American University (AU) is a globally engaged private research institution located in Washington, DC, defined by its commitment to public service, intellectual rigor, and real-world impact. With a strong liberal arts foundation and a focus on experiential learning, AU prepares students to lead meaningful change across sectors and geographies. Its location at the center of policy, diplomacy, and global affairs shapes a distinctive academic environment that connects scholarship with practice and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration.

At a pivotal moment, AU is advancing a new strategic plan, Meet Our Moment, while preparing for its next comprehensive campaign. This convergence of institutional priorities creates an opportunity to deepen engagement across its global community of more than 160,000 alumni. With strong alumni affinity and untapped potential for broader participation, AU is poised to reimagine how it connects alumni to one another and to the life of the University.

The Opportunity

American University seeks a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as its next Assistant Vice President, Alumni Relations (AVP). As the University’s chief alumni relations officer, the AVP will provide vision, leadership, and operational oversight for a newly redesigned alumni engagement function.

Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement and serving on the senior leadership team, this role will develop a comprehensive, data-informed strategy that advances institutional reputation and significantly enhances alumni engagement and connection to their alma mater.

This is a highly visible leadership role for a builder and transformer. With strong institutional support and a clear mandate, the AVP will have the opportunity to redefine alumni engagement at AU, expand volunteer leadership pipelines, and align engagement efforts with campaign readiness and long-term advancement goals.

The salary range for this position is $185,000–$210,000.