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Inside Higher Ed

VICE PRESIDENT, ALUMNI RELATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT, Advancement

Inside Higher Ed, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298

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VICE PRESIDENT, ALUMNI RELATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT, Advancement Join to apply for the VICE PRESIDENT, ALUMNI RELATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT, Advancement role at Inside Higher Ed. Job Description

Position: Vice President, Alumni Relations, Communications and Engagement Location: Boston, MA, United States Organization: Boston University Advancement Posted: 7/22/2025 Salary Grade: Grade 00 Employment Type: Full-Time/Regular About Boston University Advancement

With a team of over 270 employees, Boston University\'s Advancement division plays a vital role in fostering connections between the University and its community of supporters, including alumni, donors, parents, and friends, to elevate the university\'s academic and research initiatives. We harness philanthropy and engagement to support BU\'s mission and provide opportunities for broad participation in the University\'s work. Boston University Advancement prioritizes staff development and growth, offering ongoing professional development opportunities, mentorship, and a collaborative work environment to foster learning and career progression. Position Description

The Vice President, Alumni Relations, Communications and Engagement (ARCE) is a senior member of the Advancement leadership team who oversees key areas within BU\'s Advancement office. The VP-ARCE provides strategic leadership for BU\'s worldwide alumni network and leads communications, outreach and engagement programs, including volunteerism, to support BU\'s strategic goals. The VP-ARCE will manage central teams and partner with School and Unit advancement leaders to maximize impact. BU seeks to expand alumni reach, service, engagement, and fundraising; the VP-ARCE plays a key role in achieving these ambitions. Responsibilities

Alumni Relations

Develop a strategic plan to increase alumni participation, implement innovative programming, and strengthen ties among alumni, the university, students, and each other; use data-driven approaches for program evaluation. Enhance and measure program effectiveness, retire legacy programs as needed, and provide meaningful lifelong engagement that encourages alumni to participate as volunteers and supporters. Address diverse alumni needs and use data to tailor engagement, including affinity programs, education programs, career services, regional engagement, and networking opportunities. Ensure engagement strategies foster inclusion and belonging. Collaborate across Advancement to create an integrated model where alumni engagement complements development activities. Communications

Oversee Development Communications and the Alumni Relations marketing efforts, ensuring alignment with university messaging and broad alumni engagement. Build strong teams and partnerships with deans, faculty, and development colleagues; manage resources to sustain high-quality communications products. Support internal communications and signature development-related events; coordinate with University Relations on broader communications related to alumni relations and development. Engagement

Plan and implement an annual engagement framework for advancement audiences worldwide. Set and track engagement metrics; develop partnerships with student organizations and university units to increase involvement. Establish volunteer opportunities and a strong volunteer infrastructure to support BU and future campaigns. Annual Giving and Alumni Participation

Oversee annual giving strategies to increase participation and gift impact; build a pipeline of major gift prospects; align fundraising with donor recognition. Collaborate on marketing strategies tailored to different generations and constituencies; ensure fund materials align with BU branding. Coordinate with Development to integrate annual fund solicitation strategies and unrestricted giving into donor conversations; strengthen donor engagement. Team Leadership

Lead and develop Advancement teams; manage budgets, operations, and personnel; set clear goals aligned with BU\'s mission and priorities. Recruit, mentor, and retain high-caliber staff; foster professionalism, collaboration, accountability, and innovation. Ensure staff engagement with alumni and cultivate a culture of philanthropy across BU. Required Skills and Qualifications

Bold strategist with experience building alumni and donor communities; ability to drive engagement and transformational giving. Proven track record in marketing campaigns that increase alumni engagement and philanthropic participation. Strong leadership, mentoring, and staff development abilities; capable of guiding change in complex organizations. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; comfortable representing BU to diverse alumni globally; capable presenter for audiences of varying sizes. Ability to work with senior leaders and stakeholders, analyze information, and think strategically and creatively. Collaborative leadership style suitable for a multi-constituency environment; understands the role of annual giving in fundraising success. Experience identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors; ability to inspire volunteers in alumni relations and development. Values

Teamwork, transparency, and mutual respect. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Integrity, strategic thinking, curiosity, and measurable results. Continuous growth, improvement, and joy in pursuing meaningful goals. Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or marital or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Application

To apply, visit the BU job posting at the provided link. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process, contact the Equal Opportunity Office at 617-358-1796. Notes

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