Associate Director, Student Athlete Alumni Engagement - Athletics

Please excuse any formatting errors on this job description. This is a known systems issue we are working on fixing.

The Associate Director, Student Athlete Alumni Engagement plays a key role in strengthening Vanderbilt University’s lifelong connection with its former student-athletes. This position leads strategic efforts to engage, celebrate, and support alumni who once represented the Commodores in competition. The Associate Director manages and grows engagement with student-athlete alumni through the Black & Gold Club, partners with sports and their specific volunteer groups, directs the Vanderbilt Athletics Hall of Fame, and develops tailored engagement strategies for professional athletes.

Additionally, the Associate Director collaborates closely with the Ingram Center for Student-Athlete Success to connect alumni with current student-athletes through mentorship, networking, and internship opportunities. The role partners across DAR and Athletics to deliver coordinated alumni engagement experiences that strengthen affinity, participation, and philanthropic outcomes.

About the Work Unit 

The Department of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) assists Vanderbilt University in securing the resources, both human and financial, that are required to achieve its mission and goals.  The Department is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose charitable objectives are consistent with those of Vanderbilt University’s teaching and research programs. More information can be found here:  https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Key Functions and Expected Performance 

• Lead engagement efforts for former student-athletes by developing inclusive, creative programs that celebrate the lifelong Vanderbilt experience and foster meaningful alumni connections.

• Serve as liaison with sport staffs and their volunteer groups to manage communications, programming, event and meeting cadence, etc.

• Assist in the planning and execution of the Vanderbilt Athletics Hall of Fame, including alumni outreach, nomination/selection support (as applicable), event logistics, and recognition activities in partnership with Athletics and DAR colleagues.

• Develop and implement engagement strategies for professional athletes, including communications, recognition opportunities, event invitations, and pathways to remain connected to Vanderbilt.

• Collaborate with the Ingram Center for Student-Athlete Success to identify and implement opportunities for alumni to mentor current student-athletes and support internship, networking, and career development initiatives.

Please excuse any formatting errors on this job description. This is a known systems issue we are working on fixing.

The Associate Director, Student Athlete Alumni Engagement plays a key role in strengthening Vanderbilt University’s lifelong connection with its former student-athletes. This position leads strategic efforts to engage, celebrate, and support alumni who once represented the Commodores in competition. The Associate Director manages and grows engagement with student-athlete alumni through the Black & Gold Club, partners with sports and their specific volunteer groups, directs the Vanderbilt Athletics Hall of Fame, and develops tailored engagement strategies for professional athletes.

Additionally, the Associate Director collaborates closely with the Ingram Center for Student-Athlete Success to connect alumni with current student-athletes through mentorship, networking, and internship opportunities. The role partners across DAR and Athletics to deliver coordinated alumni engagement experiences that strengthen affinity, participation, and philanthropic outcomes.

About the Work Unit 

The Department of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) assists Vanderbilt University in securing the resources, both human and financial, that are required to achieve its mission and goals.  The Department is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose charitable objectives are consistent with those of Vanderbilt University’s teaching and research programs. More information can be found here:  https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Key Functions and Expected Performance 

• Lead engagement efforts for former student-athletes by developing inclusive, creative programs that celebrate the lifelong Vanderbilt experience and foster meaningful alumni connections.

• Serve as liaison with sport staffs and their volunteer groups to manage communications, programming, event and meeting cadence, etc.

• Assist in the planning and execution of the Vanderbilt Athletics Hall of Fame, including alumni outreach, nomination/selection support (as applicable), event logistics, and recognition activities in partnership with Athletics and DAR colleagues.

• Develop and implement engagement strategies for professional athletes, including communications, recognition opportunities, event invitations, and pathways to remain connected to Vanderbilt.

• Collaborate with the Ingram Center for Student-Athlete Success to identify and implement opportunities for alumni to mentor current student-athletes and support internship, networking, and career development initiatives.

• Partner across campus with Alumni Relations, Development, Communications, Athletics, and Career Services to deliver integrated and coordinated alumni engagement experiences.

• Oversee the Black & Gold Club ticket distribution plan and structure in coordination with Athletics ticketing and NCC colleagues.

• Manage alumni engagement data and tracking systems, ensuring accurate reporting of participation, outcomes, and engagement trends; recommend improvements based on insights.

• Coordinate and execute team reunions, regional gatherings, and sport-specific alumni programs, including event strategy, run-of-show, and stewardship follow-up.

• Attend alumni functions and serve as the lead departmental contact for facility tours for student-athlete alumni.

• Highlight and communicate student-athlete alumni achievements in collaboration with the Communications team through digital, print, and social media platforms.

• Assist with major gift fundraising efforts and manage a portfolio of student-athlete alumni donors/prospects, partnering with Athletics development officers on strategy and stewardship.

• Explore innovative and emerging approaches to alumni engagement through technology, benchmarking with peer institutions, and creative programming.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Environment:

This position will be located in the Nashville, TN area and will be required to be in the office every day, Monday through Friday.  Routine travel, nights, and weekends will be required.

Supervisory Relationships 

This position reports administratively and functionally to the Associate Athletics Director/Executive Director of Strategic Priorities. 

This position will not have any direct reports.

Education and Certifications 

• A bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary. 

Experience and Skills 

• Four years of relevant experience is required.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute engagement strategies and programs for alumni and volunteers, including board management and event execution.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives, deadlines, and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft audience-appropriate messaging for alumni, volunteers

• Strong interpersonal skills and judgment suitable for exercising appropriate discretion and demeanor when dealing with alumni, parents, friends, volunteers, and university leadership.

• Demonstrated success working across teams and disciplines to facilitate solutions, build consensus, and drive priorities forward.

• Ability to exercise good judgment in the handling of confidential information.

• Ability to use current computer technology, such as Windows, Excel, Word, and Vanderbilt’s donor CRM and related systems.

• Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing priorities.

• Routine overnight travel is required

• Evening and weekend work is required

• Driving is considered an essential job function for this role. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records.

Apply Now