"Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement"

Job Details

Buena Vista University is seeking candidates for the Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement, located on the Storm Lake campus. The Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement plays a vital role in strengthening connections between the university, its alumni, and the broader community through strategic event planning and relationship-building initiatives. This position leads the planning and execution of a wide range of engagement events—from alumni gatherings and networking receptions to community outreach programs—ensuring meaningful experiences that reinforce pride, loyalty, and support for the institution.

In addition to managing events, this role also oversees the university’s student philanthropy programming, fostering a culture of giving and engagement among current students. The Assistant Director works closely with alumni, university departments, and community partners to create impactful opportunities that support lifelong involvement and promote the university’s mission.

This position also actively builds cross-campus partnerships—including but not limited to Career and Leadership Development, Admissions, Athletics, and Student Life—to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach to alumni and student engagement.

Event Management & Execution

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of alumni and community engagement events, both on-campus and off-site, including reunions, Homecoming, regional receptions, volunteer service days, and speaker series.
• Develop event timelines, coordinate logistics, manage vendor relationships, and oversee event budgets.
• Collaborate with internal partners (e.g., Athletics, Admissions, Student Life, and Academic Departments) to co-host and support events that engage alumni and enhance university visibility.
• Oversee post-event follow-up, including thank-you communications, feedback collection, and data tracking to evaluate effectiveness and inform future planning.
• Ensure all events are welcoming, inclusive, and aligned with institutional brand and engagement goals.
• Support the planning and implementation of cross-campus alumni initiatives, including but not limited to Career and Leadership Development, Admissions, Athletics, and Student Life.

Student Philanthropy & Engagement

• Design and implement programs that introduce students to the importance of alumni relations, philanthropy, and giving back to the university.
• Serve as the primary advisor for student philanthropy initiatives, including senior class giving campaigns and student ambassador groups.
• Collaborate with Student Life and Advancement colleagues to embed philanthropy education into existing student programming and campus culture.
• Plan student-focused events and campaigns that promote lifelong engagement and prepare students to become active alumni.

Alumni & Community Outreach

• Support strategies to engage alumni and community partners through outreach, volunteerism, and shared programming.
• Serve as a liaison to community organizations and alumni affinity groups to identify collaboration opportunities.
• Help maintain an annual calendar of engagement initiatives to promote consistent interaction with key constituents.
• Attend and represent the university at local community events and alumni gatherings.

Communication & Promotion

• Partner with the Director for Digital Engagement on promotional content for events and programs across email, social media, and university platforms.
• Prepare event invitations, reminders, and follow-up communications to ensure high participation and engagement.
• Collect and share alumni and community stories that highlight impact and build affinity.

Data & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of alumni and community participation in the university’s CRM system.
• Track and analyze event participation and student philanthropy metrics.
• Assist in preparing regular reports to measure success and inform future planning.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree is required, and experience in alumni engagement, sales, or event planning is preferred.
• Demonstrated success in relationship-building, excellent written and verbal communication skills, critical thinking, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while giving appropriate attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs, and ability and willingness to learn office-specific software.
• Availability for some travel, including occasional evenings and weekends.

A background check will be conducted on the final candidate. Buena Vista University is an EOE/ADA/Smoke-Free Employer.

Company

BVU, a private university, is a community of doers, cultivators, and creators who believe in transformative higher education. At BVU, we possess an innate instinct to build. It’s rooted in our identity as Beavers and in our belief that we can and should better the world around us. We are an institution forging new ways of learning and serving. We are committed to empowering our students and know that their work does not just stay in Storm Lake, Iowa. Beavers carry it with them as they build throughout the region and across the globe.

In Storm Lake you will find impressive amenities perfect for families, students, young professionals, and retirees alike. Residents and visitors enjoy an energetic downtown that is home to a variety of locally-owned retail stores that complement several national chains. There is an array of shopping, dining, and professional services, as well as a vibrant arts and multicultural environment. We are a diverse community in both population and opportunity. Most important, Storm Lake residents enjoy a relatively low cost of living and a high quality of life. Learn more at BVU.edu/StormLake.

Company info

Website: http://www.bvu.edu/

Telephone: 7127492049

Location: 610 W. 4th St., Box 2011 Storm Lake IA 50588 US