Manager of Alumni Engagement

Manager of Alumni Engagement Empire State University is seeking qualified and motivated applicants for the position of Manager of Alumni Engagement in the Office of Advancement. The Manager of Alumni Engagement provides strategic leadership for the development and implementation of a comprehensive alumni engagement program that connects Empire State University's more than 105,000 alumni to one another, to current students, and to the university throughout their lifelong learning journey. Serving a global alumni population shaped by an innovative learning model, the Manager will help define and lead a modern approach to alumni engagement that extends beyond traditional programs and events. The role is responsible for creating meaningful opportunities for alumni connection, mentorship, volunteerism, professional development, lifelong learning, advocacy, and philanthropy through a combination of virtual, hybrid, and in-person experiences. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Advancement, the Manager serves as lead strategist for alumni engagement and will play a key role in building programs that reflect the unique characteristics of Empire's students and graduates. The position works collaboratively across the university to strengthen the relationship between alumni and the institution. The successful candidate will be an innovative thinker, relationship builder, storyteller, and program developer who is excited by the opportunity to create new models of alumni engagement. Core Responsibilities Alumni Engagement Strategy and Innovation - Develop, implement, and continuously assess a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy aligned with the university's mission, strategic priorities, and advancement goals.- Lead the creation of innovative engagement opportunities designed specifically for a geographically dispersed alumni population and online educational environment.- Identify emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in alumni engagement and recommend new approaches that strengthen alumni participation and institutional affinity.- Build a scalable engagement framework that supports lifelong relationships between alumni and the university.- Partner with Advancement colleagues to foster a culture of alumni philanthropy by connecting engagement, volunteerism, storytelling, and giving opportunities in ways that deepen alumni affinity and support for the university.- Manage a focused portfolio of alumni relationships, as appropriate, to advance engagement, volunteer leadership, and philanthropic participation.- Establish engagement metrics, goals, and success indicators to measure participation, affinity, volunteerism, advocacy, and philanthropic engagement.- Serve as a champion for innovation and experimentation, piloting new programs and engagement models that position Empire as a leader in alumni engagement for online learners. Alumni Programs, Events, and Community Building - Develop and oversee a coordinated portfolio of alumni engagement programs that foster meaningful connection, lifelong learning, professional engagement, volunteerism, and pride in Empire State University.- In partnership with Career Services and other university colleagues, support and help expand initiatives such as virtual event and webinar series, alumni learning opportunities, career-focused programming, networking and mentoring programs, online communities, regional and affinity-based engagement, alumni ambassador and volunteer programs, and alumni awards and recognition programs.- Leverage the Advancement CRM, digital engagement platforms, and other technologies to support alumni participation, relationship tracking, segmentation, and coordinated outreach.- Design opportunities that strengthen alumni-to-alumni and alumni-to-student connections while increasing the visibility and impact of alumni across the univ