Director of Alumni Engagement

Director of Alumni Engagement

Category: Administrative, Professional & Staff Positions

Department: ALUMNI RELATIONS

Locations: Macomb, IL

APPOINTMENT: June 1, 2026

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Director of Alumni Engagement is responsible for creating and implementing a national comprehensive alumni relations program designed to foster lifelong relationships between the University and its alumni. Responsibilities include:

• Promote the mission of the University through the Alumni Association and its committees and foster a broad engagement between alumni and the University. Develop new and innovative ways to engage Western alumni in support of the University's academic, athletics, technology, career development, student recruitment, marketing, advocacy and development programs.
• Work to create relationships and engagement that will increase the donor base of alumni. Serve as one of the University's principal ambassadors to alumni during a comprehensive campaign. Design and develop strategies for fund development in association with alumni groups when in a comprehensive campaign. Direct the Leatherneck Legacy fundraising program to secure annual private support for alumni programs.
• Lead alumni relations staff in a team-oriented environment to manage the University's alumni outreach programs. Set ambitious, clear, and achievable goals, and inspire the Alumni Relations staff to meet and exceed expectations.
• Administer a 25-member Alumni Council, including meetings with executive board members; develop meeting agendas and identify and orient new members.
• Create programs to engage alumni in meaningful activities. Manage all alumni-directed marketing programs to engage alumni and connect them back to the University. Manage alumni-directed social media outreach efforts.
• Monitor and develop alumni communications such as the quarterly magazine, e-newsletter, and alumni webpages, including general alumni information pages. Continue to market and develop the online community to keep pace with advances in communication technology and media relations to enhance alumni involvement and donation rates.
• Work with the Director of Advancement and Foundation Services to manage Foundation Alumni Database, including responsibility for all data protection in conjunction with the University Data policy.
• Manage Western's alumni affinity programs, including contract negotiations and overall administration of credit card, debit card, insurance, travel, class ring, diploma frame, and license plate programs.
• Develop and maintain programs for currently enrolled Western students, such as the Student Alumni Association, and other programs designed to engage students as alumni and foster love and loyalty to the University.
• Manage and administer overall Alumni Program budget.
• Coordinate the development of new programs.

SALARY: 12-month; 100% appointment. $77,732 - $105,000 annually; negotiable, commensurate with experience.

Western Illinois University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits...

Job Requirements:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree.
• A thorough understanding of best practices in alumni relations and advancement services, and fundraising.
• A track record in planning and executing successful alumni relations programs and fund development, including goal setting, implementation of strategies, and identification of new alumni donors.
• Proficiency in database management, Windows software and Google Suite or similar products.
• Strong interpersonal skills and exceptional oral, written, and presentational skills.
• Ability to interact professionally and efficiently with alumni, current students, donors, and other constituents.
• A collaborative approach to working with others.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree.
• Supervision experience.
• Direct experience in alumni engagement.

*For a degree to be considered, it must be conferred from a regionally accredited degree-granting institution of higher education (or equivalent from an international accrediting body). Unless otherwise stated, the degree must be conferred at the time of appointment.*

To apply, visit http://wiu.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=198314