Vice President of Alumni Relations

About the role

Marshall University seeks a Vice President of Alumni Relations to lead alumni engagement for the Marshall University Foundation, reporting to the President & CEO/SVP of Advancement. The role drives institution‑wide strategy for alumni relations, oversees the Marshall University Alumni Association Board, alumni chapters, communications, and services that strengthen lifelong connections with over 120,000 alumni worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Long‑Range Planning (25%): establish vision, develop multi‑year engagement strategies, use data‑driven insights, cultivate engaged alumni community, strengthen signature traditions, elevate alumni impact via storytelling and recognition.
• Board Leadership and Governance (25%): serve as primary Foundation liaison to the MUAA Board, provide strategic guidance, ensure adherence to bylaws, facilitate board development.
• Partnership and Collaboration (15%): advise university and foundation leadership, build partnerships with campus units (Athletics, Admissions, Career Education, Student Affairs, academic colleges) to integrate alumni into university life.
• Leadership & Talent Development (15%): lead, mentor, and evaluate professional staff; recruit, develop, retain high‑caliber talent; provide coaching and professional development.
• Budget & Resource Stewardship (15%): oversee alumni relations operating budget, develop annual budget proposals and long‑range financial plans, monitor expenditures, make data‑driven adjustments.
• Other Duties as assigned by the President & CEO (5%).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive leadership experience in alumni relations, advancement, or related fields in a non‑profit cultivation leadership role.
• Proven ability to design and implement alumni engagement strategies across diverse regions and demographics.
• Strong financial management skills, with experience overseeing budgets and entrepreneurial projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree.
• Experience leading alumni organizations with a minimum of 8,000 students enrolled annually and a minimum of 80,000 alumni.
• Exceptional communication and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to inspire alumni, volunteers, and staff.
• Experience supervising staff with dignity, clarity, and strategic focus.
• Familiarity with CASE Alumni Engagement Metrics and benchmarking strongly preferred.

Skills

• Strategic planning and vision setting for alumni engagement.
• Data‑driven decision making and use of engagement metrics.
• Financial management and budget oversight.
• Board governance and nonprofit leadership.