Assistant Director of Volunteers & Alumni Engagement

Organization Overview:

Minds Matter NYC (MMNYC) connects driven and determined students from low-income families with people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world! MMNYC is the founding and largest of the 14 Minds Matter chapters nationally. Since 1991, every Minds Matter student has been admitted to a four-year college. Their success is rooted in holistic programming and a unique model that puts dedicated volunteers at the forefront of the work with students.

MMNYC has experienced tremendous growth — doubling the size of our student body (now reaching 600+ students annually), strengthening our volunteer corps and paid staff, and increasing our annual budget to $3MM. In the past 4 years, MMNYC expanded both its service population and scope of services — evolving from a 3-year college access program to a premier 7+ year college and career attainment program serving students from high school through college and into careers. We recently unveiled our new Strategic Plan and are excited to see the organization continue to grow — It’s the perfect time to join our team!

Position Summary & Key Responsibilities:

The Assistant Director of Volunteers & Alumni Engagement will play a key role in driving volunteer recruitment, engagement, and appreciation across the organization. This role will serve as a culture bearer for Minds Matter NYC and advance strategic priorities that depend on strong volunteer and alumni engagement.

Reporting to the Executive Director, and working closely with members of the Programs, Development, and Communications teams, the ideal candidate is a collaborative, people-centered leader who is passionate about building community and deepening engagement. We are seeking an experienced, organized, and energetic professional who is excited to steward relationships, lead staff, and launch MMNYC’s first-ever alumni engagement strategy, activating a 35-year network of student alumni in support of the organization’s mission.

The Assistant Director of Volunteers & Alumni Engagement is a highly collaborative leadership role that works with stakeholders across the organization, including MMNYC staff, the volunteer corps, alumni, the Associate Board, corporate partners, and students and families.

The key responsibilities for the Assistant Director of Volunteers & Alumni Engagement include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as a leader within MMNYC’s engagement efforts, designing and implementing comprehensive volunteer and alumni engagement strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Oversee volunteer recruitment, screening, placement, training, retention, and recognition to ensure all student-facing roles are fully staffed and supported.
• Collaborate with Programs staff to develop and facilitate volunteer trainings and provide individualized support to Volunteer Leaders and Mentors.
• Design and launch MMNYC’s alumni engagement function, including piloting programs and creating clear pathways for alumni to engage as volunteers, ambassadors, and organizational leaders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with volunteers and alumni, fostering a sense of belonging, appreciation, and long-term commitment to MMNYC.
• Represent MMNYC at volunteer, alumni, and community events, and foster engagement through corporate volunteer opportunities.
• Utilize Salesforce to manage volunteer and alumni data, track engagement, and capture institutional knowledge.
• Monitor engagement trends and survey data to inform strategy, assess progress, and drive continuous improvement.
• Supervise and support the Volunteer Engagement Senior Associate and, upon hire, the Alumni Engagement Associate, providing coaching, goal setting, and performance management.

Professional & Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 6–8+ years of experience in volunteer engagement, alumni relations, community engagement, nonprofit programs, or a related field, with increasing responsibility.
• Demonstrated success designing and managing volunteer and/or alumni engagement strategies that advance programmatic and organizational goals.
• Strong people-management experience, including supervising staff and supporting their professional growth and development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build authentic relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including volunteers, alumni, staff, board members, and external partners.
• Strategic and highly organized, able to balance big-picture vision with operational execution while managing multiple projects, timelines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Confident and engaging public speaker, comfortable facilitating trainings, leading meetings, and representing the organization in group settings.
• Experience using data to inform strategy and assess impact
• Proficient in CRM databases (Salesforce) and standard software (Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Canva)
• Availability for occasional evenings and weekends for volunteer, alumni, or community events.

Compensation & Benefits:

The salary range for this full-time, exempt leadership position is $80,000 - $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience plus a comprehensive benefits package that includes a generous allowance for medical/dental/vision/life insurance, 401k plan, 35 vacation days, 5 sick days, national holidays, plus our closure between Christmas and New Years. This role is New York City based, operating in a hybrid model with an expectation to be in office (Midtown Manhattan) at least one day/week and external meetings or evening events as needed.

To Apply:

Please apply via this link with a resume in PDF format that addresses your qualifications and ability to fulfill the responsibilities outlined above. Applications will be reviewed and processed in the order received through Wednesday, March 25 or until the position is secured.

Minds Matter NYC is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming workplace for everyone. We believe that starts with engaging people at every level of the organization who reflect, celebrate, and affirm multi-dimensional identities. This allows all of us to broaden our thinking, deepen our understanding, and expand our views on what is possible. We invite and encourage diverse candidates to apply for this position.

Minds Matter NYC prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth), reproductive health decision-making (including use or access to particular drugs, devices, or medical services, or for exercising rights under NYLL § 203-e), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religious creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, military status, Civil Air Patrol status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law class.

Minds Matter NYC is committed to ensuring that applicants and employees are treated in all aspects of employment without unlawful discrimination on these or any other protected characteristics. Applicants can learn more about their EEO rights here.

A comprehensive benefits package that includes a generous allowance for medical/dental/vision/life insurance, 401k plan, 35 vacation days, 5 sick days, national holidays, plus our closure between Christmas and New Years.