Proudly standing as the nation’s oldest HBCU, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania has been a stalwart and highly respected institution of higher education since our founding in 1837.For over 185 years our alumni have emerged as leaders and left their mark on the social, economic, and political history of Philadelphia, the surrounding region, the nation, and the world. Building on this legacy, the vision for Cheyney University is to become the premier model for academic excellence, character development, and social responsibility.

Here at Cheyney, we value scholarship, diversity, integrity, respect, and service. We are committed to maintaining a vibrant educational community that is dedicated to promoting scholarship and lifelong learning for its students, offering wide student access to resources to ensure an opportunity for all to acquire an education, encouraging freedom of thought and freedom from discrimination by ensuring a respectful environment, and provide outreach and service to external and constituent communities, demonstrating their understanding of the importance and value of service.

We’re looking for exceptional individuals who share our values, embrace our mission, recognize our potential, and covet the opportunity to continue to move our historic University forward.CU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance along with many wellness programs; generous retirement plans; a commitment to work-life balance including generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including a tuition waiver for self and family members, training and development, and advancement opportunities.

The Director of Alumni Relations is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy that strengthens lifelong relationships between the university and its alumni. This position oversees programs, communications, events, volunteer engagement, and strategic initiatives designed to enhance alumni participation, support institutional goals, and foster a vibrant, engaged alumni community. The Director collaborates closely with Career Services, Enrollment, Academic Units, and university leadership to align alumni engagement with fundraising, student success, and institutional priorities.

Requirements

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Develop and implement a multi-year alumni engagement strategy that supports the university’s strategic plan, priorities, and institutional advancement goals.

2. Provide overall leadership, consistent with the strategic direction of Institutional Advancement, in the development and implementation of alumni programs designed to engage Cheyney alumni in the mission, goals and programs of the University and to encourage financial support of the institution.

3. Work independently or collaborate with other departments to coordinate activities for the alumni relations programs at the university within the Office of Institutional Advancement.

4. Foster meaningful relationships with alumni through programs, events, and communications.

5. Oversee strategies surrounding communication to the National Alumni Association, and various on-campus constituencies.

6. Serve as an ex officio member of the Cheyney University National Alumni Association Board of Directors.

7. Develop individualized Alumni recognition programs and activities.

8. Create opportunities for alumni to mentor students, support career development, and serve as ambassadors.

9. Lead the planning and execution of major alumni events, including Homecoming, alumni weekend, reunions, awards ceremonies, regional gatherings, and virtual engagement opportunities.

10. Develop innovative programs that connect alumni with students, faculty, and campus life.

11. Implement systems to measure engagement outcomes and report key metrics.

12. Oversee alumni communications in collaboration with Marketing/Communications teams, including newsletters, social media, web content, and storytelling initiatives.

13. Maintain the alumni section of the university website and ensure content is current, appealing, and mission-aligned.

14. Strengthen the university’s brand among alumni through consistent, high-quality messaging.

15. Work with Advancement Services to maintain accurate alumni records, track engagement, and produce reports for decision-making.

16. Utilize CRM and digital engagement tools to personalize outreach and analyze participation trends.

17. Partner with Development staff to support fundraising campaigns and Annual Fund participation.

18. Work closely with Career Services to enhance alumni-student mentorship, internships, and networking opportunities.

19. Manage departmental budget and operational planning.

20. Supervise staff, student workers, and volunteers.

21. Represent the university at internal and external events, conferences, and professional gatherings.

22. Stays current on best practices in alumni affairs within the professional realm of University Advancement.

23. Establishes a presence for Cheyney University in national professional associations.

24. Support university leadership in leveraging alumni relationships for advocacy, recruitment, and visibility.

25. Complete other duties as assigned and serve on campus wide committees as requested.

Required minimum qualifications:
Five to seven years of experience in alumni relations, advancement, higher education administration, nonprofit leadership, or stakeholder engagement.

Education, Training, and/or Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, higher education, business, or a related field.
Master’s degree preferred

Knowledge & Skills, Abilities:

Experience in fundraising or annual giving.
Familiarity with alumni engagement metrics and advancement best practices.
Knowledge of student/alumni career development strategies.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Exceptional organizational ability
Knowledge of Higher Education principles and practices
Effective decision making
Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Public speaking and presentation skills
Innovation and problem solving.
Leadership and team development
Data analysis and outcome measurement
Flexibility and adaptability
Computer Skills (Microsoft Word Suite, Raisers Edge, and/or experience with other donor management systems. and other related software)
Experience developing and executing programs or events.

Instructions for Applying

A complete online application will include the following attachments. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Cover Letter
Resume/Curriculum Vitae

MAILED, EMAILED or FAXED application materials will not be considered. Employment for this position is covered by collective bargaining with the SCUPA union. All offers of employment are subject and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all pre-employment criminal background checks.

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania

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Director of Alumni Relations