Job Summary

The Associate Vice President of Alumni Relations and Corporate Engagement at Cleveland State University is responsible for leading the alumni relations and corporate engagement activities of the Advancement Division. The AVP of Alumni Relations and Corporate Engagement also serves as executive director of the Cleveland State University Alumni Association.

The AVP of Alumni Relations and Corporate Engagement reports to the Vice President and manages a team of alumni relations and corporate engagement professionals. The AVP serves as part of the Senior Staff team in Advancement and drives all outreach and alumni relations efforts and corporate engagement strategies as part of the Division’s overall strategic plan.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and seven years of increasing responsibility with alumni or corporate relations, in development and fundraising, or high level relationship management experience with key influencers. Proven strategic operating track record of business growth and leadership in building partnerships that are large in scale and scope.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully identifying and operationalizing corporate partnerships across a complex organization to meet growth expectations and other objectives. Comfortable with change management. Proven ability to critically evaluate and analyze programs and implement changes based on return on investment strategies.
• Must have a vision for future alumni and corporate relations activities. Ability to think and act collaboratively and strategically. Creative, energetic professional with the ability to effectively represent the University to alumni, business, community leaders. Outstanding interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully establish, cultivate and steward strong relationships with alumni, corporate executives, donors, and friends. Ability to motivate and train volunteers and staff; ability to manage volunteers who are high net worth individuals in positions of influence. In-depth of experience in alumni relations, fundraising, corporate partnerships, or other related experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of ethics related to development activities; ability to use discretion in interactions with alumni, donors and prospects. PC proficiency. Regular local and national travel required.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Ability to plan, set goals, monitor progress and evaluate results. Valid driver’s license and ability to establish driver eligibility under the University’s Driving and Motor Vehicle Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Ten+ years in higher education alumni or corporate relations or related field.
• Executive presence with the ability to inspire confidence among leaders and all stakeholders internally and externally.