Director, Affinity Programs

About the role

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA) seeks a Director of Affinity Programs to join the Alumni Relations & Engagement team. The role serves as the strategic lead and people leader within engagement program portfolios focused on building affinity, co‑leading data‑informed strategies to build affinity, pride and community among alumni, donors and stakeholders, leading portfolio teams to design engagement initiatives, supervising professional and part‑time staff, and serving as a lead on cross‑functional teams. This is a hybrid position requiring weekly work in the Madison, WI office.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead full and part‑time staff on the Affinity Team, lead cross‑functional portfolio teams to set strategies aligned with business area plan outcomes, handle budgeting, and oversee execution of tactics.
• Coach and support portfolio leads and team members in managing priorities and workflow, ensuring effective planning and execution.
• Identify resource gaps and problem‑solve solutions for maximum return.
• Provide leadership for the design and delivery of engagement strategies that establish and grow affinity with constituents through UW/WFAA engagements.
• Work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams, at times serving as project lead; intentionally solicit feedback and participation from alumni and donors in strategy development.
• Collaborate with the Associate Vice President for Engagement Programs and other program directors to ensure consistency across teams in planning, execution, and intended outcomes.
• Supervise and develop professional and part‑time staff across affinity portfolio program staff to ensure consistency in approach and execution; hold team members accountable to expectations, fluencies, and best practices.
• Motivate, inspire, and coach teams that foster a shared vision and demonstrate organizational values; provide ongoing feedback, recognition, and regular performance appraisals.
• Guide and train team on best practices and tools to track engagement and affinity outcomes.
• Participate and help guide team efforts in annual divisional business area planning for affinity portfolios.
• Demonstrate fluency and proficiency in organizational processes and technology tools, including WFAA’s CRM, 4WARD.
• Lead the development of program portfolio budgets in alignment with organizational priorities and oversee effective stewardship of organizational resources in collaboration with Finance.
• Respond promptly and positively to internal and external information inquiries.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in alumni or donor relations, educational institutions, non‑profit or fundraising environment or related area.
• Experience supervising and managing professional staff and collaborating with volunteers.

Qualifications

• Knowledge or experience with project management tools and processes.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute a strategic engagement plan with a team.
• Experience planning and executing large and small‑scale events and engagement activities.
• Familiarity with marketing and communications practices, including use of social media.
• Excellent analytical, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience managing a team