Ben Hancock has joined the Maxwell School’s advancement and alumni relations team as senior director of alumni engagement and career services.

In this newly created role, Hancock will oversee and provide strategic direction for the school’s alumni engagement and career services initiatives, working to connect students, alumni and global partners in support of career success and lifelong connection to Maxwell. The position was created to align the work of the alumni office and the Palmer Career Center, broadening engagement across alumni careers and expanding pathways for students and recent graduates.

“We are delighted to welcome Ben to the Maxwell team and look forward to his leadership in deepening the connections between students, alumni and the school,” said Assistant Dean for Advancement Liz Armstrong. “His role will further strengthen our alumni network and open meaningful opportunities for both current and future students, while enhancing the lifelong bond our community shares with Maxwell.”

Hancock brings more than 15 years of higher education leadership experience to the role, spanning alumni relations, career development and advancement. Most recently, he served as associate vice chancellor for alumni engagement and career development at the University of Denver, where he led a team of 40 professionals, advanced university-wide engagement strategies, and strengthened partnerships across regional and unit-based programs.

His previous roles include senior advancement and engagement positions at Oregon State University, the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, where he developed award-winning mentorship and alumni programs recognized by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

“I am thrilled to join the advancement and alumni relations team. Maxwell is a special place, and I look forward to collaborating with the Syracuse community to expand engagement and career services opportunities for our outstanding alumni and students,” said Hancock.

By Cort Ruddy