What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Engagement, Men's Basketball position at Syracuse University?
Job Description
The Director of Engagement will serve as the program’s primary connector to its extended network of alumni and former-student-athletes. Developing and executing a comprehensive engagement strategy designed to deepen relationships, mentorship and networking opportunities, campus connectivity and strengthen the long-term foundation of the basketball program while working in close partnership with the athletics development office to align all efforts with department and engagement priorities.
A significant component of this role involves the planning and execution of high-quality engagement, on-campus activations and experiences, alumni weekends, as well as building and expanding alumni networks across key geographic regions and priority markets to create structured and consistent opportunities for former student-athletes to remain connected to the program.
Education and Experience
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.
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.
The Director of Engagement will serve as the program’s primary connector to its extended network of alumni and former-student-athletes. Developing and executing a comprehensive engagement strategy designed to deepen relationships, mentorship and networking opportunities, campus connectivity and strengthen the long-term foundation of the basketball program while working in close partnership with the athletics development office to align all efforts with department and engagement priorities.
A significant component of this role involves the planning and execution of high-quality engagement, on-campus activations and experiences, alumni weekends, as well as building and expanding alumni networks across key geographic regions and priority markets to create structured and consistent opportunities for former student-athletes to remain connected to the program.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in sports management, Communications or Public Relations, Marketing, higher education, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in collegiate athletics, professional sports, or a related environment, including leadership or supervisory experience.
- Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA rules and compliance requirements.
- Experience in program administration, operations management, and coaching.
- Strong organizational, communication, and strategic planning skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build authentic, trust-based relationships with former student-athletes, and connecting prospective donors with the athletics development team in order to advance those relationships purposefully over time.
- High-level organizational and project management skills applied to the planning and execution of engagement events, including mentorship and networking opportunities, alumni weekends, on-campus and student-athlete activations.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and align internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, including individual player development schedules, team practice support, recruiting activities, and program operations.
- Sound judgment, discretion, and decision making in a fast paced, high visibility environment.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive alumni and donor engagement strategy that supports fundraising priorities and long-term relationship development.
- Identify and steward relationships with former student-athletes to increase program and University involvement.
- Lead the planning and execution of engagement events, including mentorship and networking opportunities, alumni weekends, on-campus and student-athlete activations.
- Build and expand alumni networks across key regions, creating structured opportunities for engagement in local markets and priority cities.
- Ensure all engagement activities align with institutional, conference, and NCAA guidelines while reinforcing the program’s brand and values.
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.
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.