Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement

Wilkes University, in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of Alumni & Constituent Engagement. This key leadership role is responsible for planning, developing, and executing an alumni and constituent relations program that provides meaningful engagement opportunities and strengthens the University's relationships with alumni, donors, parents, students, and employees. The Director will play a critical role in fostering a vibrant, connected community that supports the University's mission and vision.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Advancement, the Director will oversee the Associate Director of Alumni & Constituent Engagement and provide strategic guidance to alumni volunteers and staff. This position requires a dynamic leader who can create innovative programs, build lasting relationships across a diverse set of constituencies, and advance the University's goals for engagement, philanthropy, and community connection.

Responsibilities:

• Gives direction to the Alumni Board of Directors, providing vision and assistance in the development of initiatives to support the Association efforts on behalf of the University. Serves as ex officio Executive Director of the Alumni Association.
• Sets direction for alumni programming and communications. Supervises alumni relations staff and manages the alumni office budget including budget planning, forecasting and tracking.
• Develops vision, strategies, benchmarks and goals for alumni/constituent engagement within Advancement and ensures fulfillment of these objectives. Creates strategies which will effectively engage a diverse set of constituents.
• Builds and maintains relationships with on-campus constituencies to best partner on engagement opportunities (colleges, student affairs, students, administration, etc.).
• Management of alumni volunteers to connect alumni with each other and the University (10%).
• Other duties as assigned: Participates in all aspects of program and department planning and in the establishment of department goals and objectives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
• Degree in Communications, higher education, or related field preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively increasing responsibility in a college, university or secondary school alumni relations department, managing specific programs required
• Experience in donor relations preferred

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Events and database management experience
• Mentoring experience
• Proven goal- and metric-driven mindset
• Excellent leadership skills
• Excellent written and oral interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to build relationships with various groups of people
• Budget management and project management experience
• Creativity in improving efficiencies and in developing new programming
• Ability to deal with a diverse constituency; meet deadlines; work in a team environment; focus on results; motivate and organize volunteers
• Willingness to work evenings/weekends and travel as required

About Wilkes University:

Wilkes University, located in Wilkes-Barre, PA, offers the programs, activities and opportunities of a large university in the close mentoring environment of a small college. Faculty members work side by side with students as they tackle the most pressing questions of our day, supported by a culture that encourages creative scholarly activities, new ideas and sustainable practices. The community embraces differences, collaborates with mutual respect, and works with intention to provide an inclusive, supportive environment for all.

Since 1933, Wilkes has been preparing students for lifelong success. For more than 90 years, it has remained dedicated to providing an education students will value for life, strengthened by a mission to empower learners through transformative experiences, civic values and transferable skills. National rankings recognize this commitment to access and affordability and highlight the strong return on investment for graduates. Wilkes is ranked by The Economist as 25th in the nation for economic value and is recognized by The Princeton Review as Best in the Mid-Atlantic.

With a 13-1 student to faculty ratio, more than 50 majors and a 98% job or graduate school placement rate, Wilkes maintains an academic environment where personalized support and meaningful outcomes go hand in hand. The university also serves as a positive force for economic, social and cultural development in the region, contributing jobs, community service and lasting impact across Pennsylvania's economy and communities.

About the Community:

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, is a welcoming small city with a vibrant mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions and community spirit. Set along the Susquehanna River and framed by the Pocono Mountains, it offers easy access to hiking, skiing, parks and year-round outdoor recreation. The downtown area features restaurants, theaters, coffee shops and local businesses that add personality and convenience to everyday life. The region has a diverse and stable economy, a reasonable cost of living, and a well-regarded healthcare sector. Major cities like Philadelphia, New York and Scranton are all a comfortable drive away, making regional travel a breeze.

Application and Nomination Process:

All correspondence relating to the position of Director of Alumni & Constituent Engagement at Wilkes University should be directed in confidence to the University's executive search consultant:

Cathryn Mountain, Assistant Vice President

Scott Healy & Associates

caty@scotthealy.com

A complete application should include the following:

1. Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;
2. Updated Resume;
3. Contact information for three (3) professional references with title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)

Applications received by January 9, 2026 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

The University's Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination Policy prohibits all forms of discrimination within the campus community.

Wilkes University is committed to providing a welcoming environment for all members of our community and to ensuring that all educational and employment decisions are based on individuals' abilities and qualifications.