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About the Role

This high-impact leadership role reports directly to the Vice President for College Relations and is responsible for the strategic vision and operational execution of a holistic engagement and fundraising ecosystem. The Director will lead efforts to inform and engage Union College’s global network of alumni and parents, transforming meaningful connection into sustained philanthropic support by bridging the gap between institutional advancement and constituent relations.

Responsibilities

Act as a key advisor to the Vice President for College Relations, aligning annual giving and engagement goals with the College’s broader strategic priorities.
Develop and execute an annual strategic plan that synchronizes alumni and parent programming with fundraising appeals to maximize both participation and total dollars raised.
Prepare and present comprehensive progress reports to the Board of Trustees and external stakeholders, providing data-driven insights on engagement health and fundraising trends.
Lead the strategy for informing the community on college initiatives, ensuring alumni and parents are educated on Union’s mission, academic excellence, and future vision.
Manage the Alumni and Parent Engagement office to deliver high-quality events and volunteer opportunities that move constituents through the engagement lifecycle.
Design specific outreach and engagement tracks for parents, ensuring they are recognized as primary stakeholders in the College's success, regardless of their alumni status.
Drive institutional synergy by partnering with Admissions, Athletics, the Career Center and Academic Departments to integrate alumni and parent involvement into student recruitment, career mentorship, and department-specific philanthropic initiatives.
Optimize the structure of alumni and parent boards/committees, leveraging these advocates to expand the College’s reach and influence.
Partner with the Alumni Council to align volunteer initiatives with institutional goals, ensuring the Council serves as a primary driver of alumni connectivity and advocacy.
Oversee the Annual Fund, implementing innovative strategies for unrestricted and restricted giving, and leadership-level annual gifts.
Collaboratively build a robust pipeline of major gift prospects by identifying high-potential donors within the alumni and parent cohorts.

Requirements

7–10 years of progressive experience in non-profit fundraising or higher education advancement, with a proven track record of managing annual funds and large-scale engagement programs.
Exceptional team leadership skills, including a history of hiring, coaching, and developing staff to meet ambitious performance metrics.
A sophisticated "entrepreneurial spirit" with the ability to build, steward, and leverage a personal portfolio of high-level donors and stakeholders.
Proven ability to work effectively across diverse departments (Athletics, Admissions, Faculty) to achieve institutional goals.
Expert-level written and verbal communication skills; ability to serve as a primary ambassador for Union College.
Advanced experience with CRM databases (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Slate) and data analytics to drive strategy and report on Key Performance Indicators.
Superior organizational and budgeting skills, with the ability to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
A high level of professionalism and the ability to navigate sensitive institutional issues with discretion and accountability.
Demonstrated success in managing and optimizing volunteer structures, including alumni and parent boards or committees.

Skills

Fundraising
Alumni Engagement
Parent Engagement
Annual Giving
Strategic Planning
Data Analysis
CRM Databases
Volunteer Management
Communication
Budgeting
Organizational Skills

Location

Schenectady, NY

Work Type

Exempt
Regular Full-time

Experience Level

7-10 years of progressive experience

Salary/Compensations

$140,000-$150,000

Benefits

Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays
Healthcare: Medical (PPO & HDHP), Dental, and Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts
Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access
Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
Tuition Exchange

About the Company

Union College is an institution committed to academic excellence and fostering a sense of belonging within its community.

Equal Opportunity

In accordance with our background check policy, finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.
Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.