Associate Director of Alumni Engagement

Title: Associate Director of Alumni Engagement
Division Name: University Advancement
Department: Alumni Engagement

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Alumni Engagement supports the overall mission of the office by leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs, events, and services for the alumni of Illinois State University. Specifically, the individual in this position is responsible for designing and implementing the engagement strategies for the over 125,000 alumni who reside outside of Illinois and inside Illinois, excluding the Chicago and Bloomington/Normal areas. This individual organizes alumni networks in geographic locations throughout the United States and creates and facilitates events/communications to further alumni engagement in these areas. This position has direct responsibility for the recruitment, management, and supervision of multiple networks of alumni volunteers. This position is responsible for increasing student engagement, transitioning new graduates into active alumni and building a culture of philanthropy among students and the campus community. This position will lead and execute signature Homecoming events. Additionally, the individual in this position may be assigned responsibility for special projects by the Executive Director and Senior Director of Alumni Engagement.

Additional Information

University Benefit Highlights:

- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$53,000 - $55,500 annual

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in any field
2. Minimum of two (2) years of full time or part time equivalent professional work experience in event planning, volunteer management, higher education student management, or alumni engagement work. (Note: Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)
3. Valid driver's license
4. Experience working with, managing, or supervising volunteers and students.
5. Competency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with data base and/or customer relationship management software.
6. Experience in creating and managing program budgets.
7. Excellent communication skills including writing, public speaking, and small group interaction.
8. Ability to interact effectively with persons of various ages and experiences, including handling difficult situations and motivating volunteers.
9. Valid driver's license and use of a personal vehicle.
10. Ability to exercise judgment and/or solve problems within generally defined practices and policies of the office and in keeping with professional standards.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Alumnus of Illinois State University
2. Master’s Degree
3. Ability to work with distractions and handle multiple tasks.
4. Ability to exercise judgment and/or solve problems within generally defined practices and policies of the office and in keeping with professional standards.
5. Self-motivation and self-starting, excellent time management and organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Work Hours

Core work hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Occasional nights and weekend work including travel and evening student meetings.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:

1. Ability to transport event supplies to off-site locations, including boxes weighing up to 15 pounds
2. Effectively communicate on a daily basis.
3. Remain at a workstation for extended periods.
4. Move about in various locations across campus as needed to complete day-to-day work.

Proposed Starting Date

March 2026

Required Applicant Documents

Cover Letter
Reference List<