Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement, Traditions and Celebrations

Wichita State University Foundation • Wichita, KS

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About The Position

Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE) seeks an enthusiastic, strategic Associate Director of Alumni Engagement, Traditions and Celebrations to create experiences that strengthen alumni pride and foster lifelong connections to Wichita State University. The position leads the strategy and execution of signature alumni programs, traditions, reunions, recognition initiatives, and celebratory events, including 35 Under 35, Annual Reunion, watch parties, Shocker Pride Nationwide Tailgate, and Alumni Walkway stewardship. It also oversees student traditions and programming that build university pride and support future alumni engagement.

The Associate Director works with alumni, volunteers, campus partners, and internal teams to deliver events, recognize alumni achievements, and expand meaningful engagement. The role manages event logistics, budgets, timelines, vendor relationships, communications, volunteer engagement, and program evaluation. The position requires a bachelor's degree and at least three years of relevant experience, strong communication, organizational, leadership, event planning, and project management skills, and a commitment to WSUFAE's values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, and Service. Evening and weekend flexibility, as well as regional and occasional national travel, are required.

WSUFAE has a team of more than 50 individuals supporting fundraising and donor and alumni relationships, manages more than $450 million in assets, and serves thousands of alumni worldwide. The organization describes its mission as elevating, celebrating, and advancing Wichita State University through engagement and philanthropy, and seeks to maintain an inclusive and equitable workplace.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• At least three years of experience in alumni relations, event management, higher education, volunteer management, community engagement, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success planning and executing large-scale events and engagement programs.
• Experience working with volunteers, committees, or advisory groups.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends in support of events and volunteer activities.
• Self-motivation and a professional demeanor.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, Teams, and CRM platforms.
• Professionalism and commitment to WSUFAE's core values of Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Collaboration.
• Strong event planning and project management skills.
• Exceptional relationship-building and volunteer engagement abilities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Effective written, verbal, and public speaking communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Frequent travel, including regional and occasional national travel, for network events and alumni outreach.
• Frequent lifting up to 20 pounds and occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in higher education, alumni relations, nonprofit advancement, or hospitality/event management.
• Experience managing signature events, reunions, or recognition programs.
• Experience working with alumni volunteers, advisory boards, or affinity groups.
• Knowledge of best practices in alumni engagement, stewardship, and experiential programming.
• Familiarity with athletics-related alumni engagement and fan-based programming.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for alumni traditions, celebratory programs, reunions, and affinity-building experiences.
• Create programming that strengthens alumni pride, university connection, and lifelong engagement; evaluate outcomes and engagement metrics to guide continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities to enhance traditions in response to alumni needs and interests.
• Lead the 35 Under 35 nomination process, selection committee management, honoree stewardship, event planning, recognition activities, and post-program engagement.
• Coordinate Annual Reunion strategy, volunteer engagement, communications, and event execution.
• Oversee annual and seasonal watch party experiences.
• Plan, coordinate, recruit volunteers for, and execute the Shocker Pride Nationwide Tailgate initiative.
• Oversee Alumni Walkway recognition processes, stewardship, celebrations, and dedication events; develop additional ways to recognize alumni achievements and university milestones.
• Build and maintain relationships with alumni volunteers, reunion committees, affinity groups, campus partners, and community stakeholders.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteers for engagement programs and events.
• Collaborate with Development to identify highly engaged alumni with leadership and philanthropic potential.
• Serve as a primary liaison for alumni traditions and celebration-related programming.
• Oversee alumni engagement in student traditions and transitional experiences, including WelcomeFest, Shocker State Fair, The Toast (Fall and Spring), and other assigned student-to-alumni experiences.
• Partner with campus departments and student organizations to connect students with alumni traditions and university pride initiatives.
• Support reunions, alumni socials, affinity events, and other engagement opportunities throughout the year.
• Collaborate with Alumni Engagement, Marketing & Communications, Development, Decision Sciences, Athletics, colleges, and campus partners to deliver events and experiences.
• Ensure event communications, branding, and storytelling reflect the Wichita State mission and alumni community.
• Manage event logistics, budgets, timelines, vendor relationships, and operational planning.
• Maintain relationships and ongoing communication and stewardship with assigned alumni volunteers, constituents, and stakeholders.
• Use data and engagement metrics to support strategic planning, outreach, and relationship development.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with 100% of the employee premium and 50% of dependent premiums paid.
• Term life insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• 8.5% company matching on retirement accounts after one year.
• Additional benefits (not specified).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level