Executive Director, Alumni Programming – Events

University of Pennsylvania

. 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 and event programming, with a strong focus on developing and executing initiatives that foster collaboration and enhance the alumni experience. Proven ability to translate complex ideas into compelling content and manage resources effectively.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Leadership Experience in Alumni RelationsStrategic Engagement Initiatives DevelopmentContent Strategy DevelopmentEvent Management for Sophisticated AudiencesAnalytical and Strategic Planning Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Strategic PlanningEvent ProgrammingContent DevelopmentBudget ManagementData Analysis

Soft Skills

Relationship-BuildingCommunication SkillsInterpersonal SkillsCollaboration

Industry Keywords

Alumni RelationsAdvancement StrategiesHigher Education AdministrationExecutive EducationFundraising Strategies

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide strategic leadership and oversight for Wharton External Affairs' alumni engagement programming
Lead lifelong learning initiatives and the full portfolio of alumni and donor events
Establish a shared vision, develop talent, and foster a collaborative, high-performing culture
Develop and implement Wharton's short- and long-term alumni learning and programming strategy
Translate Wharton 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
Report to the Chief Advancement Officer as a member of the External Affairs leadership team
Collaborate with senior External Affairs leaders and the Executive Director of Institutional and Strategic Events
Integrate content and events strategy, manage resources and budgets, and lead execution teams
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
Serve Wharton's global alumni community through integrated in-person and virtual engagement 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
Demonstrated experience developing and executing strategic engagement initiatives, large-scale events, or educational programming for sophisticated audiences
Proven ability to collaborate effectively 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
Demonstrated 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, including at other institutions
Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans
Pre-tax or Roth retirement savings options
Wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard
Substantial time away from work for vacations, personal affairs, illness, injury, and family time
Long-term care insurance for faculty, staff, and eligible family members
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, cars, cellular phone plans, movie tickets, and theme parks
Flexible work options involving non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures
Forgivable home ownership loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance reimbursement for qualified expenses, for up to two adoptions in the household