Associate Director of Alumni Engagement

Alumni Affairs and Development | Cornell University

Cornell University welcomes candidates for the position of Associate Director of Alumni Engagement in our Alumni Affairs and Development division, based in Ithaca, NY. This role presents an exciting opportunity to strengthen alumni connection and engagement for the Cornell Duffield Engineering community through high-impact programs, events, and volunteer partnerships.

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Alumni Engagement plays a key role in advancing alumni connection for the Cornell Duffield College of Engineering by supporting and leading the execution of a comprehensive engagement strategy. This position partners closely with the Director of Alumni Engagement to deliver a portfolio of in-person, virtual, and hybrid programs, while managing relationships with alumni volunteers and key stakeholders. This role requires strong project management, creativity, and the ability to analyze engagement data to inform strategies that deepen alumni involvement and strengthen connections to the college.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute a range of alumni engagement programs, including signature events, regional programming, and digital initiatives aligned with college priorities.

• Partner with the Director of Alumni Engagement to develop strategies targeting key alumni segments and track engagement outcomes.

• Manage logistics for events, including venue selection, vendor coordination, communications, registration, and post-event follow-up.

• Support and help manage alumni volunteer groups, including the Engineering Alumni Association and Engineering College Council.

• Collaborate with faculty, college leadership, and Advancement colleagues to ensure programming reflects institutional priorities and highlights faculty and student work.

• Analyze engagement metrics and develop reporting to inform future strategy and decision-making.

• Develop communications and outreach strategies to increase alumni participation in programs and volunteer opportunities.

• Maintain accurate alumni engagement records, including event participation and volunteer activity.

About Alumni Affairs and Development

Cornell's Alumni Affairs and Development division, widely regarded as one of the top-performing advancement organizations in higher education, connects alumni, parents and friends with opportunities to advance the university's mission through philanthropy and engagement. As part of our team, you'll help cultivate meaningful relationships while working alongside dedicated professionals who share your commitment to excellence and educational advancement.

About Cornell Duffield College of Engineering

Building on our 150-plus-year legacy as one of the nation’s preeminent engineering colleges, the Cornell Duffield College of Engineering is a purpose-driven, inclusive community committed to developing the knowledge, capabilities, and people needed to forge a better future. Comprising more than 10 schools and departments, we are rooted in Ithaca, New York, with a growing presence in New York City and a global network of alumni and collaborators. Guided by our core values, our faculty and staff regularly engage across disciplines and intentionally bring together a range of perspectives as they lead and support ambitious efforts to tackle societal challenges, develop the next generation of leaders, and make a meaningful difference in the world.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 to 5 years relevant experience or equivalent combination

• Experience working with volunteers; the ability to manage complex relationships, a proven collaborator with teamwork skills.

• Excellent communication skills; the ability to speak credibly about higher education and the aspirations of Cornell; clarity, crispness and effectiveness in written and oral presentations.

• Excellent project management skills.

• Willingness to travel extensively, up to 25% of staff time, and to work nights and weekends as needed.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and commun