious and achievable. In this role, you'll lead a dedicated team, build on established foundations, and bring fresh energy and ideas to alumni programming.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Provide visionary direction and creative leadership for the Office of Alumni Relations
• Develop and execute annual plans using data-informed strategies and tactics that drive measurable outcomes
• Actively advise the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and leadership team on alumni engagement opportunities and progress
• As needed, provide strategic counsel and reporting to the University President and Cabinet, Board of Trustees, NEIU Foundation Board, and other key stakeholders
• Re-establish and provide ongoing leadership for the NEIU Alumni Advisory Board, coordinating mutually determined goals and objectives

Alumni Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison between the University and NEIU alumni
• Design and implement innovative alumni programs including affinity groups, NEIU Alumni Association membership initiatives, and regional engagement strategies
• Develop programs that attract, engage, and connect alumni of all ages and backgrounds
• Ensure alumni engagement plans serve all three NEIU campus locations: Main Campus (Albany Park), El Centro (Avondale), and Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (Bronzeville)
• Steward, evaluate, and grow NEIU Alumni Association membership

Event Planning and Execution

• Lead a team in planning and executing signature alumni events including:
  • Annual Alumni Awards Ceremony
  • NEIU Homecoming
  • Alumni member stewardship events
  • Athletic alumni reunions
  • Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) programs
  • Class Gift initiatives
  • Alumni engagement outings to local events (arts and culture, sports, community volunteer opportunities)
• Support major University events including Commencement (May), Amplify | Elevate - an exclusive networking event, Academic Honors, Chuck Kane Scholarship Golf Outing, Giving Tuesday, Proud to be NEIU Day, and Golden Eagle Welcome Day
• Conduct post-event analyses to measure outcomes and inform future planning

Relationship Building and Collaboration

• Cultivate meaningful relationships with alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and University leadership
• Partner closely with campus units including but not limited to Enrollment Management, Career Development, Student Leadership Development, Student Union Events and Conference Services, Marketing and Communications, Academic Colleges and Departments, and Government Relations
• Coordinate alumni advocacy efforts and communications with the Office of Government Relations
• Serve as a senior leader and key thought partner within the Division of Institutional Advancement
• Foster cooperative relationships that align Alumni Relations efforts with broader institutional strategic goals

Communications

• Develop and implement multi-channel communication strategies to keep alumni informed and engaged
• Create compelling content for in-person activities, speeches, online platforms, email campaigns, social media, web presence, and printed materials
• Articulate and enthusiastically convey NEIU's mission, values, achievements, and priorities

Fundraising Support

• Work collaboratively with the Vice President and the Development team to support annual funding goals
• Identify and cultivate high-achieving alumni for philanthropic support and volunteer leadership
• Support major gifts outreach through strategic relationship-building from the Alumni Relations perspective
• Engage alumni through the Alumni Awards program and other recognition opportunities
• Support Institutional Advancement-led fundraising events / initiatives across the institution

Data and Budget Management

• Maintain accurate alumni records in the CRM (Raiser's Edge NXT) to track engagement, giving, and participation
• Make data-informed decisions and recommendations for future planning
• Provide sound financial planning and budgetary oversight for Alumni Relations' state budget as well as Alumni Relations’ funds within the NEIU Foundation
• Maintain accurate financial records and follow University and Foundation protocols for contracts, purchases, and reporting

Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor two direct reports
• Manage at least one student worker position (Work-Study and/or NEIU Alumni Association resources)
• Provide team-building, engagement, and professional development opportunities
• Build and encourage staff pursuits while fostering a collaborative, energetic team culture
• Pursue appropriate professional development opportunities for yourself and your team to stay current with best practices and industry trends

Additional Duties

• As needed, perform other duties critical to the Division's or University's progress as approved by the Vice President for Institutional Advancement
• Travel as needed for alumni events and relationship cultivation with key alumni stakeholders

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education
• Seven (7) or more years of progressive experience in alumni relations, event management, fundraising, or related fields
• Three (3) or more years of supervisory experience
• Demonstrated ability to engage and collaborate with diverse groups of faculty, staff, students, administrators, board members, volunteers, and external stakeholders
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, including the ability to articulate and enthusiastically convey organizational mission, values, and goals
• Proficient knowledge of the fundraising cycle, especially the role of alumni relations in this process
• Proficiency in utilizing customer relationship management (CRM) software platforms
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to responsibly manage operational budgets
• Ability to provide strategic thought leadership in annual planning processes
• Creativity, initiative, and strong problem-solving skills
• A healthy sense of humor

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree or advanced degree
• Additional certifications or credentials in related field, such as CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive)
• Experience in higher education or a comparably complex organization
• Multilingual ability (Spanish language strongly preferred)

To learn more and/or to apply for this position, please submit the following to Northeastern Illinois University via the NEIU Workday platform:

• Application link: Director of Alumni Relations
• Cover letter (may be addressed to the Director of Alumni Relations Search Committee)
• Current Resume (required)
• Three (3) current professional references; including the name, title, telephone number, and e-mail address (required)

Salary Range:   $90,000 - $98,000

Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.