The Assistant Director of Alumni & Parent Alumni Engagement is responsible for developing and implementing strategies and programs that foster connection, participation, and affinity among current parents and families, graduates of the last decade (GOLD) alumni, and students transitioning to alumni status.
Assistant Director - GOLD Alumni and Parent Engagement
Pay Status and Classification: Exempt, Regular Full-time, In-Person. This position is not eligible for relocation assistance or visa sponsorship.
Work Location: This position is an onsite role and is not eligible for a hybrid work schedule.
Supervisor: Director - Alumni & Parent Engagement
Position Purpose: The Assistant Director of Alumni & Parent Alumni Engagement is responsible for developing and implementing strategies and programs that foster connection, participation, and affinity among current parents and families, graduates of the last decade (GOLD) alumni, and students transitioning to alumni status.
Through strategic planning and execution of programs, communications, and engagement opportunities, this role helps create meaningful experiences for constituents that foster long-term relationships with the College. The Assistant Director manages parent and family engagement efforts, GOLD alumni and student-to-alumni transition programming, virtual and year-round engagement initiatives, and selected outreach activities that promote connection across key constituent groups.
This role also supports assigned reunion committee engagement efforts and acts as a backup to the Associate Director during busy event periods, helping to enhance the overall capacity of the Alumni and Parent Engagement team during major planning and execution phases.
A collaborative, relationship-focused professional, the Assistant Director works closely with campus partners, College Relations colleagues, faculty, staff, students, and volunteers to create welcoming, mission-aligned engagement opportunities. This role collaborates with Annual Giving and other College Relations teams to support long-term constituent loyalty and philanthropic engagement, while primarily responsible for developing engagement strategies rather than owning fundraising efforts.
Essential Responsibilities and Duties:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive parent and family engagement strategy that enhances relationships with the College and advances institutional priorities.
- Plan, execute, and assess programs and experiences for parents and families that promote connection, participation, and lasting affinity.
- Develop and oversee initiatives for GOLD alumni and student-to-alumni transitions that introduce emerging alumni to meaningful opportunities for lifelong engagement with the College.
- Manage virtual programs and other year-round engagement activities designed to reach parents, GOLD alumni, and other designated groups beyond major on-campus events.
- Create and support engagement opportunities that align with constituent interests and strengthen the bond between the College and its alumni and parent communities.
- Assist with reunion committee engagement efforts in collaboration with the Associate Director and the broader Alumni and Parent Engagement team, including volunteer communication, outreach, and enhancing the constituent experience.
- Provide backup support to the Associate Director during peak event times, including assistance with planning, staffing, communications, logistics, and follow-up for signature events and major weekends.
- Collaborate with campus partners, including Student Affairs, Admissions, academic departments, and other stakeholders, to develop programs that reflect and improve the student, parent, and GOLD alumni experience.
- Work with Advancement Communications and colleagues to craft and promote clear, effective messaging regarding parent, GOLD alumni, and year-round engagement initiatives.
- Partner with the Office of Annual Giving and other College Relations teams to support engagement strategies that foster long-term connections and philanthropic involvement, while maintaining the primary responsibility for solicitation strategy, donor goals, and fundraising performance with Annual Giving.
- Monitor participation, gather feedback, evaluate program outcomes, establish key performance metrics, and prepare reports to facilitate ongoing review and improvement.
- Encourage colleagues to ensure timely post-program follow-up, including attendance documentation, constituent coding, stewardship communication, and reporting.
- Contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative College community by demonstrating civil and respectful behavior with parents, alumni, faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
- Participate in and support various events and initiatives organized by the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement, including occasional travel and work during evenings and weekends.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required; equivalent professional administrative experience will be considered.
- Minimum of 2–3 years of professional experience in alumni relations, advancement, higher education, volunteer management, event/program management, or a related field preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and manage engagement programs and events from concept through execution and assessment.
- Experience recruiting, managing, motivating, and stewarding volunteers preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with alumni, volunteers, colleagues, campus partners, and other constituents.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and project-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, take initiative, solve problems independently, and work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Experience with databases, CRM systems, event-management platforms, email marketing tools, and Microsoft Office/Google Workspace preferred.
- Demonstrated commitment to creating welcoming and inclusive engagement opportunities for alumni from a wide range of backgrounds, generations, affinities, and geographic regions.
- Ability and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends and travel as required for programs and events.
Compensation:
The annual salary range for this position is $62,000-$64,000. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Location: Schenectady, NY
We know some job seekers may not apply for career opportunities unless they meet every qualification in the position description including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in hiring the best staff and faculty colleagues, and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career path. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications.
We offer exceptional benefits including:
- Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
- Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays (in accordance with policy)
- Healthcare: Medical (PPO & HDHP), Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
- Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
- Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
- Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
- Tuition Exchange
Background Checks: In accordance with our background check policy, finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.
E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar).
