Associate Director of Alumni Networking

Join Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE) in shaping the future of alumni connection and community building. WSUFAE is looking to hire an Associate Director of Alumni Networking to lead the  development and execution of regional, affinity, and corporate alumni networks that strengthen lifelong relationships and deepen affinity with Wichita State University. This role is ideal for a relationship-builder and strategic thinker who is passionate about creating meaningful engagement opportunities, supporting volunteer leaders, and designing innovative programming that connects alumni to each other and to the university in impactful ways. The Associate Director will collaborate across teams, use data-informed strategies to guide decision-making, and represent WSUFAE with professionalism while advancing our mission of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, and Service. If you are energized by community building, volunteer leadership, and creating experiences that inspire connection and pride in Wichita State University, we invite you to apply and help shape the next chapter of alumni engagement. Your efforts will directly support the mission and vision of Wichita State University, helping to shape the future of education and innovation.

With a team of more than 50 dedicated individuals working to support fundraising and donor and alumni relationships, the WSUFAE is proud to champion the continued growth of Wichita State University. With nearly $400 million in managed assets and thousands of alumni spread around the world, it is an exciting time to be a part of advancing Shocker Nation.  

The job duties for this position include:

1. Network Leadership & Volunteer Management

• Oversee all alumni networks—including regional, cultural, affinity, and corporate—ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and engagement strategies
• Recruit, train, support, and steward volunteer leaders, utilizing best practices in volunteer and board management
• Develop strategies that promote alumni affinity and a sense of belonging across diverse alumni communities
• Implement structures and expectations for network leadership, ensuring volunteers have the tools and communication support necessary for success

 

1. Program Strategy, Coordination, & Execution
   • Coordinate network programming in collaboration with internal campus partners including Alumni Engagement, Marketing & Communications, Decision Sciences, Development, and Finance as well as campus partners
   • Ensure programming reflects best practices in alumni engagement, including personalization, segmentation, corporate engagement, and community-building
   • Develop annual plans for each network that define goals, engagement opportunities, event calendars, and targeted outreach
   • Oversee logistics and execution of regional and virtual events, cultural celebrations, corporate alumni opportunities, and affinity-based programming
   • Utilize data and analytics to measure engagement, track progress, and adapt strategies to improve effectiveness and report out on

 

1. Stakeholder Relationship Management
   • Build and sustain relationships with alumni leaders, donors, community partners, corporate contacts, and university colleagues
   • Serve as primary liaison for all network activity, maintaining communication that supports identity-building, institutional affinity, and shared goals
   • Partner closely with Development on donor cultivation strategies emerging from network leadership and programming
   • Collaborate with Marketing & Communications to ensure consistent messaging, brand alignment, and compelling alumni storytelling

Job Requirements

 

• Bachelor’s degree required
• A minimum of three years of experience in alumni relations, volunteer management, community engagement, or related fields
• Flexibility to work nights and weekends for events and volunteer engagements
• Demonstrated self-motivation and professional demeanor
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite and Teams
• Experience working in CRM database is helpful
• Commitment to the WSUFAE core values of Integrity, Service, Excellence and Collaboration

Required Skills

 

• Strong leadership and relationship-building skills, with experience managing volunteers and motivating stakeholders
• Ability to manage multiple projects at once while producing high-quality work
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to work independently as appropriate
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM platforms
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Strong communication and public speaking skills

Physical Requirements

 

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and reaching
• Frequent attendance at events requiring prolonged standing
• Frequent travel—including regional and occasional national travel—for network events and alumni outreach
• Frequent lifting up to 20 pounds; occasional lifting up to 50 pounds
• Frequent exposure to large event settings and crowds
• Occasional exposure to outdoor or inclement weather
• Frequent interruptions throughout the day

Preferred Requirements and Skills

• Previous experience working in higher education or nonprofit advancement
• Experience working with alumni, volunteer boards, or corporate engagement programs
• Familiarity with affinity-based programming, diversity-focused engagement, or cultural community building

WSUFAE offers outstanding benefits including medical/dental/vision (100% premium paid for employee/50% for dependents), term life insurance, tuition reimbursement, 8.5% company matching on retirement accounts after one year, and more.

WSUFAE believes in the power of education. Since 1965, we have worked to connect the students, faculty, and staff of Wichita State University with the resources they need to transform their communities. Our dedicated staff includes members of the development, annual fund, finance, support, and student teams. We have accomplished big goals in the last few years and don't plan to slow down anytime soon.

With a mission built on our core values of integrity, collaboration, excellence, and service, we strive to be an inclusive and equitable work environment. Managers are expected to model this behavior by clearly setting expectations and directly addressing non-inclusive behavior. In our pursuit to build and maintain a high-performing team, it is every individual’s responsibility to contribute to our culture of belonging.

Advancing the mission and vision of Wichita State University takes a strong team, and it is our core values that unite and empower us to reach our goals together. Collectively, we are passionate about education and opening doors to new opportunities by working together to “elevate, celebrate and advance Wichita State University through engagement and philanthropy.”

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, the Wichita State Foundation and Alumni Engagement will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with a disability in completing the application form or in the interview process. Please notify the Human Resources Office at Show phone number or email View email address on wichitastateuniversityfoundation.applytojob.com in advance so necessary arrangements can be made.

To Apply:
Please fill out an application, submit your resume and a cover letter explaining your interests in, and qualifications for, the position.
 
WSUFAE is an EOE employer