What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Alumni Relations position at Marshall University?
Please note: This is a Marshall University Foundation, Inc benefits eligible position and not a Marshall University state position.
The Vice President of Alumni Relations (VPAR) serves as a senior executive leader for the Marshall University Foundation, responsible for shaping and driving a comprehensive, institution-wide strategy for alumni engagement. Reporting to the President & CEO/SVP of Advancement, the VPAR provides high-level vision, direction, and oversight for the MUAA, all alumni relations programs, communications, and services that strengthen lifelong connection with more than 120,000 alumni worldwide.
As a key member of the Foundation’s executive leadership team, the VPAR leads a professional staff, oversees the strategy and performance of 30 alumni chapters across the country, and serves as the primary partner to the Marshall University Alumni Association (MUAA) Board of Directors. The VPAR works in close collaboration with the Vice President of Development/Chief Development Officer and the Vice President of Advancement Services to ensure alumni engagement is fully aligned with fundraising, campaign priorities, and institutional goals.
The VPAR will position Marshall as a national leader in alumni engagement by establishing clear strategic priorities, elevating the visibility and impact of alumni programs, and ensuring engagement outcomes are measured and benchmarked using CASE Alumni Engagement Metrics. This role requires a strategic, forward‑thinking executive who can build strong relationships, drive innovation, and lead a high‑performing team in advancing Marshall’s mission and reputation.
Specific Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and Long-Range Planning (25%)
- Establish a clear, compelling vision for alumni engagement that reflects Marshall’s values, traditions, and aspirations, positioning the department as a strategic driver of institutional success. ·
- Develop multi‑year engagement strategies that expand the reach, depth, and diversity of alumni involvement, with measurable goals tied to participation, volunteerism, and philanthropic outcomes.
- Use data‑driven insights to identify emerging trends, evaluate program effectiveness, and refine strategies that strengthen alumni affinity and institutional loyalty.
- Cultivate a vibrant, engaged alumni community that celebrates Marshall’s history, amplifies alumni achievements, and reinforces the University’s role as a lifelong home.
- Strengthen signature traditions, such as Homecoming, Fountain Ceremony, Alumni Awards Banquet, chapter events, regional gatherings, and milestone reunions, to deepen emotional connection and reinforce the Marshall experience.
- Elevate the visibility of alumni impact through storytelling, recognition programs, and strategic communications that inspire pride and engagement.
Board Leadership and Governance (25%)
- Serve as the primary Foundation liaison to the Marshall University Alumni Association Board of Directors, ensuring the Board is well‑supported, well‑informed, and positioned to fulfill its governance responsibilities.
- Provide strategic guidance to the Board President and Executive Committee, including agenda planning, meeting preparation, and alignment with University and Foundation priorities.
- Ensure all Board activities, decisions, and communications adhere to established bylaws, policies, and best practices in nonprofit governance.
- Facilitate Board development by identifying training needs, onboarding new directors, and cultivating a pipeline of future volunteer leaders.
Partnership and Collaboration (15%)
- Serve as a strategic advisor to University and Foundation leadership on matters related to alumni engagement, volunteer leadership, and constituent relations.
- Build strong partnerships with campus units, including Athletics, Admissions, Career Education, Student Affairs, and academic colleges, to integrate alumni into the life of the University and support institutional goals.
- Ensure the department operates with clarity, accountability, and alignment, modeling collaborative leadership and a service‑oriented approach.
Leadership & Talent Development (15%)
- Lead, mentor, and evaluate professional staff responsible for alumni engagement, volunteer management, communications, and chapter support, ensuring the team operates with shared purpose.
- Recruit, develop, and retain high‑caliber talent, fostering a culture that values creativity, data‑informed decision‑making, and exceptional service to alumni and campus partners.
- Provide coaching and professional development opportunities that strengthen staff capabilities and prepare team members for expanded responsibilities and future leadership roles.
Budget & Resource Stewardship (15%)
- Oversee the Alumni Relations operating budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources, alignment with strategic priorities, and adherence to Foundation financial policies.
- Develop annual budget proposals and long‑range financial plans that support departmental growth, program expansion, and strategic initiatives.
- Monitor expenditures, assess resource needs, and make data‑driven adjustments in collaboration with the President & CEO to maximize impact and operational efficiency.
Other Duties as assigned by the President & CEO (5%)
Successful Profile:
- A relationship-driven leader who builds lifelong connections between Marshall University and its more than 120,000 alumni. Brings intellectual curiosity and fresh, new ideas to alumni engagement, grounded in humility, grace, and a strong ability to listen.
- Leads with grit and a commitment to teamwork, effectively enlisting, energizing, and empowering volunteers, including the MUAA Board, chapters, and affinity groups, to expand Marshall’s reach and deepen alumni involvement. Maintains a disciplined focus on time, people, and resources to ensure strong execution and impact.
- Serves as a strategic thinker who works across campus, aligning alumni engagement with institutional priorities, fundraising strategy, and advancement services. Drives for results while fostering a high-performing culture that supports both innovation and accountability.
- Continuously innovates for impact, leveraging data and benchmarking, including CASE Alumni Engagement Metrics, to guide decision-making and measure success. Inspires others through personal action, modeling the values of stewardship, pride, and transparency in all interactions.
Qualifications
Must be able to perform all essential job duties as outlined in the job description.
Required Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university.
Experience
- Minimum of 8 years of progressive leadership experience in alumni relations, advancement, or related fields in which the candidate served 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
Education
- Advanced Degree
Experience
- 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.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number MU1236E Open Date 04/23/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions Summary
Paschal-Murray Executive Search is leading this search engagement for the Marshall University Foundation. Nominations and questions should be addressed to Beau Cummings, Senior Search Consultant, beau@paschalmurray.com. All applicants must submit an application to be considered for this role.
Benefits:
Sick Leave, Paid Holidays