Colgate University
Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving
Colgate University, New York, New York, us, 10261
Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving
The AVP provides strategic leadership in fostering meaningful connections with Colgate's global alumni community and in mobilizing philanthropic support through a thriving annual giving program. As a highly selective, residential liberal arts college, Colgate is dedicated to educating talented students for lives of leadership and service. The University has a deeply rooted culture of philanthropy and alumni engagement, with more than 56% of alumni actively participating each year through giving, volunteering, and attending both virtual and in-person programs. Signature events—such as Reunion, which welcomes more than 2,500 alumni and guests annually—exemplify the strength of Colgate’s alumni network. This enduring alumni loyalty and generosity provide a powerful foundation as the University advances its historic and comprehensive Campaign for the Third Century. Accountabilities
Reporting to the vice president for advancement, provide strategic vision, leadership, and direction to deepen alumni connections and enhance lifelong relationships with the University. Oversee Colgate’s annual giving program, which raises more than $16 million annually in current use support, including more than $10 million in unrestricted support, and secures more than 12,000 alumni donors. Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy and annual giving initiatives in partnership with Advancement leadership. Oversee Reunion Weekend and partner in planning other signature Colgate weekends (e.g., Homecoming, Arts, Creativity, and Innovation Weekend). Key Responsibilities
Advance Colgate’s mission and strategic priorities by fostering long-term, meaningful alumni engagement and philanthropic participation. Provide strategic oversight for the annual giving program with best practices, data-driven segmentation, and compelling messaging to sustain donor participation and unrestricted support. Position alumni engagement and annual giving as University-wide priorities and coordinate engagement with campus partners and solicitation efforts across alumni populations. Build collaborative partnerships with University leadership, faculty, and campus stakeholders to develop and implement engagement and giving strategies. Expand alumni volunteer leadership and ensure a diverse, robust pipeline of volunteer leaders. Develop and execute a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy adaptable to trends and priorities. Lead marketing and communications strategies to promote alumni engagement and giving opportunities. Serve as the primary University liaison to the Alumni Council and fulfill the role of Executive Secretary. Provide leadership and oversight for the alumni engagement and annual giving teams, including recruitment, mentorship, professional development, and a high-performance culture. Manage departmental budgets in alignment with University policies and priorities. Professional Experience/Qualifications
Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in higher education, including at least five years in progressive management roles overseeing alumni engagement and/or advancement. Strong familiarity with annual giving programs, including strategy development, donor acquisition and retention, and goal setting. Demonstrated ability to inspire and mobilize meaningful alumni participation in giving and/or engagement. Strong strategic and leadership skills with understanding of best practices and trends in alumni engagement and annual giving. Exceptional relationship-building skills and credibility with alumni, faculty, University leadership, and stakeholders. Collaborative and communicative, with track record of cross-functional teamwork. Data-driven mindset with ability to use metrics to measure engagement and fundraising effectiveness, optimize resources, and manage budgets. Willingness to travel extensively and maintain strong connections with alumni nationwide and beyond. Collaborative, collegial, and high-integrity leadership style with strong work ethic and sound judgment. Appreciation for Colgate University’s history, mission, and achievements, with ability to articulate impact to diverse audiences. Desire to engage fully with both the University and the local community. Preferred Qualifications
Direct management experience in alumni engagement and/or annual giving within a higher education setting. Ability to assess, refine, and elevate engagement and giving programs within a complex institutional environment. Experience developing integrated strategies aligning alumni engagement and annual giving with broader institutional goals and campaign priorities. Education
A Bachelor’s degree is required. Other Information
Job Open Date: 08/28/2025 Job Close Date: 08/28/2026 Open Until Filled: Yes Special Instructions: All applications should include a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile. Applications should be submitted to WittKieffer’s candidate portal. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Mercedes Chacón Vance and Jevon Walton at ColgateAVP-AEAG@wittkieffer.com. To view the full posting and apply, go to: https://careers.colgate.edu/postings/6587 The University recognizes equal employment opportunity and is committed to recruiting on the basis of merit, ability, and qualifications without regard to protected characteristics. For campus safety information, refer to Colgate’s Campus Safety and Clery Compliance resources available online.
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The AVP provides strategic leadership in fostering meaningful connections with Colgate's global alumni community and in mobilizing philanthropic support through a thriving annual giving program. As a highly selective, residential liberal arts college, Colgate is dedicated to educating talented students for lives of leadership and service. The University has a deeply rooted culture of philanthropy and alumni engagement, with more than 56% of alumni actively participating each year through giving, volunteering, and attending both virtual and in-person programs. Signature events—such as Reunion, which welcomes more than 2,500 alumni and guests annually—exemplify the strength of Colgate’s alumni network. This enduring alumni loyalty and generosity provide a powerful foundation as the University advances its historic and comprehensive Campaign for the Third Century. Accountabilities
Reporting to the vice president for advancement, provide strategic vision, leadership, and direction to deepen alumni connections and enhance lifelong relationships with the University. Oversee Colgate’s annual giving program, which raises more than $16 million annually in current use support, including more than $10 million in unrestricted support, and secures more than 12,000 alumni donors. Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy and annual giving initiatives in partnership with Advancement leadership. Oversee Reunion Weekend and partner in planning other signature Colgate weekends (e.g., Homecoming, Arts, Creativity, and Innovation Weekend). Key Responsibilities
Advance Colgate’s mission and strategic priorities by fostering long-term, meaningful alumni engagement and philanthropic participation. Provide strategic oversight for the annual giving program with best practices, data-driven segmentation, and compelling messaging to sustain donor participation and unrestricted support. Position alumni engagement and annual giving as University-wide priorities and coordinate engagement with campus partners and solicitation efforts across alumni populations. Build collaborative partnerships with University leadership, faculty, and campus stakeholders to develop and implement engagement and giving strategies. Expand alumni volunteer leadership and ensure a diverse, robust pipeline of volunteer leaders. Develop and execute a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy adaptable to trends and priorities. Lead marketing and communications strategies to promote alumni engagement and giving opportunities. Serve as the primary University liaison to the Alumni Council and fulfill the role of Executive Secretary. Provide leadership and oversight for the alumni engagement and annual giving teams, including recruitment, mentorship, professional development, and a high-performance culture. Manage departmental budgets in alignment with University policies and priorities. Professional Experience/Qualifications
Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in higher education, including at least five years in progressive management roles overseeing alumni engagement and/or advancement. Strong familiarity with annual giving programs, including strategy development, donor acquisition and retention, and goal setting. Demonstrated ability to inspire and mobilize meaningful alumni participation in giving and/or engagement. Strong strategic and leadership skills with understanding of best practices and trends in alumni engagement and annual giving. Exceptional relationship-building skills and credibility with alumni, faculty, University leadership, and stakeholders. Collaborative and communicative, with track record of cross-functional teamwork. Data-driven mindset with ability to use metrics to measure engagement and fundraising effectiveness, optimize resources, and manage budgets. Willingness to travel extensively and maintain strong connections with alumni nationwide and beyond. Collaborative, collegial, and high-integrity leadership style with strong work ethic and sound judgment. Appreciation for Colgate University’s history, mission, and achievements, with ability to articulate impact to diverse audiences. Desire to engage fully with both the University and the local community. Preferred Qualifications
Direct management experience in alumni engagement and/or annual giving within a higher education setting. Ability to assess, refine, and elevate engagement and giving programs within a complex institutional environment. Experience developing integrated strategies aligning alumni engagement and annual giving with broader institutional goals and campaign priorities. Education
A Bachelor’s degree is required. Other Information
Job Open Date: 08/28/2025 Job Close Date: 08/28/2026 Open Until Filled: Yes Special Instructions: All applications should include a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile. Applications should be submitted to WittKieffer’s candidate portal. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Mercedes Chacón Vance and Jevon Walton at ColgateAVP-AEAG@wittkieffer.com. To view the full posting and apply, go to: https://careers.colgate.edu/postings/6587 The University recognizes equal employment opportunity and is committed to recruiting on the basis of merit, ability, and qualifications without regard to protected characteristics. For campus safety information, refer to Colgate’s Campus Safety and Clery Compliance resources available online.
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