Description

WittKieffer is proud to partner with the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) in their search for a visionary and strategic Executive Director of the CU Boulder Alumni Association.

CU Boulder seeks an inspiring, innovative, and future-focused leader to serve as the next ED. The ideal candidate will bring strategic vision, strong engagement and fundraising expertise, and a collaborative leadership style to help shape the future of alumni engagement during a defining moment for the university.

Founded in 1876 and recognized among the nation's leading public universities, CU Boulder is entering a transformative era marked by growing national visibility and its first campus-based comprehensive campaign. As the state's flagship university and one of only 38 U.S. public research institutions in the Association of American Universities (AAU), CU Boulder is advancing research and creative excellence, global sustainability impact, and student success in pursuit of its vision to transform lives in service to a just and sustainable world. Led by Chancellor Justin Schwartz and Vice Chancellor of Advancement Katy Kotlarczyk, the university is deepening connections with alumni, donors, students, and supporters worldwide as it celebrates 150 years of impact and looks toward the future.

An important driver of this momentum, the CU Boulder Alumni Association has cultivated a proud tradition of alumni engagement and service for more than 140 years. As a dues-free membership organization serving a globally connected community of more than 380,000 alumni, the association advances lifelong connection, institutional pride, advocacy, volunteerism, and philanthropic engagement across the Forever Buffs community.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Engagement, the Executive Director leads the alumni association's strategy, operations, and engagement model in alignment with the university's comprehensive campaign and long-term engagement and fundraising vision. A highly visible ambassador for CU Boulder, the Executive Director advances innovative, data-informed strategies that strengthen alumni connection through communication, experiential, philanthropic, and volunteer engagement pathways while aligning alumni engagement with broader institutional priorities.

The Executive Director leads a team of 16 alumni association professionals, fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and values-driven culture. This leader will help shape the future of alumni engagement by deepening participation, strengthening institutional loyalty, and expanding alumni's impact in an evolving higher education landscape.

The role also oversees board governance, volunteer leadership, and strategic partnerships for the alumni association. Serving as the primary liaison to the Forever Buffs Advisory Board, the Executive Director cultivates a strong pipeline of alumni leaders, advocates, mentors, and volunteers while advancing inclusive programs and signature engagement opportunities that strengthen alumni connection and advance institutional priorities.

The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated success in alumni relations, advancement, engagement strategy, or related fields within complex organizations, along with exceptional relationship-building, operational, and financial leadership skills. Most importantly, they will possess the ability to inspire others, foster innovation, and lead with authenticity, optimism, and purpose.

We invite you to review a complete leadership profile here.

WittKieffer is assisting CU Boulder with this search. Applications should include, as separate documents, a resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the profile. Application materials, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to Greg Duyck, Mercedes Chacón Vance and Jevon Walton at [email protected].

jeid-d198b158cdd240448db3c1470630c42d