Senior Director Of Alumni Engagement
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Please Note: A criminal background check will be conducted on candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment.
If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and T&E requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be competed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered.
Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position.
Your application for the position will not be complete until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at
OHR@wssu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call 336-750-2834
Position Details
Classification Information
| Position Classification Title |
Director of Alumni Engagement |
| FLSA |
Exempt |
| Position Class |
80494 |
Position Overview
| Position Summary |
Position Summary
The Director of Alumni Engagement is responsible for providing dynamic leadership and direction for all aspects of alumni engagement at Winston-Salem State University (
WSSU). This pivotal role is designed to cultivate strong, lifelong connections between the university and its alumni, fostering a sense of pride, loyalty, and philanthropic support. The Director will build and execute innovative strategies to increase alumni participation, drive volunteerism, and enhance the overall alumni experience-while working collaboratively with key university partners to advance institutional goals.
Office of Advancement
The Director of Alumni Engagement is responsible for providing dynamic leadership and direction for all aspects of alumni engagement at Winston-Salem State University (
WSSU). This pivotal role is designed to cultivate strong, lifelong connections between the university and its alumni, fostering a sense of pride, loyalty, and philanthropic support. The Director will build and execute innovative strategies to increase alumni participation, drive volunteerism, and enhance the overall alumni experience-while working collaboratively with key university partners to advance institutional goals.
Key Responsibilities and Percentage of Time
Strategic Leadership & Planning | 15%
- Develop and execute a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy aligned with WSSU's mission and Advancement priorities.
- Collaborate with the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement to set measurable goals and key performance indicators for alumni relations.
- Stay abreast of national trends and best practices in alumni engagement to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
Relationship Management & Communication | 20%
- Serve as the primary liaison between WSSU and its alumni, cultivating strong relationships and fostering community spirit.
- Oversee and enhance alumni communication strategies (newsletters, social media, targeted emails, digital engagement tools).
- Collaborate with Communications and Marketing to highlight alumni stories and strengthen the WSSU brand.
Program & Event Development | 25%
- Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of signature alumni programs and events (e.g., Homecoming, reunions, networking events, regional and virtual gatherings).
- Ensure programming reflects the diversity and broad interests of WSSU alumni.
- Collaborate with campus partners to integrate alumni into mentorship, student success, and recruitment initiatives.
Volunteer & Chapter Management | 15%
- Identify, recruit, and train alumni volunteers to serve in leadership roles within chapters, affinity groups, and committees.
- Provide support to alumni volunteers and ensure alignment with WSSU's mission and values.
- Develop new volunteer opportunities and foster alumni engagement across multiple generations.
Data Management & Impact Assessment | 10%
- Oversee and maintain accurate alumni records in collaboration with Advancement Services.
- Analyze engagement data and alumni feedback to inform programming and engagement strategies.
- Provide regular updates and reports to Advancement leadership on alumni engagement performance.
Fundraising Support & Collaboration | 10%
- Partner with the Development team to identify and engage alumni donors, supporting fundraising initiatives and campaigns.
- Support strategies to grow alumni giving participation, including annual giving, major gifts, and planned giving.
- Cultivate alumni donor prospects and contribute to stewardship efforts.
Team Development & Culture | 5%
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development to staff and student workers supporting alumni engagement.
- Foster a positive and collaborative team culture within University Advancement that emphasizes excellence, accountability, and innovation.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Higher Education Administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in alumni relations, advancement, external relations, or related fields within higher education or nonprofit settings.
Skills & Competencies:
- Accomplished leader with exceptional communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
- Demonstrated understanding of the basic principles and techniques of successful alumni engagement as they pertain to strategy and analysis; communications; effective methods of donor/alumni research, data management, and various forms of solicitation
- Strong project management and organizational abilities, with experience overseeing complex events and programs.
- Ability to work collegially and effectively as a member of the Winston-Salem State University community
- Ability to effectively articulate the university's educational mission, strategic aims, and fundraising programs
- Proficiency in alumni databases/CRM systems (e.g., Blackbaud Raiser's Edge, Salesforce) and data analytics.
- Creative thinker with a demonstrated ability to develop and implement innovative engagement strategies.
- Collaborative mindset with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- The position requires significant travel; the ability to travel and work evenings and weekends, as needed, is essential to support alumni events and university initiatives.
|
Position Information
| Position Number |
000012 |
| Working Position Title |
Senior Director Of Alumni Engagement |
| Building and Room No. |
Alumni House |
| Appointment Type |
Permanent Full-Time |
| If Time Limited. |
No |
| Appointment Length. |
12 |
Requirements and Preferences
| Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies |
Not Mandatory |
| Normal Work Schedule |
Monday - Friday 8-5, some weekends and evenings with travel are required |
| Department Required Skills |
Skills & Competencies:
- Accomplished leader with exceptional communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
- Demonstrated understanding of the basic principles and techniques of successful alumni engagement as they pertain to strategy and analysis; communications; effective methods of donor/alumni research, data management, and various forms of solicitation.
- Strong project management and organizational abilities, with experience overseeing complex events and programs.
- Ability to work collegially and effectively as a member of the Winston-Salem State University community
- Ability to effectively articulate the university's educational mission, strategic aims, and fundraising programs
- Proficiency in alumni databases/CRM systems (e.g., Blackbaud Raiser's Edge, Salesforce) and data analytics.
- Creative thinker with a demonstrated ability to develop and implement innovative engagement strategies.
- Collaborative mindset with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- The position requires significant travel; the ability to travel and work evenings and weekends, as needed, is essential to support alumni events and university initiatives.
|
| Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education |
Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Higher Education Administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in alumni relations, advancement, external relations, or related fields within higher education or nonprofit settings. |
| Required License or Certification |
No |
| Valid US Driver's License |
Yes |
| Commercial Driver's License Required |
No |
| Physical Required |
No |
| List any other medical/drug tests required |
|
Posting Details
Posting Details
| Internal Posting Only |
No |
| Time Limited Position |
No |
| Appointment Length |
12 months |
| Salary |
Salary commensurate with education and experience |
| Open Date |
06/09/2025 |
| Close Date |
06/16/2025 |
| Open Until Filled |
No |
| Special Instructions Summary |
Please Note: A criminal background check will be conducted on candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment.
If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and T&E requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be competed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered.
Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position.
Your application for the position will not be complete until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at
OHR@wssu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call 336-750-2834 |
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
- Public Job Posting
- Internal Job Posting
- Agency Referral
- Advertisement/Publication
- Personal Referral
- Website
- Other
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Optional Documents
- Transcripts
- References List
- Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214)
- Unofficial Transcript
|
Winston Salem State University
Salary commensurate with education and experience
Jun 09, 2025