What are the responsibilities and job description for the Career & Alumni Engagement Specialist position at Syracuse University and Careers?
Job #
042586
Department Code
23001-4030
Department
CVPA - Dean's office
Job Title
Career & Alumni Engagement Specialist
Location
Syracuse, NY
Campus
Syracuse, NY
Commitment to On-Campus Experience
Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range
$62,400
Pay Determination
Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level
S4
FLSA Status
Exempt
Hours
Standard University business hours
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type
Full-time
Unionized Position Code
UA
Job Description
The Career and Alumni Engagement Specialist is an externally focused role that strengthens students’ career outcomes by integrating alumni, employers, and industry partners into the career development experience in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA). The position leads alumni- and employer-facing career initiatives, including mentoring, networking, and career programming, that connect students with professional pathways and real-world insight. Through sustained relationship-building, the Specialist expands access to mentors, speakers, employers, and career opportunities while ensuring alumni involvement is intentional, well-supported, and aligned with student career-readiness goals.
This position reports directly to the Director of Academic and Career Advising and has a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Assistant Dean for Advancement to support coordination related to alumni engagement, communication, and stewardship activities.
The Specialist works collaboratively with Career Services staff, Advancement colleagues, faculty partners, alumni, employers, and external industry representatives. The role operates within established priorities and works across teams to ensure coordinated career programming, alumni engagement, and external outreach.
This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by the union SEIU, Local 200United.
This position reports directly to the Director of Academic and Career Advising and has a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Assistant Dean for Advancement to support coordination related to alumni engagement, communication, and stewardship activities.
The Specialist works collaboratively with Career Services staff, Advancement colleagues, faculty partners, alumni, employers, and external industry representatives. The role operates within established priorities and works across teams to ensure coordinated career programming, alumni engagement, and external outreach.
This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by the union SEIU, Local 200United.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Relevant experience in higher education, alumni engagement, career services, advancement, employer relations, or a related professional environment.
- Experience coordinating programs, events, or external partnerships preferred.
Skills and Knowledge
- Strong organizational and project management skills, including coordinating career programs, events, and initiatives involving alumni and employers.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships with alumni, employers, faculty, staff, and external partners.
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams and independently with initiative and accountability.
- Comfort using databases, engagement platforms, career management systems, and standard office technology.
- Ability to track participation and engagement, analyze outcomes, and summarize results for planning and reporting.
- Strong attention to detail, effective time management skills, and a high level of professionalism.
- Familiarity with career services platforms, alumni engagement tools, or employer-facing systems preferred.
Responsibilities
Alumni Engagement:
- Part of a team that plans, coordinates, and delivers alumni engagement events and programs that support student career exploration, preparation, and networking, both in-person and virtual.
- Recruit and coordinate alumni participation in career-focused student programs throughout the year through social media promotion, in-person, and virtual event opportunities.
- Coordinate event logistics, communications, timelines, and post-event follow-up with alumni participants.
- Collect and share alumni career stories and outcomes to support ongoing engagement.
Employer Engagement:
- Identify alumni connections within employer organizations to strengthen engagement and collaboration.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to align employer engagement with student needs and career outcomes.
- Support the development and maintenance of relationships with employers and industry partners relevant to VPA programs.
- Coordinate employer participation in career events, recruiting activities, and experiential learning opportunities.
- Maintain accurate records of employer contact information and participation data.
Alumni Mentor Network Management:
- Recruit, onboard, and orient alumni mentors representing a wide range of VPA disciplines and career paths.
- Promote mentor participation and maintain regular communication with mentors and students.
- Monitor platform activity, track consultations and outcomes, and follow up with inactive participants.
Alumni Participation and Relationship Support:
- Coordinate follow-up communication with alumni participants to sustain involvement over time.
- Track alumni interactions and flag engaged individuals for the Advancement Office to follow up with.
- Support stewardship communications, including donor acknowledgment letters and recognition for alumni who contribute time, expertise, or financial support.
- Maintain accurate records across platforms that support communication, recognition, and cultivation activities.
Student Career Advising and Development:
- Serve as a student-facing resource for career development by providing virtual and in-person appointments, including résumé reviews, interview preparation, job search strategies, and career planning.
- Connect students to employment and internship opportunities through proactive outreach and employer engagement.
- Maintain ongoing awareness of the evolving career needs, industry trends, and professional development requirements specific to VPA students through regular student engagement, feedback collection, and monitoring of relevant employment sectors.
Other Duties:
- Support alumni-related activities connected to the VPA Council and other advisory groups. Assist with special projects and initiatives as assigned. Participate in team meetings, planning sessions, training, and professional development. Other duties and projects as assigned.
Physical Requirements
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Salary : $62,400