Vice President of Alumni Engagement

Vice President of Alumni Engagement

Wichita State University Foundation

 

The Vice President of Alumni Engagement (VPAE) will report to the President and CEO of the WSU Foundation. In this role, they will support university priorities and offer diverse opportunities that inspire alumni engagement, by championing the lifelong connection between our students, alumni and friends of Wichita State University and preserves traditions and enhances university pride. 

 

As the visible leader to over 109,000 alumni, the VPAE will plan and implement alumni programs that strategically engage alumni and create experiences designed to enhance a sense of camaraderie, as well as elevate, celebrate and advance WSU. The VPAE will work to align the priorities of the university to the interests of alumni through volunteerism, service, personal and professional development, and event participation opportunities.

 

Additionally, the VPAE will maintain a cooperative and collaborative relationship with the development and marketing teams at the Foundation. Collectively, they will align alumni relations, development, and financial stewardship to actively contribute to the ongoing mission and vision of the WSU Foundation and WSU. This includes providing oversight and direction for the Annual Giving Fund that supports unrestricted giving to each of the university’s academic colleges.

 

The VPAE will exemplify the Foundation’s core values and represent the WSU Foundation and WSU in a professional manner, creating a positive image with all constituencies.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

 

• Provides enthusiastic leadership and oversight to the Office of Alumni Engagement; plans and executes the vision and strategy. Leads in the development of an Alumni Advisory Board and utilizes the Board to help in the execution of the vision and strategy.
• Creates a robust alumni network to support life-long connections that obtain continued support for the University.
  • Collaborates with the WSU Foundation Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications to develop outreach strategies for email, direct mail, social media and the bi-annual magazine.
  • Develops opportunities for constituent groups of university employees, alumni, donors, and students to interact through community and regional events.
  • Facilitates the development of a student alumni association to foster engagement and connections between WSU students and alumni.
• Supervises a team, providing management, advice, support and guidance of day-to-day operations.
  • Supervises the Annual Fund staff and provides oversight of the various solicitation programs developed and implemented and strategies to meet long- and short-term goals and objectives.
  • Assists the WSU Office of Student Affairs with activities for alumni, students, faculty, staff and the community.
  • Manages the Alumni Engagement Office budgets, ensuring staff uses the funds appropriately.
  • Facilitates a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of, skills to engage with those of all cultures or backgrounds.
• Develops and executes plans and activities for alumni affinity groups (Wine Club, Travel Program, INTRUST Card Program, License Plate Program, etc.) and programs (Shocker Walkway, Regional Alumni Events, Alumni Awards Ceremony, etc.); identifies and cultivates volunteer leadership; develops strategies for the success of each group; and supports alumni affinity events and activities.
  • Develops and executes promotional events and partnerships that raise the visibility of WSU and the Alumni Engagement Office across the country.
  • Oversees the selection and distribution of the license plate program.
  • Coordinates programs recognizing outstanding alumni achievements.
  • Enhances the volunteer program to support the objective of engaging alumni in meaningful volunteer opportunities and serves as a source of alumni talent and resources for students, faculty, and staff.
• Collaborates with colleagues across the organization and campus to integrate efforts and accelerate the impact of increased investments in WSU.
  • Develops and maintains collaborative relationships and programs with university units, including Admissions, Career Services, Parents and Family, Athletics, Student Affairs, academic colleges and departments.
  • Works with the WSU Foundation’s Vice President of Finance and Operations to ensure the accuracy and utilization of records to further alumni engagement.
• Other duties as assigned by the President.

 

Minimum Requirements

 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with preference given to a graduate of Wichita State University.
• Extensive leadership experience managing a team in alumni, development, marketing and communications, or public relations.
• Solid management experience with a track record of motivating staff, embracing change, and encouraging colleagues to take initiative and lead by example.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities and meet challenging and changing deadlines.
• Project professional image at all times.

 

Skills

 

• Excellent communication skills- can articulate values, information, and compelling cases to multiple audiences.
• High degree of professionalism, ethical sensitivity, and discretion; ability to maintain a commitment to confidentiality; good judgment and proven responsible decision-making skills.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to initiate, analyze, monitor, evaluate and advance strategic plans.Ability to lead groups and projects as well as function as part of a collaborative team.
• An entrepreneurial mindset in order to engage all WSU alumni.
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues from a variety of disciplines.

 

Preferred Requirements and Skills

 

• Graduate degree from an accredited institution
• Knowledge of Wichita State University and a commitment to higher education.

 

Application Process

 

The Search Committee invites nominations, applications (a letter of interest, comprehensive resume or curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of five or more references) or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting Wichita State University Foundation (electronic submissions preferred). Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, it is preferred that applications are submitted by September 14, 2022.

 

Laurie Wilder, President

Porsha Williams, Vice President

Jacob Anderson, Senior Principal

Parker Executive Search

5 Concourse Parkway Suite 2875

Atlanta, GA 30328

Phone: (678) 775-4564

pwilliams@parkersearch.com || janderson@parkersearch.com

www.parkersearch.com

 

The Wichita State Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The equal employment opportunity (EEO) policy of the Wichita State Foundation provides for a fair and equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran in compliance with federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination.

 

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, the Wichita State Foundation will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with a disability in completing the application form or in the interview process. Please notify the Human Resources Office at (316) 978-3815 or email katie.link@wichita.edu in advance so necessary arrangements can be made.