Director, Alumni Career Engagement

Director, Alumni Career Engagement

USC University Advancement is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking Director, Alumni Career Engagement to join our Alumni Association team. Reporting to the Executive Director of Alumni Engagement, the Director will lead the development and execution of a university-wide alumni career engagement strategy that delivers lifelong value to the Trojan Family.

This individual will design and implement innovative programs that foster deeper alumni connection, inspire volunteerism, and encourage philanthropic participation. With a deep understanding of alumni needs across career stages, the Director will collaborate closely with campus partners to deliver a mix of virtual, in-person, and customized experiences that support professional growth and promote Trojan-to-Trojan connections.

The role offers a rare chance to shape a modern and meaningful career engagement experience that strengthens alumni affinity and reinforces USC’s commitment to its graduates well beyond commencement.

This is a hybrid-fixed position under our current work arrangement plan, with the expectation of an on-site presence for 3 days/week on the University Park Campus. Late nights, weekends, and travel are required for this position. 

University Advancement is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all, where all advancement staff and our stakeholders have the opportunity to connect, belong, and grow while supporting the University of Southern California’s mission, values, and goals.

Responsibilities

Strategy & Program Execution (50%):

• Develop and manage a comprehensive alumni career programs plan to inform, involve, and invest substantial numbers of alumni, students, and other constituents as university volunteers, donors, and program participants; establish associated strategies, protocols, and operational plans. 

• Lead the strategy and execution of an online career program platform, manage and share monthly reports on the analytics of the program to show success rate, benefits of the program, etc.

• Direct expansion, diversification, execution, and assessment of professional development and mentoring strategies, including online and in-person programs and services, resource development and deployment, and related promotions and marketing initiatives; develop and manage associated operating budgets.

• Develop and manage strategies to incorporate professional development and networking activities into alumni engagement programs as appropriate.

• Serve as resident expert of all career development software applications and social media; formulate and manage related policies, procedures and resources; coordinate delivery of staff and constituent training as needed.

• Lead a team of career engagement professionals to meet the strategic priorities and goals of the program. 

Partnerships (20%):

• Serve as liaison to the USC Office of Career Services. Create collaborative opportunities to support career development. Utilize existing Career Services platforms such as Handshake to support alumni career advancement. 

• Collaborate with campus colleagues to identify, cultivate, and steward prominent alumni, donors, and prospects through substantive career development volunteer opportunities; facilitate other relevant interactions between identified constituents and university representatives as appropriate.

Volunteer Engagement (30%):

• Cultivate an active and diverse group of volunteer mentors, industry professionals, presenters, and corporate contacts through personal outreach and ongoing relationship management; coordinate placement of volunteers in appropriate opportunities; support development and delivery of related and ongoing volunteer communications and training opportunities.

• Partner with campus colleagues and industry network volunteers to identify and involve various levels of alumni in working to build programs that support industry-based engagement. 

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director, Alumni Engagement and Assistant Vice President, Alumni Engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.

• Minimum of 3 – 5 years of relevant and progressively responsible experience to include career services, program development, and/or alumni, donor and volunteer relations initiatives.

• Demonstrated aptitude and ease in fostering relationships with a wide range of constituents and varying levels of authority to achieve institutional goals.

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

• Superior organizational and project management skills.

• Valid driver’s license with ability and willingness to travel independently and/or work evening and weekend hours as required.

• Supervisory and staff development experience.

• Experience using CRM and volunteer management platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree

• 5 – 7 years of relevant and progressively responsible experience to include career services, program development, and/or alumni, donor and volunteer relations initiatives.

• Advanced knowledge of current affairs and issues in higher education with ability to quickly and thoroughly understand the changing higher education landscape 

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC's Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, community, well-being, open communication, and accountability.

Required Documents 

Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.

Compensation and Benefits

The budgeted salary range for this position is $105,000- $115,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

To support faculty and staff well-being, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of benefits and perks to help protect their and their dependents’ health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package. You can learn more about USC’s comprehensive benefits here.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 3 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related professional and supervisory experience in area of program specialization