Senior Director Alumni Experience

General Summary: Partners with the Associate Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations to enhance the institution's relationship with its alumni community.

Major Duties

• Provides leadership, oversight, and strategic guidance for alumni relations work across the University. Ensures that team efforts are executed on time and within budget. Models and reinforces a collaborative approach. Maintains and promotes a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace environment.
• Partners with the University Alumni Association Board of Directors in developing programs that engage alumni and further the university's goals and objectives.
• Oversees all aspects of the University's alumni engagement program.
• Directs industry-leading initiatives to increase alumni engagement and reach. Encourages alumni participation in institutional events and programs. Leads alumni events and programs.
• Works with designated University departments to oversee the creation of an omnichannel plan for alumni outreach. Develops and distributes regular updates on alumni achievements, institutional news, and upcoming events. Monitors alumni engagement metrics and analyzes data to refine communication strategies.
• Maintains accurate alumni records, including contact information, career updates, and preferences for engagement and philanthropy. Ensures compliance with data protection regulations and ethical practices.
• Prepares reports on alumni engagement activities, event attendance, and campaign outcomes. Analyzes data to identify trends, assess the effectiveness of engagement strategies, and make recommendations for improvements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field from an accredited institution.
• Eight years' relevant experience.
• Experience within alumni engagement or higher education fundraising.
• Management experience at or equal to department head level.
• Experience with responsibilities requiring confidentiality, timeliness, customer service, prioritization, troubleshooting.
• Proficient in cultivating and fostering professional relationships with fervent dedication.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience managing project budgets.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively within a team.
• Knowledge of Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Alumni Engagement metrics.

Special Instructions to Applicants

• Internal applicants should use the WMU - Internal Application.
• External applicants should use the WMU - Application.
• In required documents, please attach a "writing sample" you have completed to demonstrate communication sent to to alumni at a previous institution.

Additional Posting Information

• This is a two-year terminal position, with the potential to be renewed.
• Staff Compensation System pay grades and rates are available at: https://wmich.edu/hr/staffcompensation.
• Western Michigan University offers generous benefits to its employees including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement, and tuition discount for the employee and tuition remission for eligible dependents. To access information about the specific benefits available for this position, go to: https://www.wmich.edu/hr/enrollment-staff.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Office or other indoor work with minimal physical demands such as occasionally lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds.
• Work is generally performed in a well-lit, temperature-controlled indoor environment with occasional exposure to the outdoors or any number of elements.