Associate Vice President for Engagement

Job Description:

Berklee seeks a dynamic, strategic leader to serve as its next Associate Vice President (AVP) of Engagement—a pivotal role responsible for shaping how the institution connects with its vibrant global community of alumni, donors, patrons, parents, and friends.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement, the AVP will oversee a 14-person team (including 3 area directors) across four core functional areas: Alumni Affairs, Annual Giving, Donor Relations and Stewardship, and Event Planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of a comprehensive alumni and donor engagement strategy.
• Manage and support cross-functional teams across the engagement portfolio.
• Develop and implement creative, mission-aligned initiatives, including signature events and multi-channel communications.
• Utilize data and technology to measure success and optimize engagement programs.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and campus partners to ensure alignment with institutional goals and values.
• Serve as a strategic advisor and visible leader for fundraising campaigns and institutional events.
• Foster a strong sense of community and philanthropy within Berklee’s global network.

The Ideal Candidate

• Brings 10+ years of leadership experience in donor engagement, alumni relations, or similar advancement roles.
• Has a proven track record managing teams and creating innovative, effective engagement programs.
• Demonstrates exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to inspire and connect with diverse audiences.
• Possesses a deep understanding of data-informed strategy, audience segmentation, and engagement metrics.
• Is comfortable leading across global, multicultural, and multi-campus environments.
• Demonstrated deftness at employing technology platforms and social media to drive, track, and measure the effectiveness of engagement activity.
• Has experience working in or with institutions of higher education, arts, or nonprofit sectors.
• Thrives in a collaborative, inclusive culture and is committed to equity, diversity, and belonging.
• Is passionate about the arts, creativity, and Berklee’s mission to empower inspired artists worldwide.

Why Berklee?

Berklee is committed to:

• Work-life balance and professional development
• A creative, collaborative, and inclusive culture
• Supporting student success through mission-driven work

This is a unique opportunity to play a vital leadership role in advancing Berklee’s global reach and impact—connecting people to the transformative power of music, arts, and education.  Apply now!

Hiring Range:  $190,000 - $215,000; salary dependent on relevant experience and education.
Please visit the Berklee Benefits page for a complete listing of the benefits.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee: 

We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance.  Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at [email protected] or call 617-747-2375.

Berklee is committed to increasing the diversity of our institution, community, and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*