Director of Alumni Engagement and External Affairs

For more than 150 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has been a leader in educating the world’s most influential artists, designers and scholars. Located in downtown Chicago with a fine arts graduate program consistently ranking among the top four graduate fine arts programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, SAIC provides an interdisciplinary approach to art and design as well as world-class resources, including the Art Institute of Chicago Museum, on-campus galleries and state-of-the-art facilities. SAIC’s undergraduate, graduate and post-baccalaureate students have the freedom to take risks and create the bold ideas that transform Chicago and the world—as seen through notable alumni and faculty such as Michelle Grabner, David Sedaris, Elizabeth Murray, Richard Hunt, Georgia O’Keeffe, Cynthia Rowley, Nick Cave, and LeRoy Neiman.

About the Department

The Advancement Office at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) plays a vital role in supporting the school’s mission to educate and empower the world’s most influential artists, designers, and scholars. Advancement partners strategically with internal and external stakeholders to build enduring relationships, secure philanthropic support, and steward resources that enhance the student experience, fuel academic excellence, and strengthen SAIC’s impact locally and globally.

The team leads a broad range of activities including fundraising, major and planned giving, advancement services and operations, alumni engagement, and donor relations. By leveraging best-in-class systems, data insights, and creative engagement strategies, Advancement ensures that SAIC can continue to provide world-class resources — from faculty support and scholarship funding to state-of-the-art facilities and innovative programs. Collaboration across departments, thoughtful stewardship, and a commitment to community and creativity are at the heart of the office’s work.

Position Summary

The Director of Alumni Engagement and External Affairs leads the strategy, programs, and partnerships that strengthen SAIC’s relationship with more than 30,000 alumni worldwide. This role develops and executes a comprehensive engagement plan that deepens alumni connection to the School, enhances volunteer and philanthropic participation, and elevates the visibility of SAIC alumni within the broader arts and cultural community. The Director will also collaborate with external partners, including corporate and sponsors.

The Director manages signature alumni programs, oversees alumni communications, partners closely with internal and external stakeholders, and plays a key role in identifying and cultivating alumni donor prospects. This position supervises the Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and reports directly to the VP of Advancement.

Responsibilities

Strategy & Vision

• Develop and implement a multi-year alumni engagement strategy aligned with SAIC’s strategic priorities.
• Expand alumni touchpoints, including regional clubs, affinity groups, and engagement initiatives.
• Create and lead special initiatives and curated alumni gatherings.

Leadership & Team Development

• Manage and mentor the Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement.
• Recruit, train, and support alumni volunteers, regional leaders, and event hosts.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, belonging, creativity, and service within the Office of Advancement.

Fundraising & Donor Pipeline Development

• Partner with the Director of Annual Giving to design targeted fundraising campaigns for alumni across class years, affinities, and geographies.
• Maintain a small portfolio of alumni prospects, cultivating and soliciting annual leadership gifts.
• Work with major gift officers to identify alumni who may be future major donor prospects or connectors in their networks.

Program Management

• Oversee planning and execution of alumni events—regional programs, on-campus events, and virtual engagement.
• Lead Alumni Weekend, reunion events, and industry-specific gatherings.
• Manage in coordination with colleagues - alumni digital content, email communications, newsletters, and social media partnerships.
• Ensure alumni benefits are desirable, visible and well-utilized.

Collaboration & Partnerships

• Collaborate with Admissions, Career Services, and Academic Affairs to integrate alumni into student recruitment, career mentorship, and classroom experiences.
• Partner with Marketing and Communications to highlight alumni success and elevate the SAIC brand.
• Work with museum staff to expand opportunities that include or feature alumni.
• Serve as SAIC’s domestic liaison to international alumni gro