Job Title: Director / Deputy Director-Office of Alumni Relations

Reports to: Pro-Vice Chancellor, Ashoka University

Location: New Delhi / Sonipat (with frequent travel for outreach & events)

Experience (in years): 13+ years in Alumni Relations / Advancement / Higher Education /Community Engagement

Nature of work: Full-Time

About Ashoka University:

Ashoka University is India's premier interdisciplinary teaching and research university, an institution that has become a beacon of academic excellence in less than 10 years since its inception. At Ashoka, we encourage you to embrace change, learn and grow continuously, and strive for excellence in what you do.

As part of our thriving and committed workforce, you will:

- Be Mission-Driven: Champion interdisciplinary learning, innovative pedagogy, and academic rigour to transform Indian higher education.

- Think Strategically: Collaborate with other innovative colleagues to shape the future of higher education through strategic planning and a forward-thinking approach.

- Act Authentically: Embrace authenticity and integrity, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every voice is valued.

- Take Accountability: Own your work and drive positive change as an individual seeking to make a meaningful contribution.

- Build Collaboration: Experience the power of teamwork and diverse perspectives, working collectively towards our shared goals.

- Deliver Excellence: Strive for high quality in all aspects, upholding the highest standards of academic excellence, student support, and professional development opportunities.

At Ashoka University, we are on a mission to redefine higher education and create a remarkable space where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a pioneering force in interdisciplinary learning, we continually grow and adapt to stay at the forefront of educational excellence with an emphasis on inclusivity and equal opportunity. Our philosophy revolves around care, well-being, and connection, which are deeply embedded in everything we do.

When you join our community, you become part of an extraordinary journey in which you can enhance your potential and make a meaningful impact.

About the Office of Alumni Relations:

The Office of Alumni Relations plays a central role in cultivating a lifelong bond between Ashoka and its graduates (UG, ASP, YIF, Masters, PhD). With alumni excelling across diverse fields-academia, public service, entrepreneurship, policy, technology, social impact, and the arts-the office ensures this dynamic community remains connected, engaged, and empowered to give back. Through mentorship programs, reunions, global chapters, leadership councils, and alumni-driven philanthropy, the office creates opportunities for alumni to thrive and contribute to Ashoka's institutional journey.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a visionary and strategic leader with 13+ years of experience to head its Alumni Relations function. The individual will be responsible for building a world-class alumni engagement framework that fosters belonging, mobilises networks, and amplifies Ashoka's impact globally. This role demands an exceptional strategist, storyteller, and community builder-one who can inspire alumni to remain lifelong partners of the University's mission.

This position offers an opportunity to create legacies, transform engagement into movement, and position Ashoka's alumni as ambassadors, mentors, and co-creators of the University's future.

Role and Responsibilities:

Strategic Vision and Leadership

- Develop and execute a multi-year alumni engagement strategy with measurable outcomes aligned with Ashoka's institutional goals.

- Establish KPIs such as: increase alumni participation in events by 25% annually, grow active global chapters by 30% in three years, and achieve targeted alumni giving milestones.

- Build and lead the Alumni Relations Office into a high-performing, innovative, and future-ready function.

Community Building and Programs

- Create and sustain vibrant alumni networks through reunions, regional/global chapters, leadership councils, and digital communities.

- Design signature experiences such as Alumni Weekender, thematic meetups, alumni-in-residence programs, and international gatherings.

- Develop structured alumni mentorship programs with clear metrics, e.g., mentor-mentee matches increasing year-on-year.

Partnerships and Collaboration

- Collaborate with Admissions, Outreach, Placements, Fundraising, Communications, and Academics to integrate alumni into Ashoka's growth story.

- Facilitate alumni engagement as guest speakers, industry experts, and contributors to placements, internships, and panels.

Fundraising and Philanthropy

- Partner with the Development Team to strengthen alumni giving-through class campaigns, giving circles, planned giving, and targeted initiatives.

- Create stewardship programs with measurable outcomes, e.g., annual recognition of top 10 alumni contributors and consistent year-on-year donor retention growth.

Global Outreach

- Expand Ashoka's alumni footprint internationally by establishing at least five new global chapters over the next five years.

- Foster strategic partnerships with global universities, industry bodies, and alumni-led organisations.

- Position Ashoka's alumni as global ambassadors, enhancing international reputation and influence.

Data, Systems and Insights

- Build and maintain robust alumni databases and CRM systems for tracking engagement, analysing impact, and informing strategy.

- Use analytics to track engagement rates, donor contributions, and chapter activity levels.

Leadership and Team Management

- Inspire and mentor a team of professionals and volunteers.

- Champion a culture of accountability, innovation, empathy, and service within the Alumni Relations function.

Eligibility / Qualifications:

- Postgraduate degree in any discipline; specialisation in communications, higher education, or management preferred.

- 13+ years of progressive experience in Alumni Relations, Higher Education Advancement, Community Engagement, Development, or related fields.

- Demonstrated success in designing and scaling alumni/community programs with measurable outcomes.

- Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership, donors, and external partners.

- Proven leadership experience managing teams and volunteers.

Skills Required:

- Exceptional written and oral communication skills; ability to inspire through storytelling.

- Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.

- Strategic thinker with a proven record of innovation and execution.

- Data-driven approach with experience in CRM/alumni management platforms.

- Ability to lead with empathy, authenticity, and vision.

- Excellent project and time management skills.

Why Join Ashoka?

At Ashoka, you will not just lead a department-you will shape a legacy. This is your chance to transform alumni engagement into a global movement, amplify Ashoka's reputation worldwide, and create a measurable impact. You will work with visionary leaders, build enduring communities, and leave behind an indelible mark on the future of higher education in India and beyond.