Position Title:  Associate Director of Alumni Relations

Department:  Advancement

Reports To:  Executive Director of Alumni Relations

Appointment:  Full-Time; 40 hours per week/12 months

Status:  Exempt

Bradley University’s Office of Alumni Relations is seeking a professional with strong organizational skills, a positive outlook, and a collaborative spirit to serve as Associate Director of Alumni Relations. This role is responsible for fostering connections between the University and its alumni through well-planned events, thoughtful communications, and meaningful volunteer engagement. The position emphasizes both in-person and virtual outreach to encourage alumni engagement with the university. 

The ideal candidate demonstrates professionalism, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. A collaborative mindset, attention to detail, and a commitment to creating positive experiences for alumni are essential. The Associate Director reports to the Executive Director of Alumni Relations and works closely with colleagues across the Advancement team. 

Key Responsibilities 

● Plan and manage a wide range of alumni events and programs, with a focus on on-campus and local community engagement. 

● Lead the planning and execution of annual reunions and Homecoming activities. 

● Coordinate all aspects of event planning: securing venues, catering, audiovisual needs, signage, décor, and post-event follow-up. 

● Create and manage event communications, including emails, invitations, and website content 

● Organize and support additional events, including: 

     ○ Pre-game parties for men’s basketball (home and Arch Madness) 

     ○ Spring and Fall Job Fair breakfasts 

     ○ Grad Reception 

     ○ Building and managing event registration pages and communications with web-based software. 

     ○ Serve as the point person for online alumni engagement, including: 

          ■ Managing the Brave Talks webinar series through the Alumni Learning Consortium 

          ■ Coordinating social media strategy and content for the Alumni Office 

          ■ Co-Producing the bi-weekly alumni e-newsletter with a writing partner in University Marketing and Communications 

● Provide guidance and support to alumni volunteers and reunion organizers to assist in planning and delivering memorable and impactful events. 

● Develop and maintain strong relationships with alumni locally, regionally, and nationally. 

● Serve as staff liaison to assigned committees of the Bradley University Alumni Association (BUAA), attending quarterly alumni board meetings and assisting with planning alumni board-related activities. 

● Partner with colleagues across campus to design and execute programs aligned with strategic University goals. 

● Track and evaluate event outcomes to support continuous improvement.

Qualifications 

● Bachelor’s degree required; minimum of three years of professional experience in higher education, alumni relations, event planning, or nonprofit management preferred. 

● Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills—both written and verbal. 

● Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with flexibility and efficiency. 

● Proven success in planning and executing both in-person and virtual events. 

● Experience with volunteer recruitment, coordination, and stewardship. 

● Proficient in digital communication tools, event management platforms and social media strategy. 

● Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 

● A creative and adaptable approach, with a collaborative spirit and sense of humor. 

● Availability to work evenings and weekends and limited travel as required. 

● Valid driver’s license and ability to lift up to 25 pounds. 

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and complete contact information for a minimum of three professional references with telephone numbers. 

Please submit all materials at the time of initial application.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Employment with Bradley University is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.

Bradley University offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life and disability coverages, FSA, HSA, and retirement plan options. Bradley also offers significant higher education cost savings for employees and dependents through the Tuition Remission program. Information regarding our benefits can be found here: https://www.bradley.edu/offices/business/human-resources/benefits/

Bradley University is a top-ranked, private university in Peoria, Illinois, offering nearly 6,000 undergraduate and graduate student’s opportunities, choices, and resources to build their futures. Innovation, action, and collaboration drive Bradley students to generate ideas and create solutions that remake the world around them. Our comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate academic programs includes business, communications, education, engineering, fine arts, health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and technology.

Bradley University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The administration, faculty and staff are committed to attracting qualified candidates from underrepresented groups.