Assistant director of alumni engagement, traditions and celebrations

Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE) is seeking an enthusiastic and strategic Associate Director of Alumni Engagement, Traditions and Celebrations to create meaningful experiences that strengthen alumni pride and foster lifelong connections to Wichita State University. This role leads the strategy and execution of signature alumni programs, traditions, reunions, recognition initiatives, and celebratory events, including 35 Under 35, Annual Reunion, watch parties, Shocker Pride Nationwide Tailgate, and Alumni Walkway stewardship. The Associate Director also oversees key student traditions and programming that build university pride and establish a strong foundation for future alumni engagement.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative relationship builder with strong event planning, project management, and volunteer engagement skills who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. This position works closely with alumni, volunteers, campus partners, and internal teams to deliver memorable experiences, recognize alumni achievements, and expand opportunities for meaningful engagement. A bachelor's degree and at least three years of relevant experience are required, along with excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills. The successful candidate will demonstrate professionalism and a commitment to WSUFAE's core values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, and Service, while bringing creativity and strategic thinking to programs that celebrate the Shocker community.

With a team of more than 50 dedicated individuals working to support fundraising and donor and alumni relationships, the WSUFAE is proud to champion the continued growth of Wichita State University. With over $450 million in managed assets and thousands of alumni spread around the world, it is an exciting time to be a part of advancing Shocker Nation.

Job Duties

• Traditions & Celebrations Strategy: Leads the development and execution of a comprehensive strategy for alumni traditions, celebratory programs, reunions, and affinity-building experiences.
• Signature Program Leadership: 35 Under 35: Leads the annual nomination process, selection committee management, honoree stewardship, event planning, recognition activities, and post-program engagement strategies.
• Alumni & Volunteer Relationship Management: Builds and sustains relationships with alumni volunteers, reunion committees, affinity groups, campus partners, and community stakeholders.
• Student Traditions & Campus Engagement: Oversees alumni engagement within key student traditions and transitional experiences, ensuring alignment with long-term alumni affinity goals.
• Campus Event Support & Collaboration: Provides leadership and support for programmatic reunions, alumni socials, affinity-based events, and engagement opportunities hosted throughout the year.
• Portfolio & Stakeholder Management: Maintains relationships with alumni volunteers, constituents, and key stakeholders as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of three years of experience in alumni relations, event management, higher education, volunteer management, community engagement, or a related field
• Demonstrated success planning and executing large-scale events and engagement programs
• Experience working with volunteers, committees, or advisory groups
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends in support of events and volunteer activities
• Demonstrated self-motivation and professional demeanor
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite, Teams, and CRM platforms

Preferred Requirements and Skills

• Previous experience in higher education, alumni relations, nonprofit advancement, or hospitality/event management
• Experience managing signature events, reunions, or recognition programs
• Experience working with alumni volunteers, advisory boards, or affinity groups
• Knowledge of best practices in alumni engagement, stewardship, and experiential programming
• Familiarity with athletics-related alumni engagement and fan-based programming

WSUFAE offers outstanding benefits including medical/dental/vision (100% premium paid for employee/50% for dependents), term life insurance, tuition reimbursement, 8.5% company matching on retirement accounts after one year, and more.

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 and Alumni Engagement 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.