Director of Alumni Engagement

About Western Illinois University:

Recognized as a "Best Midwestern College" by the Princeton Review. Western Illinois University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, serves nearly 5,500 students at its traditional, residential campus in Macomb, IL and its metropolitan, non-residential branch campus in Moline, IL.

Job Description:

APPOINTMENT:
June 1, 2026

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Director of Alumni Engagement is responsible for creating and implementing a national comprehensive alumni relations program designed to foster lifelong relationships between the University and its alumni.

Responsibilities include:

* Promote the mission of the University through the Alumni Association and its committees and foster a broad engagement between alumni and the University. Develop new and innovative ways to engage Western alumni in support of the University's academic, athletics, technology, career development, student recruitment, marketing, advocacy and development programs.

* Work to create relationships and engagement that will increase the donor base of alumni. Serve as one of the University's principal ambassadors to alumni during a comprehensive campaign. Design and develop strategies for fund development in association with alumni groups when in a comprehensive campaign. Direct the Leatherneck Legacy fundraising program to secure annual private support for alumni programs.

* Lead alumni relations staff in a team-oriented environment to manage the University's alumni outreach programs. Set ambitious, clear, and achievable goals, and inspire the Alumni Relations staff to meet and exceed expectations.

* Administer a 25-member Alumni Council, including meetings with executive board members; develop meeting agendas and identify and orient new members.

* Create programs to engage alumni in meaningful activities. Manage all alumni-directed marketing programs to engage alumni and connect them back to the University. Manage alumni-directed social media outreach efforts.

* Monitor and develop alumni communications such as the quarterly magazine, e-newsletter, and alumni webpages, including general alumni information pages. Continue to market and develop the online community to keep pace with advances in communication technology and media relations to enhance alumni involvement and donation rates.

* Work with the Director of Advancement and Foundation Services to manage Foundation Alumni Database, including responsibility for all data protection in conjunction with the University Data policy.

* Manage Western's alumni affinity programs, including contract negotiations and overall administration of credit card, debit card, insurance, travel, class ring, diploma frame, and license plate programs.

* Develop and maintain programs for currently enrolled Western students, such as the Student Alumni Association, and other programs designed to engage students as alumni and foster love and loyalty to the University.

* Manage and administer overall Alumni Program budget.

* Coordinate the development of new programs.

SALARY: 12-month; 100% appointment. $77,732 - $105,000 annually; negotiable, commensurate with experience.

Western Illinois University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS). These benefits include:
Health Insurance plans, (HMO's, OAP's, QCHP, and CDHP), Dental Insurance, Vision Plan, Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Supplemental Long-Term Disability (LTD), Flex Spending Accounts (HAS, MCAP, and DCAP), 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans.

Eligible employees are required to participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). SURS is the retirement administrator for employees in public higher education in the State of Illinois.

Other benefits available to eligible employees include: paid time-off, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Waiver programs, and discounts to the local YMCA.

For a full list of benefits as a WIU employee, please visit our Benefits Homepage: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

For questions on benefits, or eligibility, contact our benefits team at HR-Benefits or by calling .

Requirements:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

* Bachelor's degree.

* A thorough understanding of best practices in alumni relations and advancement services, and fundraising.

* A track record in planning and executing successful alumni relations programs and fund development, including goal setting, implementation of strategies, and identification of new alumni donors.

* Proficiency in database management, Windows software and Google Suite or similar products.

* Strong interpersonal skills and exceptional oral, written, and presentational skills.

* Ability to interact professionally and efficiently with alumni, current students, donors, and other constituents.

* A collaborative approach to working with others.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

* Master's degree.

*…