Executive Director, Alumni Programming & Events

Penn Information Systems & Computing

. Provide strategic leadership and oversight for Wharton External Affairs' alumni engagement programming .

Posted 10/2/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • United StatesLead💰 $135,327 - $170,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strategic leadership in alumni engagement programming, with a strong focus on developing and executing content strategies and large-scale events. Proven ability to collaborate with senior leaders and manage teams, budgets, and multiple initiatives effectively.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic LeadershipAlumni Relations ExperienceContent Strategy DevelopmentEvent Strategy ExecutionAnalytical and Strategic Planning Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Program DevelopmentEvent ManagementBudget ManagementData AnalysisStrategic Planning

Soft Skills

Relationship-BuildingCommunication SkillsInterpersonal SkillsCollaboration

Industry Keywords

Alumni EngagementHigher Education AdministrationAdvancement StrategiesLifelong LearningEducational Programming

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide strategic leadership and oversight for Wharton External Affairs' alumni engagement programming
Lead alumni programming, lifelong learning, and event strategy and execution teams
Establish a shared vision, develop talent, and foster a collaborative, high-performing culture
Develop and implement Wharton's alumni learning and programming strategy
Translate Wharton's research, thought leadership, and strategic priorities into compelling programming
Set the vision for alumni-facing content across regional events, reunions, and global programs
Partner with Alumni Relations, Development, Principal Gifts & Board Relations, Executive Education, academic departments, the Dean's Office, and faculty leadership
Collaborate with senior leaders across External Affairs and the Executive Director of Institutional and Strategic Events
Integrate content and events strategy, manage resources and budgets, and lead execution
Advise the Chief Advancement Officer and External Affairs leadership on alumni engagement, lifelong learning, and event strategy
Use constituent insights, program performance, emerging trends, and leading practices to inform advancement strategy
Lead an integrated engagement strategy spanning in-person and virtual channels

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree and over 10 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, is required
Leadership experience in alumni relations, advancement, executive education, higher education administration, events, content strategy, communications, or a related field
Experience developing and executing strategic engagement initiatives, large-scale events, or educational programming for sophisticated audiences
Ability to collaborate with senior leaders, faculty, volunteers, and cross-functional stakeholders
Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and interpersonal skills
Experience developing content strategies and translating complex ideas into compelling educational or engagement experiences
Leadership experience managing teams, budgets, and multiple concurrent initiatives
Strong analytical and strategic planning skills, including use of data and audience insights
Understanding of advancement, alumni relations, and fundraising strategies
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children
Tuition assistance for dependent children at other institutions
Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans
Pre-tax or Roth retirement savings options
Substantial time away from work
Long-term care insurance
Wellness and work-life programs and resources
Professional and personal development resources
Access to University libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, cultural and recreational activities
Discounts and special services for arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, goods, and services
Flexible work options and non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures
Forgivable homeownership loan for eligible employees in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance of qualified expenses for up to two adoptions in the household