Senior Affinity Engagement Manager

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Department: Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving

About the Department

North Carolina State University was founded in 1887 with the purpose of creating economic, societal and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina. Today, NC State is the largest university in North Carolina, with more than 40,500 high-performing students, more than 10,000 preeminent faculty and staff and more than 310,000 dedicated alumni. NC State is a Research One (R1) university known for its leadership in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We're also at the forefront of teaching and discovery in agriculture, business, design, education, humanities and social sciences, natural resources, textiles and veterinary medicine. NC State is consistently named as one of the best values in higher education, and many of our programs are ranked at the top of their respective disciplines. We take a great deal of pride in our collaborative, supportive and collegial team culture. All staff are provided opportunities for training and professional development, with an eye to personalized career growth.

University Advancement (UA) secures support for NC State University by raising funds from private sources, engaging current and future alumni, building a culture of philanthropy, and enhancing the university's reputation through integrated marketing and communications. Led by the Vice Chancellor, UA fulfills its mission through the operations of four main units: University Development, which seeks and obtains philanthropic support; Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, which builds and fosters relationships and a culture of philanthropy with alumni and other constituencies; and Advancement Services, which provides information management and other key support functions to all University Advancement units.

Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving (AEAG) uses a wide variety of platforms, channels and methods to create meaningful opportunities for alumni to engage with one another, support the university and celebrate the Pack spirit year-round. The unit also procures and increases annual gifts to the university by leveraging existing relationships and creating new ones. Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving collaborates with partners across campus to plan and implement a coordinated, integrated strategy aimed at increasing support for and engagement with the university while strengthening NC State's culture of philanthropy.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

The senior affinity engagement manager will report to the director of volunteer engagement and serve as a member of the Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving (AEAG) team. This position is responsible for engaging and communicating with NC State University constituents, including, but not limited to, alumni and friends. The senior engagement manager leads the planning, management, marketing, implementation, and assessment of programs and projects for assigned constituencies.

Programming will employ an integrated approach grounded in best practices and include strategies that foster community, encourage meaningful participation through dialogue, volunteerism, and philanthropy, and ultimately increase engagement and philanthropic support across the NC State community. The senior engagement manager serves as a front-line engagement professional, managing a portfolio of assigned constituencies to strategically advance the mission and goals of the department.

The senior engagement manager provides leadership for the University's affinity-based volunteer engagement efforts within Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving. These affinity-based communities are volunteer-led and actively communicate and host annual programming to strengthen connections among members and with NC State. Current affinity groups include, but are not limited to, the Alumni Entrepreneurs Network, Black Alumni Society, Latinx Alumni Network, Native American Alumni Network, Veterans Alumni Network and Wolfpack Women in Philanthropy. The senior engagement manager will also identify opportunities to establish new affinity-based networks based on constituent interest, population, and alignment with the University's strategic priorities.

Other Responsibilities

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement volunteer engagement strategies and programming that integrate communication, experiences, and philanthropic objectives in collaboration with University Advancement, colleges, and campus partners to achieve established goals and performance metrics.
• Promote a comprehensive understanding of the University's mission and priorities while strengthening engagement and fostering positive, productive relationships among and across volunteer communities.
• Engage constituents through strategic and consistent communication using digital, print, and social media; exceptional customer service; and meaningful opportunities for volunteerism, service, personal and professional development, and events.
• Collaborate with development colleagues to increase philanthropic support from alumni by identifying and qualifying prospects for annual, major, and principal gifts, and referring prospective donors to campus gift officers as appropriate.
• Identify, recruit, cultivate, and steward volunteer leaders to support university initiatives and programs.
• Provide guidance and strategic counsel to volunteer leaders in planning and implementing social, educational, philanthropic, and community service initiatives.
• Manage budgets for assigned volunteer communities and conduct regular analysis and reporting to evaluate effectiveness, impact, and return on investment.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree and three years of experience in the area of assignment, of which at least one is supervisory or in a lead-worker capacity; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications

• Experience in alumni, student or constituent affairs, program development, including planning and executing activities and events for student and/or alumni audiences.
• Exceptional communication and collaborative skills.
• Strong organizational skills and volunteer management skills.
• Ability to effectively interact with students, alumni, donors, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to work nights and weekends

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the culture, practices, and history of NC State University.
• Understanding of fundraising
• Experience in a role that required significant public contact.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

• A valid North Carolina Driver's License is required within 60 days of start date. Must be maintained as a condition of employment.

Valid NC Driver's License required: Yes

Commercial Driver's License required: No

Job Open Date: 09/08/2026

Anticipated Close Date: Open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

In addition to your application, please submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for at least three professional references.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Position Number: 00108349

Position Type: EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week): 1.00

Appointment: 12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID: 083001 - Alumni Engagement

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.