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Job outlook for directors of alumni relations in the United States
Are director of alumni relations jobs in demand?
Director of alumni relations job and salary trends over time
Director of alumni relations jobs over time
Director of alumni relations job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,071 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,022 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,974 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,807 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,678 | 0.00% |
Average director of alumni relations salary over time
Director of alumni relations salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $106,332 | $51.12 | +4.1% |
| 2024 | $102,170 | $49.12 | +2.1% |
| 2023 | $100,093 | $48.12 | +3.2% |
| 2022 | $97,024 | $46.65 | +3.7% |
| 2021 | $93,571 | $44.99 | +3.1% |
Director of alumni relations jobs by state
Most common states for directors of alumni relations
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 235 | 34% |
| 2 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 553 | 18% |
| 3 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 510 | 17% |
| 4 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 484 | 12% |
| 5 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 527 | 11% |
| 6 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 524 | 11% |
| 7 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 309 | 10% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 497 | 7% |
| 9 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 254 | 6% |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 55 | 5% |
| 11 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,572 | 4% |
| 12 | New York | 19,849,399 | 840 | 4% |
| 13 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 485 | 4% |
| 14 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 352 | 4% |
| 15 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 302 | 4% |
| 16 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 202 | 4% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 133 | 4% |
| 18 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 115 | 4% |
| 19 | Delaware | 961,939 | 35 | 4% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 28 | 4% |
Most common cities for directors of alumni relations
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cambridge | 2 | 2% | $114,750 |
| 2 | Brookline | 1 | 2% | $114,839 |
| 3 | East Lansing | 1 | 2% | $94,050 |
| 4 | Boston | 6 | 1% | $114,862 |
| 5 | Baltimore | 3 | 0% | $91,581 |
| 6 | New York | 2 | 0% | $107,790 |
| 7 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $104,308 |
| 8 | Philadelphia | 1 | 0% | $122,329 |
| 9 | Washington | 1 | 0% | $110,655 |
Director Of Alumni Relations job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of director of alumni relations experts
Grand Valley State University
Morehouse College
Indiana University Northwest
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of New Haven
Mississippi College
Bellarmine University
Albright College
University of Kentucky
Alex Nesterenko Ph.D.
Professor and Graduate Program DirectorGrand Valley State University
School of Communications
What skills stand out on Director Of Alumni Relations resumes?
Alex Nesterenko Ph.D.: If one is considering hiring an experienced ICM, one will look for applicants with college/university baccalaureate degrees in appropriate fields of study, with preference given to individuals with graduate degrees again in appropriate fields of study. However, an experienced individual's track record is of central importance: do they have the sort of successful track record that would qualify them for the job they have applied for?
What is required is evidence of success, which must be identified on the individual's resume and attested to by the individual's key references at previous places of employment. In this regard, in addition to a college/university degree, one would be particularly attentive to evidence of:
-Having successfully facilitated constructive dialogue in an organization
-Created/enhanced effective information channels in an organization
-Problem-solved significant issues resulting in organization members feeling more informed and feeling that they better understand one another
-Having contributed to the betterment of the organization's culture
-Professional certification, such as in project management or other relevant areas
In addition, one would look for the following character traits, which would presumably be revealed in interviews and attested to by the individual's key references.
-Projects a sense of calm and maturity
-Projects openness and empathy toward others
-Has leadership capabilities
-Has a strong work ethic
While not necessarily an exhaustive list, these are the sorts of things that one should look for when hiring an experienced ICM.
A college graduate with no professional communication experience could find employment working as an assistant to the ICM, the department head; or, as previously mentioned, they might apply for an ICM position in a start-up company or in a small NFP organization. In this situation, one would look for the following as evidence of being a good fit:
-A college/university degree in an appropriate field
-At least one field-relevant internship that included responsible duties
-Demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment
-Demonstrated excellent writing skills
-Demonstrated excellent public speaking and presentation skills
-Demonstrated experience with social media
-Demonstrated analytical skills
The kinds of character traits one looks for in an experienced ICM, one also hopes to find in an entry-level hire. Any of the following would be thought to be a considerable plus or advantage in terms of an applicant's candidacy for a position:
-Projects a sense of calm and maturity
-Projects openness and empathy toward others
-Has leadership capabilities
-Has a strong work ethic
What soft skills should all Directors Of Alumni Relations possess?
Alex Nesterenko Ph.D.: The following soft skills are central to being a successful ICM:
-Attentive listening
-Problem-solving
-Critical thinking
-Creative thinking
-Time management
-Being a team player
To these, one could add the following character qualities:
-Projects a sense of calm and maturity
-Projects openness and empathy toward others
-Has leadership capabilities
-Has a strong work ethic
One might likely include yet other soft skills. However, the above list characterizes the soft skills one would surely want to see in an ICM.
There is no universal agreement on what are or are not "soft" and "hard" skills. Generally, however, hard skills are understood to be skills that one can learn. For example, one can learn to be a more capable writer or researcher. On the other hand, soft skills are understood to be social skills, character traits, and attributes that evolve over a person's lifetime. In this regard, it is doubtful that one can be quickly taught to be more open, and yet, a person can become more open to others over time with a willingness to pursue it. While learning is surely involved, change is largely attributable to the individual's efforts and is less a product of formal education. However, formal education can hasten the development of soft skills. For example, the individual seeking to become more open to others could avail themselves of various courses at a university that could help them understand and appreciate greater openness.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Directors Of Alumni Relations?
Alex Nesterenko Ph.D.: The following seem to be in line with the nature of IC and what the ICM regularly does. These are in addition to a college/university degree:
-Public speaking skills
-Presentation skills
-Research and analytical skills
-Writing, editing, proof-reading skills
-Computer skills-data analysis, spread sheet, graphics, etc.
To these, one might also find the following desirable in an ICM candidate for a job:
-Professional certification, such as in project management
Other hard skills could be desirable, but the list above suggests the kinds of hard skills typically required of an ICM.
What skills will help Directors Of Alumni Relations earn the most?
Alex Nesterenko Ph.D.: A person's career usually involves increased levels of responsibility over time. Therefore, at any point in one's career trajectory, different skills ("soft" or "hard") might be emphasized and will take prominence. To answer the question "what skills will help you earn the most," one assumes that an individual intends to stay in the field for a considerable period and is striving to (eventually) take on a lead role as the head of an IC department, which carries with it a manager, director, or greater title.
In this connection, if one takes on a lead role in IC, soft skills will likely be emphasized, leaving hard skills to those acting as assistants to the ICM. A person who has recently graduated from college/university will need to demonstrate both soft and hard skills to understand that they will be initially heavily relied upon for their hard skills by the ICM. As the entry-level person matures in their role, they will be more often tapped for their soft skills, and, as they move into roles with greater responsibility and more elevated titles, they will likely become more reliant upon their soft skills.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors Of Alumni Relations?
Matthew Lange Ph.D.: During the COVID-19 pandemic international trade was able to continue but tourism, study abroad, and in-person business negotiation all but ceased due to quarantine and lockdown restrictions. When our lives shifted online, certain sectors of the economy were crippled, while others continued remotely with adjustments.
As the pandemic subsides, we will face a different work environment now that many employers and employees have grown accustomed to online working/learning. While most German educators will return to face-to-face instruction, schools and universities now have a greater infrastructure for online education and potentially greater acceptance by learners and teachers.
For those in professional tracts who augment their careers with German language skills (think business students with a second major in German), renewed freedom of movement will allow employees to work in and travel to German-speaking countries once again thus opening up greater employment opportunities. At the same time, new possibilities have emerged due to the shift to remote work.
In addition to the COVID pandemic, graduates of 2021 and beyond will also find a stronger Germany within the European Union due to Brexit. After kicking the proverbial can down the road for years, a hard negotiation deadline forced the British hand at the end of 2020. As a result of the Brexit, the UK has lost its representation in the European Parliament, and we have already seen international corporations moving their operations from London to other cities such as Amsterdam, Dublin (presumably to keep English as the local language), Frankfurt, and Paris. Frankfurt is particularly attractive to the financial sector, because the European Central Bank is there.
Dorothy Ige Campbell
Professor of Communication Emeritus, Founder & Former ChairIndiana University Northwest
Department of Communication
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Director Of Alumni Relations job market given the pandemic?
Dorothy Ige Campbell: The emphases on graphic design and emerging media are in demand more than ever in an increasingly virtual world. New workers who have some Public Relations and persuasive communication backgrounds will have an edge. Those who work or go to school in diverse environments and have cross-cultural training during this time of civil rights demands are also suited for the new era. Jobs in Communication have decreased a bit (see below).
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Directors Of Alumni Relations?
Dorothy Ige Campbell: A bachelor's degree in Communication is considered ideal for non-academic jobs. For undergraduate degrees, a Communication degree paired with a Minor (such as Business) can be ideal, and that has not changed. Those who wish to teach Communication in secondary schools often complete a four-year degree with a major in Education which stresses teaching methods and childhood development, with an emphasis in Communication. Courses in Drama and English also help secondary teacher preparation in Communication.
For graduate education and academic faculty positions in higher education, a Masters in Communication or a related field for part-time teaching for Junior College teaching of Communication courses is usually required. A Ph. D. is usually required for tenure-track, full-time faculty positions in Communication. Courses in statistical research, theory, then specialty Communication courses (such as Health, Religious or Strategic Communication, and so on) are usually required. At all levels, there is an increased emphasis on diversity in the curriculum.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors Of Alumni Relations?
Dr. Derek Johnson Ph.D.: Departments like ours are aware of the added challenges created by the pandemic and we've been taking steps to help our students find opportunities while also helping employers to overcome the challenges of continuing to provide needed experience. Given the uncertainty around in-person work, we've been trying to generate online internships that allow students to connect with employers in safer ways. At the same time as we address the current crisis, we are also working to address long-standing barriers to access that have limited work opportunities based on social status, geography, the ability to support one's self, and more. Virtual internships can help with that, but there's more work to do to make sure everyone has equal opportunity to succeed and to manage the crises we face.
What experience really stands out on Director Of Alumni Relations resumes?
Matt Caporale: In a nutshell, hands on and applied experiences stand out the most. What employers truly seek is not just what you know and what you did, but how you did it, where you did it, to what outcome, and what do you offer now because of those experiences. This isn't new, but employers are increasingly looking for details and level of specificity to a student's college experience - buzzwords won't suffice any more. The experiences that stand out are ones students can actively quantify and showcase success, hard skills, and soft skills.
These types of experiences include traditional experiences such as internships, research projects, study abroad, and campus leadership. But they more often now include diverse perspectives, interdisciplinary experiences, and roles in which students make a focused impact on the organization in which they served. Employers seek well rounded candidates with hard and soft skills; so, the experiences that stand out will need to be diversified, skill focused, and impactful.
For students in international relations, these experiences will include traditional internships and study abroad, but also Model UN, policy research and development, multi-cultural experiences (local and international), and data-based projects.
What Director Of Alumni Relations skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Phyllis Seawright: A gap year is only as adventurous as the budget allows. An up-to-date resume, thorough research of job websites in the desired area, and the ability to Zoom or Skype for interviews will help a fledgling fly farther from the nest. Having excellent presentation skills will secure that job over the Zoom universe.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors Of Alumni Relations?
Stacie Shain: I am a very optimistic person, and I believe the enduring impact will be positive. The graduates from 2020 and 2021 have learned to be flexible, agile, resilient, and persistent. They have overcome obstacles that no one predicted, challenging them to complete not only a lot of the coursework from their final semester(s) online but also to grapple with the personal challenges that the pandemic caused.
Finishing college is not easy in a traditional setting in a "normal" academic year. But add in a change in delivery systems, quarantines that took away social and academic support systems, and psychological and financial hardships created by the loss of socialization and jobs (many students work in service jobs such as restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and retail stores, many of which were shuttered during the spring and summer), and you have an unprecedented college experience. Because these students graduated under such conditions, they are well-prepared for whatever happens along their career paths. They've already shown they can navigate through change, adapt to and overcome obstacles, adjust in adverse conditions, and still complete tasks and accomplish goals.
What experience really stands out on Director Of Alumni Relations resumes?
Stacie Shain: To me, real-world experience always sets one graduate apart from others. There is also plenty of research that supports this.** Any experience a student can gain doing real projects for real organizations is a bonus because it shows students can translate what they have learned in a classroom to a project for a business or nonprofit. It shows students can do the work when there is more than a course grade on the line and when many people will see their work and not only a professor or classmates.
In our program, all majors must complete at least one internship, and we encourage our students to complete more than one so they get different experiences. This not only builds their resumes and hones their skills but also allows them to learn what they like - or don't like - doing. Some students have been set on working in a particular field only to change their minds after an internship and decide they want to do something else.
Our marketing communication minors are required to take a practicum in which they work for a student-run agency doing work for area nonprofits. They are responsible for the client meetings, production, deadlines and client satisfaction. The projects range from graphic design to writing to social media planning to website design to video production. All of their work will be used by the organizations, so having these projects in their portfolios and on their resume showcases exactly what they can do. The students earn credit and get to show the work in their portfolios, and the nonprofits do not pay for the projects. It's a true win-win situation. Students may complete more than one semester in the practicum, and that gives them a wide range of work samples in their portfolio. I've known several students who had jobs before graduation, and they all said their work for clients helped them get the job because they already had professional experience.
Internships and working for a student-run agency will help students build those soft skills, too. They must collaborate, they must learn to work in a team setting, they must solve problems as they arise, and they must think critically about the projects and how they will complete them. Research shows that students with hard skills will get interviews, but students with soft skills will get the job and keep it ** because businesses value soft skills and not every applicant has them.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Director Of Alumni Relations job market given the pandemic?
Heidi Mau Ph.D.: An increased ability to work digitally is an immediate trend in the job market - to be nimble communicators via digital tools and online interactions with colleagues and clients. This trend was already happening before the pandemic but has now accelerated as an important part of an overall skill set.
There seems to be an increase in positions calling for digital communications and content management for small businesses as they seek to move parts of their businesses online and to increase their digital communications with clients and community during a time in which local, face-to-face communication is more difficult.
What experience really stands out on Director Of Alumni Relations resumes?
William Howe Ph.D.: Cover letters are perhaps the most critical piece of a resume and yet are often the most underdeveloped. Cover pages should clearly state who you are, what you have done, and where you want to go with the company. Within the resume itself, it should be easy to read and well organized.