"Assistant Director of Alumni Traditions"

Job Summary:

This posting is open until further notice. Three days' notice will be given prior to closure of the recruitment.

The Assistant Director of Alumni Traditions leads the coordination, preservation, and evolution of Eastern Washington University's most meaningful alumni and campus traditions. This role is responsible for designing and delivering inclusive, mission-driven programs that foster institutional pride, strengthen alumni identity, and build meaningful connections across generations of Eagles. Through these traditional events, the role supports the strategic goals of both the EWU Alumni Association and the university.
In partnership with campus stakeholders, volunteers, and student staff, the Assistant Director drives engagement through both digital and in-person platforms. This position oversees hallmark programs such as Pass Through the Pillars, Senior Send-Off, Homecoming, Alumni Awards, Legacy Groups (e.g., Past Presidents of the Alumni Board, Tawanka Service Organization), class reunions, and more.

This dynamic position is part of the fast-paced, collaborative Alumni Relations team within the University Advancement Division at Eastern Washington University. Standard office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; however, evening and weekend work is required, along with occasional travel outside the Spokane and Cheney areas. The Assistant Director of Alumni Traditions also plays a key role in supporting and coordinating the efforts of staff, students, and volunteers involved in planning and executing alumni events.

EWU is committed to supporting and promoting a workforce that is welcoming to all and encourages applicants of all backgrounds to apply for this position.

The salary for this position is $64,164 (minimum) up to $70,000. Where the hired candidate will begin within this range is dependent on education, experience, and skills. In addition to salary, the university offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and disability insurance and retirement. In addition, EWU offers generous vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays per year and fringe benefits, such as tuition waiver for employees and eligible family members, discounted EWU sports tickets, full access to our campus workout facilities at a minimum fee and free transportation through STA buses.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in an even planning related field such as Hospitality, Event Management/Planning, Tourism & Recreation Management, Communications or Public Relations.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in event planning, event promotion and event execution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. paired with strong organizational abilities and keen attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks simultaneously while consistently meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality work.
• Demonstrated success in building relationships with diverse stakeholders paired with a people-centered, enthusiastic approach to engagement.
• Strong commitment to EWU's mission and values, with familiarity - and a desire to deepen knowledge - of the EWU community.
• Demonstrated ability to apply a responsive and flexible approach that is supportive of the needs including universal access of our students, faculty, staff and the public.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proud Eastern Washington University graduate preferred
• Experience in higher education alumni relations, annual giving, or stewardship preferred.
• Proficiency with tools such as Eventbrite, WordPress, MailChimp, and Salesforce

Job Duties:

% of Time: 40
Responsibility / Duty: Coordinate and Enhance Annual Alumni Traditions:

• Lead and execute major annual alumni event traditions – including Pass Through the Pillars, Senior Send-Off, Homecoming, Reunions, Legacy Groups, and the Alumni Awards Gala.
• Ensure all alumni events reflect EWU’s mission, values, and traditions, strengthening school spirit, institutional pride and fostering multi-generational engagement.
• Develop and manage comprehensive event plans, including timelines, logistics, budgets, vendor coordination, task assignments, registration systems, and attendance tracking.
• Coordinate with campus partners, external organizations, and vendors, to ensure seamless event preparation and exceptional on-site execution, including supervision of staff, students, and volunteers.
• Conduct post-event assessments, facilitate team debriefs, and implement improvements, and manage event records, contracts and follow-up reporting.

Essential Function Indicator: Yes

% of Time: 40
Responsibility / Duty: Facilitate Alumni Engagement, Marketing, and Communications:

• Support and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that aligns with alumni engagement goals and is informed by performance metrics.
• Develop, manage, and analyze alumni communications – including email campaigns, social media, website content, print materials, and more – in collaboration with the Alumni Relations team.
• Research, curate, and produce content for the alumni newsletter, Eastern Magazine, and digital platforms and other communication channels.
• Uphold and reinforce the EWU Alumni Association brand, ensuring consistency across messaging, including stewardship of the Eagle4Life identity and partnership with campus departments.
• Fulfill alumni data requests in partnership with Advancement Services and support broader marketing and communication efforts through additional duties as assigned.

Essential Function Indicator: Yes

% of Time: 10
Responsibility / Duty: Support the EWU Alumni Association and Board Initiatives:

• Provide logistical and administrative support to the EWU Alumni Association Board of Directors and its working teams– including assistance with meetings, special projects, and all board functions.
• Coordinate board member recruitment and selection processes.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director or Board President.

Essential Function Indicator: Yes

% of Time: 10
Responsibility / Duty: Support Office Operations and Serve in a Leadership Capacity:

• Assist the Director with daily operations and office management.
• Train and supervise student employees, ensuring a welcoming environment.
• Maintain alumni records and support Salesforce-based donor communication.
• Assist in drafting sponsorship proposals and funding narratives, and track sponsor benefits to ensure accurate fulfillment and stewardship.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of programs, events, benefits, and services, and recommend enhancements to improve impact and engagement.
• Represent the Director in meetings or during their absence, as assigned.

Essential Function Indicator: Yes