Vice President of Alumni Relations

Marshall University•Huntington, WV

About The Position

The Vice President of Alumni Relations (VPAR) serves as a senior executive leader for the Marshall University Foundation, responsible for shaping and driving a comprehensive, institution-wide strategy for alumni engagement. Reporting to the President & CEO / SVP of Advancement, the VPAR provides high-level vision, direction, and oversight for the MUAA, all alumni relations programs, communications, and services that strengthen lifelong connection with more than 120,000 alumni worldwide. As a key member of the Foundation’s executive leadership team, the VPAR leads the Alumni Relations professional staff, oversees the strategy and performance of 30+ alumni chapters across the country, and serves as the primary partner to the Marshall University Alumni Association (MUAA) Board of Directors. The VPAR works in close collaboration with the Vice President of Development/Chief Development Officer and the Vice President of Advancement Services to ensure alumni engagement is fully aligned with fundraising, campaign priorities, and institutional goals.

Requirements

Senior executive leader for the Marshall University Foundation
Responsible for shaping and driving a comprehensive, institution-wide strategy for alumni engagement
Reporting to the President & CEO / SVP of Advancement
Provides high-level vision, direction, and oversight for the MUAA, all alumni relations programs, communications, and services
Strengthens lifelong connection with more than 120,000 alumni worldwide
Key member of the Foundation’s executive leadership team
Leads the Alumni Relations professional staff
Oversees the strategy and performance of 30+ alumni chapters across the country
Serves as the primary partner to the Marshall University Alumni Association (MUAA) Board of Directors
Works in close collaboration with the Vice President of Development/Chief Development Officer and the Vice President of Advancement Services
Ensures alumni engagement is fully aligned with fundraising, campaign priorities, and institutional goals
Strategic Leadership and Long-Range Planning (25%)
Board Leadership and Governance (25%)
Partnership and Collaboration (15%)
Leadership & Talent Development (15%)
Budget & Resource Stewardship (15%)
Other Duties as assigned by the President & CEO (5%)

Responsibilities

Establish a clear, compelling vision for alumni engagement and annual giving that reflects Marshall’s values, traditions, and aspirations, positioning the department as a strategic driver of institutional success.
Develop multi-year engagement strategies that expand the reach, depth, and diversity of alumni involvement, with measurable goals tied to participation, volunteerism, and philanthropic outcomes.
Use data-driven insights to identify emerging trends, evaluate program effectiveness, and refine strategies that strengthen alumni affinity and institutional loyalty.
Cultivate a vibrant, engaged alumni community that celebrates Marshall’s history, amplifies alumni achievements, and reinforces the University’s role as a lifelong home.
Strengthen signature traditions, such as Homecoming, Fountain Ceremony, Alumni Awards Banquet, chapter events, regional gatherings, and milestone reunions, to deepen emotional connection and reinforce the Marshall experience.
Elevate the visibility of alumni impact through storytelling, recognition programs, and strategic communications that inspire pride and engagement.
Serve as the primary Foundation liaison to the Marshall University Alumni Association Board of Directors, ensuring the Board is well-supported, well-informed, and positioned to fulfill its governance responsibilities.
Provide strategic guidance to the Board President and Executive Committee, including agenda planning, meeting preparation, and alignment with University and Foundation priorities.
Ensure all Board activities, decisions, and communications adhere to established bylaws, policies, and best practices in nonprofit governance.
Facilitate Board development by identifying training needs, onboarding new directors, and cultivating a pipeline of future volunteer leaders.
Serve as a strategic advisor to University and Foundation leadership on matters related to alumni engagement, volunteer leadership, and constituent relations.
Build strong partnerships with campus units, including Athletics, Admissions, Career Education, Student Affairs, and academic colleges, to integrate alumni into the life of the University and support institutional goals.
Ensure the department operates with clarity, accountability, and alignment, modeling collaborative leadership and a service-oriented approach.
Lead, mentor, and evaluate professional staff responsible for alumni engagement and annual giving, volunteer management, communications, and chapter support, ensuring the team operates with shared purpose.
Recruit, develop, and retain high-caliber talent, fostering a culture that values creativity, data-informed decision-making, and exceptional service to alumni and campus partners.
Provide coaching and professional development opportunities that strengthen staff capabilities and prepare team members for expanded responsibilities and future leadership roles.
Oversee the Alumni Relations budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources, alignment with strategic priorities, and adherence to Foundation financial policies.
Develop annual budget proposals and long-range financial plans that support departmental growth, program expansion, and strategic initiatives.
Monitor expenditures, assess resource needs, and make data-driven adjustments in collaboration with the President & CEO to maximize impact and operational efficiency.
Other Duties as assigned by the President & CEO