Associate Vice-President, Alumni Relations

Western University is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lunaapéewak and Chonnonton peoples, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) whom Western recognizes as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.

Ranked among the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide, Western University is Canada’s third largest research-intensive university, and is a founding member of the U15 group of Canada’s distinguished research universities. As Western looks towards its 150th anniversary in 2028, the University is poised for even greater impact, with a focus on educating, supporting, and encouraging leaders who think and act boldly in response to the grand challenges of our times.

Western’s Advancement portfolio is dedicated to engaging and building long-term relationships with alumni and donors and raising funds to support students and priority areas of excellence by playing a leading role in strengthening awareness of and support for the University’s mission and goals by leading alumni relations and fundraising efforts across campus and beyond.

Western University seeks an Associate Vice-President, Alumni Relations (AVP). Reporting to the Vice-President (University Advancement), the AVP will be a dynamic leader, driving the strategic vision and execution of innovative, contemporary alumni engagement best practices and strategies. As a key member of the Western Advancement senior leadership team, this role will inspire pride and loyalty among alumni, encouraging their philanthropic support and volunteerism. By leading a dedicated team, the AVP will foster meaningful, lifelong relationships between the University and its graduates, ensuring high-quality engagement initiatives that align with Western’s strategic plan. This role will be a catalyst for innovation, leveraging opportunities to enhance program delivery and effectiveness, and representing Western on both local and international stages at an exciting time of momentum.

To excel in this role, candidates must possess an undergraduate degree in a related field and will bring extensive team leadership experience, a strong background in alumni relations, and the ability to anticipate trends to drive success. They should possess exceptional communication and collaboration skills, enabling them to engage effectively with diverse audiences both across the institution and externally. The role requires strategic decision-making aligned with the University’s goals, a passion for best practices in alumni engagement, high-quality outcomes, and the ability to inspire and lead a team during times of change and opportunity. A Master’s degree will be considered a strong asset.

Western has partnered with Andrea Patrick and Nick Ketley at Odgers Berndtson for this recruitment. Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online by March 28, 2025 at https://careers.odgersberndtson.com/en-ca/30161. It is expected that the successful candidate will take office in June 2025.

For more information or to submit a nomination, please contact Nick Ketley of Odgers Berndtson at nick.ketley@odgersberndtson.com.
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Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process by contacting Odgers Berndtson. In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and Permanent Residents will be given priority.