Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally diverse candidates.

Benefits:

We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program.

Job Summary:

PLNU is seeking a relational and strategic professional to serve as Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement. This position plays a vital role in cultivating meaningful relationships with alumni while managing programs that connect alumni with one another and build affinity to the institution. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is energized by developing relationships, building community, and working in a team setting. Ideal candidates will be excellent relationship managers, strategic thinkers with strong leadership skills, and have a deep passion for supporting the mission of PLNU. This role requires initiative, collaboration, supervisory capabilities, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while representing the institution with enthusiasm and professionalism.

Salary:
Pay range $68,640 - $73,000
Actual salary offered is determined by the candidate’s experience, education, skills, and other factors, including internal equity and university funding resources.

Internal Classification: Career Track - Manager Job Level - 3

Job Status:

Full time

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Job Description:

What We're Looking For:

• Experience in alumni relations, program management, or non-profit work

• Ability to build relationships with alumni, volunteers, and campus partners

• Strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking

• Meticulous attention to detail and excellent organizational skills

• Enthusiasm, passion, and a strong work ethic

• Technologically proficient and comfortable using Google Suite and CRM/databases

What You'll Be Doing: 

• Serve as a visible, approachable representative of the PLNU alumni experience, intentionally cultivating relationships with a diverse array of alumni. 

• Proactively connect with alumni to gather stories, listen to feedback, and deepen their sense of connection to the university.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for alumni, including managing responses to alumni inquiries via email and phone.

• Represent PLNU at key events, both locally and regionally, including occasional evening and weekend work as well as some travel. 

• Support the planning and execution of large scale alumni programs including class reunions, regional events, and Homecoming weekend.

• Oversee engagement programs such as the Alumni Faculty Grant, Alumni Cottage, various forms of alumni recognition, and Alumni Brick programs.

• Manage the Student Alumni Ambassador program, supervising 3–4 student workers including scheduling, task assignment, and mentorship. 

• Leverage data and analytics to track and report on results of alumni engagement efforts.

• Collaborate with colleagues in Advancement and across campus to develop new alumni focused programming that aligns with strategic engagement and fundraising goals. 

Qualifications:

• Understanding of and commitment to the spiritual mission of the University.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Communications, Business, Public Relations, or similar). 

• Two to three years of increasingly responsible leadership experience required, preferably in a non-profit or higher education setting. 

• Proven leadership capabilities and the ability to lead others effectively. 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills including ability