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
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Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving
role at
Colgate University .
Posting Details Job Category: Professional/Administrative Position Title: Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving Employment Type: Full Time Division: Office of Advancement Department: Alumni Engagement Hiring Wage/Salary Range: $140,000 – $170,000 Work Arrangement: Full Time (description as per role)
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 and/or experience with annual giving programs, including strategy development, donor acquisition and retention, volunteer-driven fundraising, and results-oriented goal setting.
Demonstrated ability to inspire, mobilize, and sustain meaningful alumni participation, in giving and/or engagement.
Strong strategic and leadership skills, with a deep understanding of alumni engagement and annual giving best practices and emerging trends.
Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the intellectual depth, confidence, and credibility to engage effectively with alumni, faculty, University leadership, and key stakeholders.
Strong collaboration and communication skills, with a track record of working effectively across academic and administrative teams.
A data-driven mindset, with the ability to leverage metrics, analytics, and assessment tools to measure engagement and fundraising effectiveness, optimize resources, and manage budgets.
Adaptability and willingness to travel extensively, maintaining strong connections with alumni nationwide and beyond.
A collaborative, collegial, and high-integrity leadership style, with a strong work ethic and sound judgment.
Deep appreciation for Colgate University’s history, mission, and achievements, with the ability to articulate its impact to a diverse audience.
A strong 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.
Proven ability to assess, refine, and elevate engagement and giving programs within a complex institutional environment.
Experience developing integrated strategies that align alumni engagement and annual giving with broader institutional goals and campaign priorities.
Education A Bachelor’s degree is required.
Offer Determination When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, market and organizational considerations.
Benefits Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on the
Benefits page .
Department Statement The Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving provides strategic leadership in fostering meaningful connections with its 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. With over $725 million raised toward its $1 billion goal, the campaign is a cornerstone of Colgate’s Third-Century Plan, designed to propel the University into a new era of academic excellence and institutional impact.
The Associate Vice President plays a pivotal role in strengthening alumni engagement, leading the strategy and execution of the University’s annual giving program, and mobilizing this passionate community in support of Colgate’s bold vision for the future.
Accountabilities Reporting to the vice president for advancement, the Associate Vice President serves to provide strategic vision, leadership, and direction to deepen alumni connections and enhance their lifelong relationship with the University. The AVP also oversees 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.
Key Responsibilities
Advance Colgate’s mission and strategic priorities by fostering long-term, meaningful alumni engagement and philanthropic participation that align with the University’s goals.
Provide strategic oversight for the annual giving program, with a focus on best practices in the industry, sustaining and growing alumni donor participation and unrestricted support through innovative campaigns, data‑driven segmentation, and compelling messaging.
Position alumni engagement and annual giving as University‑wide priorities, ensuring the department serves as a central hub for strategically coordinating engagement with campus partners and solicitation efforts across all alumni populations.
Build and nurture collaborative partnerships with University leadership, faculty, and key campus stakeholders to develop and implement strategic alumni engagement and giving strategies.
Expand and enhance alumni volunteer leadership by identifying and engaging alumni in impactful roles on and off campus. Ensure a diverse and robust pipeline of volunteers.
Develop and execute a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy for Colgate, adapting initiatives based on emerging trends and evolving University priorities.
Oversee and enhance alumni engagement programs that foster connections through affinity and identity‑based groups, intellectual and regional initiatives, and the Colgate Professional Networks.
Lead the development and implementation of marketing and communications strategies to effectively promote alumni engagement and annual giving opportunities.
Serve as the primary University liaison to the Alumni Council, including fulfilling the role of Executive Secretary.
Provide leadership and oversight for the alumni engagement and annual giving teams, ensuring effective recruitment, mentorship, and professional development of staff.
Manage and oversee departmental budgets, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and in alignment with University policies and priorities.
Oversee Reunion Weekend, a signature annual event, and serve as a key partner in planning other signature Colgate weekends such as Homecoming and Arts, Creativity, and Innovation Weekend.
EEO Statement The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of skills and experience, capacity to do the job, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.
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Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving
role at
Colgate University .
Posting Details Job Category: Professional/Administrative Position Title: Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving Employment Type: Full Time Division: Office of Advancement Department: Alumni Engagement Hiring Wage/Salary Range: $140,000 – $170,000 Work Arrangement: Full Time (description as per role)
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 and/or experience with annual giving programs, including strategy development, donor acquisition and retention, volunteer-driven fundraising, and results-oriented goal setting.
Demonstrated ability to inspire, mobilize, and sustain meaningful alumni participation, in giving and/or engagement.
Strong strategic and leadership skills, with a deep understanding of alumni engagement and annual giving best practices and emerging trends.
Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the intellectual depth, confidence, and credibility to engage effectively with alumni, faculty, University leadership, and key stakeholders.
Strong collaboration and communication skills, with a track record of working effectively across academic and administrative teams.
A data-driven mindset, with the ability to leverage metrics, analytics, and assessment tools to measure engagement and fundraising effectiveness, optimize resources, and manage budgets.
Adaptability and willingness to travel extensively, maintaining strong connections with alumni nationwide and beyond.
A collaborative, collegial, and high-integrity leadership style, with a strong work ethic and sound judgment.
Deep appreciation for Colgate University’s history, mission, and achievements, with the ability to articulate its impact to a diverse audience.
A strong 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.
Proven ability to assess, refine, and elevate engagement and giving programs within a complex institutional environment.
Experience developing integrated strategies that align alumni engagement and annual giving with broader institutional goals and campaign priorities.
Education A Bachelor’s degree is required.
Offer Determination When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, market and organizational considerations.
Benefits Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on the
Benefits page .
Department Statement The Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving provides strategic leadership in fostering meaningful connections with its 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. With over $725 million raised toward its $1 billion goal, the campaign is a cornerstone of Colgate’s Third-Century Plan, designed to propel the University into a new era of academic excellence and institutional impact.
The Associate Vice President plays a pivotal role in strengthening alumni engagement, leading the strategy and execution of the University’s annual giving program, and mobilizing this passionate community in support of Colgate’s bold vision for the future.
Accountabilities Reporting to the vice president for advancement, the Associate Vice President serves to provide strategic vision, leadership, and direction to deepen alumni connections and enhance their lifelong relationship with the University. The AVP also oversees 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.
Key Responsibilities
Advance Colgate’s mission and strategic priorities by fostering long-term, meaningful alumni engagement and philanthropic participation that align with the University’s goals.
Provide strategic oversight for the annual giving program, with a focus on best practices in the industry, sustaining and growing alumni donor participation and unrestricted support through innovative campaigns, data‑driven segmentation, and compelling messaging.
Position alumni engagement and annual giving as University‑wide priorities, ensuring the department serves as a central hub for strategically coordinating engagement with campus partners and solicitation efforts across all alumni populations.
Build and nurture collaborative partnerships with University leadership, faculty, and key campus stakeholders to develop and implement strategic alumni engagement and giving strategies.
Expand and enhance alumni volunteer leadership by identifying and engaging alumni in impactful roles on and off campus. Ensure a diverse and robust pipeline of volunteers.
Develop and execute a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy for Colgate, adapting initiatives based on emerging trends and evolving University priorities.
Oversee and enhance alumni engagement programs that foster connections through affinity and identity‑based groups, intellectual and regional initiatives, and the Colgate Professional Networks.
Lead the development and implementation of marketing and communications strategies to effectively promote alumni engagement and annual giving opportunities.
Serve as the primary University liaison to the Alumni Council, including fulfilling the role of Executive Secretary.
Provide leadership and oversight for the alumni engagement and annual giving teams, ensuring effective recruitment, mentorship, and professional development of staff.
Manage and oversee departmental budgets, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and in alignment with University policies and priorities.
Oversee Reunion Weekend, a signature annual event, and serve as a key partner in planning other signature Colgate weekends such as Homecoming and Arts, Creativity, and Innovation Weekend.
EEO Statement The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of skills and experience, capacity to do the job, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.
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