Company Description:Founded in 1887, Clark was one of the first all-graduate institutions in the United States. Today the University is a highly-ranked, student-centered institution educating approximately 2,350 undergraduate and 1,150 graduate students to be imaginative and contributing citizens of the world and to advance the frontiers of knowledge and understanding through rigorous scholarship and creative effort. This commitment to scholarship and inquiry reflects the University's commitment to "challenge convention and change our world" and to address issues of critical importance to society. It is also reflected by Clark's many national and international distinctions, including innovation, community engagement and impact, as a top green campus, and for having a distinguished geography and international development program. Clark has also been included in the groundbreaking Colleges that Change Lives guide since it was first published in 1996.
Clark is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a dynamic, diverse city "on the rise". The second largest city in New England, Worcester is home to 11 institutions of higher learning and is increasingly recognized for its growing healthcare and biotechnology communities, its thriving cultural scene, and as a vibrant food hub.
Job Description:The Director of Alumni & Friends Engagement leads Clark University's efforts to build lifelong connections with alumni, parents, and friends. This role manages the Associate Director of Alumni & Friends Engagement and provides strategic oversight for high-impact volunteer councils?including the Clark Alumni Association, Parents Council, and alumni affinity groups such as the Clark Black Alumni Association (CBAA), Clark LGBTQIA+ Alumni Association (CLAA), and Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Council. The Director develops and implements strategies that align these groups with institutional priorities in engagement, fundraising, admissions, and career services.
Reporting to the Senior Executive Director for Advancement Strategy and Campaign Planning, the Director fosters a culture of collaboration, service, and advocacy among Clark's volunteer leaders.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Volunteer Program Leadership (35%)Provide strategic oversight and day-to-day management for key volunteer groups, including the Alumni Association, Parents Council, and alumni affinity groups (CBAA, CLAA, GOLD, and others). Ensure these groups are engaged in ways that advance Clark's mission and priorities.
2. Strategic Engagement Alignment (20%)Design and implement engagement strategies that connect volunteer groups with opportunities to support fundraising initiatives, assist in student recruitment, and contribute to career networking for students and alumni.
3. Supervision and Staff Development (15%)Manage, mentor, and evaluate the Associate Director of Alumni & Friends Engagement. Provide coaching, goal-setting, and professional development to ensure the success of the team's engagement strategy.
4. Volunteer Recruitment and Development (15%)Identify, recruit, train, and steward volunteer leaders. Provide guidance, resources, and support to help volunteers serve as effective ambassadors for Clark.
5. Collaboration and Campus Partnerships (10%)Work closely with colleagues across Admissions, the Career Connections Center, University Events, and Advancement to integrate volunteer contributions into broader institutional goals.
6. Event and Program Management (5%)Partner with volunteers, staff, and campus colleagues to plan and execute events, on-campus meetings, regional programs, and virtual engagement opportunities.
Requirements:Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in alumni relations, volunteer management, advancement, or a related field, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
- Proven success leading volunteer boards or councils in a higher education or nonprofit setting.
- Experience designing programs that align volunteers with strategic priorities in fundraising, admissions, and career services.Excellent communication, relationship-building, and project management skills.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience working with diverse constituent groups and developing inclusive engagement strategies.
- Familiarity with alumni engagement metrics and data-informed program evaluation.
- Knowledge of fundraising principles and campaign planning in higher education.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements- Office-based with hybrid work eligibility.
- Evening and weekend work required for events and volunteer meetings.
- Domestic travel up to 20%.
Additional Information:At Clark University we believe that diversity of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to a more innovative and productive work environment. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to join our team and contribute their unique ideas to help us achieve our goals.
Clark University offers a generous benefit package for full and, if applicable, part-time employees that include; paid time off, generous retirement plan, group health and dental insurance, life insurance, and tuition, along with use of many campus amenities. For a complete list of benefits for eligible employees visit
here.
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Application Instructions:To be considered for this position, you must submit your credentials online. Create a
Clark University Careers Account by clicking on the
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Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.
A successful background check is required upon acceptance.
