Program Manager, Alumni Communities

Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association•Madison, WI

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA), the private fundraising and alumni relations organization for UW–Madison, seeks a dynamic Program Manager for Alumni Communities. This position manages WFAA’s international alumni chapter network, providing oversight, volunteer engagement and facilitating administrative support. The Program Manager leads processes, resources, training, and communications that enable a strong, sustainable volunteer-led program; builds and maintains positive relationships with international alumni leaders; establishes best practices for engagement; and ensures alignment with WFAA and university priorities. Under the leadership of the Senior Managing director, the Program Manager collaborates with campus partners in advancing UW–Madison’s international engagement and advancement goals may include serving as project manager for divisionally sponsored events and activities. This position requires international travel and the ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as business needs dictate. This position is a hybrid role and will require you to work in the office at least two days weekly.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
3+ years’ full-time professional experience with program planning, event implementation, customer service and/or relationship/volunteer management.
Experience in international relations, cultural awareness or global engagement.
Ability to collect, analyze, and present data to inform programmatic and strategic decisions.
Excellent oral and written skills; at ease when speaking and presenting ideas in a group setting. Willingness to share knowledge and initiate knowledge transfer.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, demonstrated engagement in projects and meet deadlines.
Deliver and receive feedback objectively for the good of the team and the project.
Ability to manage multiple priorities.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education advancement and working with volunteers and donors is preferred.
Experience using constituent databases and presentation software.
High degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook).
Acumen to learn and utilize software, databases and other technology resources and tools.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage processes, resources, and infrastructure that support a sustainable, volunteer‑led international alumni chapter network.
Lead the planning, development, and implementation of volunteer training programs and communications.
Collaborate with colleagues across functional areas to develop and execute annual plans that engage alumni and donors through high‑quality, mission‑aligned activities.
Develop and manage relationships with faculty, staff speakers, and other program content providers.
Communicate regularly with internal and external stakeholders regarding program goals, progress, and outcomes.
Apply engagement metrics and data insights to strategic planning and continuous improvement.
Implement organizational efforts to plan and execute divisionally sponsored and high‑level international events, meetings, and activities.
Participate in on-site support during programs and events, including coordination with local partners on travel logistics, transportation, and day‑of execution.
Conduct secondary research on constituents, companies, and industry sectors to develop briefing materials and strategic planning.
Manage a portfolio of international alumni chapters and volunteers by cultivating relationships and deepening engagement.
Develop customized communication and volunteer engagement strategies tailored to the needs and goals of individual alumni communities.
Ensure exceptional customer experience for internal and external constituents.
Communicate proactively and consistently with alumni, volunteers, and internal stakeholders.
Intentionally solicit feedback from alumni to inform the design and improvement of programs, resources, training, and communications.
Strengthen relationships with alumni and donors by participating in organization- and chapter-sponsored activities.
Proactively inform leadership of emerging issues and opportunities, along with recommended solutions.
Guide the work of a project coordinator supporting alumni communities.
Manage and oversee program evaluation, assessment, and data collection.
Demonstrate understanding of and effectively utilize organizational administrative policies, processes, and technology tools.
Manage programs, program budgets and project plans to ensure deadlines are met and resources are used effectively.
Maintain documentation related to program concept, design, and development.
Initiate, manage, and report on alumni engagement outcomes and metrics.
Actively identify opportunities for process improvement and implement enhancements when appropriate.
Support a service‑oriented culture in alignment with WFAA’s mission, values, and philosophy.