Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a comprehensive, global, R1-level research institution with a unique model of experiential learning that combines academic rigor with one of the nation's premier cooperative education programs. Drexel was founded in 1891 to provide educational opportunities for people of all backgrounds. Today, we continue to prepare graduates of diverse backgrounds to become purpose-driven professionals and agents for positive change.
Drexel offers its highly engaged faculty and professional staff a comprehensive and world-class benefits package that includes generous vacation and paid time off as applicable (including civic engagement days), up to an 11% 403(b) Retirement Plan match with immediate vesting, and remote and flexible work options for many roles. Our exceptional medical plans include domestic partner and fertility assistance and our award-winning A Healthier U wellness program. In addition, faculty and professional staff at Drexel enjoy free tuition for themselves and their dependents for Drexel degree programs, certification, and non-certification programs. Drexel also participates in a tuition exchange program for dependents with other higher education institutions. For more information on our extensive benefit offerings, please review Drexel's Benefits Brochure.
Job no: 507082
Work type: Full-Time
Location: Hybrid/Flexible Work Arrangement
Categories: Drexel University, Institutional Advancement
Job Summary
The Executive Director for Alumni Communities and Strategic Initiatives executes the strategy for alumni in four areas in order to strengthen the relationship between the university and its growing global community of alumni, parents and friends and support revenue generating activities: reunion years, student recruitment and retention, the alumni travel program, and strategic constituent and principal-level donor events.
This role will identify and cultivate alumni volunteers to lead reunion efforts for three classes per year during Drexel’s Alumni Weekend. They will also work closely with admissions and enrollment management to support prospective student and yield efforts, including event planning and outreach. Additionally, the Executive Director will develop and implement the strategy for a comprehensive constituent travel program and will partner with IA fundraising colleagues to produce value added programming that directly engages alumni donors and prospects to sustain and advance their relationship with the university.
This is a hybrid position, working in person 2-3 days a week.
Essential Functions
Manage Drexel’s Alumni Reunion Program by hosting three reunion classes during Drexel’s annual Alumni Weekend, including the 50th Reunion and two additional classes in reunion year determined by volunteer interest.
Recruit volunteers from the reunion classes to host the event for their class and manage volunteers and reunion event planning.
Support Reunion Giving program by building it into the volunteer experience and using reunion program to grow annual giving by class year.
Support EMSS in efforts to recruit and retain students including the identification of regional alumni support and assistance with recruiting/yield events.
Serve on the international engagement working group comprised of the Office of Global Engagement, President and Provost Offices, Steinbright Career Development Center and EMSS and contribute to the development of the university’s global engagement strategy
Support the Vice Provost in the Office of Global Engagement and Steinbright in cultivating relationships with new and existing overseas educational institutions and corporations, respectively
Assist faculty/administrators with outreach to alumni abroad, upon request; this includes securing contact lists and/facilitating introductions to alumni and other constituents
Assist students studying or working abroad by connecting with local alumni
Serve as primary liaison to international networks/alumni volunteers to promote their ongoing engagement with Drexel and awareness of news from campus; interface with these constituents via local social networks, as needed.
Serve as the primary manager of the Drexel Travel Program, positioning the program as a relevant lifelong learning opportunity for a variety of constituents and an income generating program for Institutional Advancement.
Manage relationships with external travel companies to evaluate and select an annual portfolio of educational travel opportunities that generates revenue for the university
Collaborate with colleges/schools and administrative units to develop educational opportunities for alumni and constituent travel
Develop opportunities for faculty to participate in travel, including third-party offerings and curated/customized trips
Collaborate with partners across campus in the Office of General Counsel, Procurement, etc. to ensure compliance with university policies and procedures regarding travel and to negotiate favorable agreements on behalf of the university
Leverage the Office of International Programs’ Global Classrooms programs to invite alumni participation from local areas/regions
Serve as the point of contact for constituents interested in learning more about lifelong learning and educational travel opportunities.
Support programming strategies for the Principal Gifts Team and the donors they cultivate, such as salon-style events and curated programs/experiences in conjunction with regional and industry events.
Support prospect engagement and cultivation efforts by working with directors of development to incorporate engagement into donor strategy.
Facilitate initiatives that target affinity-based alumni populations and interest groups, to provide avenues for cultivation and engagements of new donor populations.
Supervise a staff member to support reunion and yield events and associated administrative operations.
Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree or the equivalent combination of education and work experience. (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.)
Minimum of 7 years of significant professional experience in relationship management, program development, international outreach and engagement, and volunteer management
Experience supervising staff
Proven success in events management, budget oversight, and resource allocation
Excellent presentation skills and superior written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external colleagues, alumni, volunteers, parents, prospects, and donors
Strong sense of initiative to effectively navigate a diverse and complex environment
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage several projects simultaneously
Ability to exercise diplomacy, judgment and discretion
Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally on a frequent basis (monthly)
Valid US passport.
Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends
Preferred Qualifications
Master's Degree
Demonstrated volunteer training experience
Location
Hybrid/Flexible Work Arrangement
Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt, grade N. Compensation for this grade ranges from $99,720 - $149,580 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position will vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.
Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel’s compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure.
Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.
A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.
#LI-Hybrid
Advertised: Sep 2 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Sep 6 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
