Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement, Traditions and Celebrations

Wichita State University Foundation • Wichita, KS

3d

About The Position

Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE) seeks an enthusiastic, strategic Associate Director to create meaningful experiences that strengthen alumni pride and foster lifelong connections to Wichita State University. The role leads strategy and execution for 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 create a foundation for future alumni engagement.

The Associate Director collaborates with alumni, volunteers, campus partners, and internal teams to deliver memorable experiences, recognize alumni achievements, and expand meaningful engagement. The position manages event logistics, budgets, timelines, vendor relationships, operational planning, communications, and engagement metrics. It also recruits, trains, and supports volunteers; maintains stakeholder relationships; and collaborates with Development to identify engaged alumni with leadership and philanthropic potential.

WSUFAE has more than 50 team members and more than $450 million in managed assets. The organization works to connect Wichita State University students, faculty, and staff with resources to transform their communities, and seeks to provide an inclusive and equitable work environment grounded in Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, and Service.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• 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.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.

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 program outcomes and engagement metrics to guide future planning and continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities to enhance and expand traditions to reflect alumni needs and interests.
• Lead the 35 Under 35 nomination process, selection committee management, honoree stewardship, event planning, recognition activities, and post-program engagement.
• Strategize and coordinate Annual Reunion planning, volunteer engagement, communications, and event execution.
• Oversee annual and seasonal watch party experiences.
• Lead planning, coordination, volunteer recruitment, and execution of the Shocker Pride Nationwide Tailgate.
• Oversee Alumni Walkway recognition processes, stewardship, celebrations, and dedication events.
• Develop opportunities to recognize alumni achievements and celebrate 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 signature events.
• Collaborate with Development to identify 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 in alignment with long-term alumni affinity goals.
• Plan and execute WelcomeFest, Shocker State Fair, The Toast (Fall and Spring), and other assigned student-to-alumni transition experiences.
• Partner with campus departments and student organizations to connect students with alumni traditions and university pride initiatives.
• Provide leadership and support for reunions, alumni socials, affinity-based events, and other engagement opportunities.
• Collaborate with Alumni Engagement, Marketing & Communications, Development, Decision Sciences, Athletics, colleges, and campus partners.
• Ensure event communications, branding, and storytelling reflect Wichita State's mission and alumni community.
• Manage event logistics, budgets, timelines, vendor relationships, and operational planning.
• Maintain relationships with assigned alumni volunteers, constituents, and stakeholders.
• Communicate with and steward stakeholders to strengthen alumni participation and advocacy.
• Use data and engagement metrics to support strategic planning, outreach, and relationship development.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with 100% of employee premiums and 50% of dependent premiums paid.
• Term life insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• 8.5% company matching on retirement accounts after one year.

What This Job Offers

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