Associate Director, Alumni Engagement

At McMaster University, we are driven by a shared purpose: advancing human and societal health and wellbeing. Through world-class research, transformative education, and meaningful community impact, we are addressing some of the world's most complex challenges and creating positive change locally and globally.

Consistently ranked among Canada's top universities and recognized internationally for research excellence, innovation, and student success, McMaster is home to more than 37,000 students, over 250,000 alumni worldwide, and a vibrant community of scholars, researchers, learners, and partners. From pioneering discoveries in health sciences and engineering to advancing social innovation and community wellbeing, McMaster's impact extends far beyond our campus.

As we look toward the future, philanthropy will play an increasingly important role in enabling the University's aspirations. Through strategic partnerships with donors, alumni, foundations, corporations, and community leaders, McMaster is creating opportunities to accelerate discovery, enhance student experiences, support breakthrough research, and strengthen its impact on society.

About University Advancement: University Advancement serves as the bridge between McMaster's mission and the philanthropic community that helps bring that mission to life. Through alumni engagement, fundraising, stewardship, advancement services, and strategic partnerships, University Advancement fosters meaningful relationships that create lasting impact for the University and the communities it serves.

Guided by a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation, University Advancement is building a culture of philanthropy and lifelong engagement that supports McMaster's strategic priorities and future ambitions. The division is entering an exciting period of growth and opportunity as it continues to strengthen fundraising capacity, deepen donor engagement, and position the University for future campaign success.

About the role: The Associate Director, Alumni Engagement is a key member of the Advancement team and plays a critical role in strengthening the University's reputation by cultivating meaningful and lifelong relationships with alumni. This position leads the development and execution of strategic alumni engagement initiatives that inspire connection, foster pride, encourage lifelong learning, and create opportunities for alumni to engage with the University and one another.

Working collaboratively with faculty leadership, University Advancement colleagues, volunteers, and alumni, the Associate Director will build and grow a comprehensive alumni engagement program that advances institutional priorities and strengthens alumni participation across a broad range of activities and experiences.

This portfolio will focus on creating meaningful opportunities for alumni to remain connected throughout their lives, including student and young alumni engagement, regional and international programming, alumni travel, reunions, lifelong learning, recognition and awards, affinity-based initiatives, alumni communities, and professional networking opportunities.

This portfolio will focus on strengthening alumni belonging while fostering vibrant communities that support personal and professional development, lifelong learning, networking, volunteerism, and institutional connection.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Program Development

Partner with faculty/unit leadership and University Advancement colleagues to establish annual and long-term goals and objectives for alumni engagement.

Develop strategic plans and measurable targets to evaluate, strengthen, and activate alumni relationships.

Benchmark alumni engagement initiatives against leading practices and continuously assess programming effectiveness, return on investment, and outcomes.

Identify opportunities for innovation and growth within the alumni engagement portfolio.

Building a Robust Alumni Engagement Program

Build and cultivate strong relationships with alumni through communications, events, volunteer opportunities, targeted outreach, and engagement activities.

Design and deliver a broad range of alumni programs, events, lifelong learning opportunities, and engagement experiences that foster connection, loyalty, and pride.

Leverage traditional and emerging engagement channels to expand alumni outreach and encourage meaningful interaction.

Maintain and strengthen alumni networks while developing targeted strategies for diverse alumni segments.

Collaborate closely with annual giving, major gifts, and planned giving teams to support alumni participation in philanthropy.

Develop compelling and effective communications and digital content, including event invitations, newsletters, email campaigns, and engagement mater