Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement

Muskingum University invites applications for its Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement. Alumni and parents of students are the foremost brand ambassadors for the university, and their advocacy, involvement and philanthropic support are essential components for a thriving institution. The Director will provide strategic leadership in developing a long-term vision and will develop and execute the strategies, programming, and activities for robust alumni and parent engagement.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Alumni Engagement and Events

• Develop a long-term vision for alumni and parent engagement, including:
  • The development and maintenance of key performance metrics, such as engagement rate, donor participation, event cost per attendee and event conversions, volunteer participation rate, prospects identified through engagement, email and online engagement.
  • The development and implementation of an annual plan that includes strategies, goals, an action plan for meeting the goals, and an operating budget for engagement, Strategies may encompass a broad range of channels including in-person and virtual channels for engagement, provided they support meeting established goals.
  • Collaboration with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement to establish annual goals for each metric that will gauge success in meeting program goals and approval of plans and budgets.
• Lead and administer an effective alumni awards strategy/program, including but not limited to Distinguished Service and Emerging Alumni Awards. Seek ways for ongoing engagement with awardees, past and present. Coordinate with the Director of Donor Relations in establishing and administering a University Lifetime Philanthropy Award and Leadership Award. Assist in developing alignment between alumni awards and philanthropic goals.
• Provide leadership to and support the activities of the University’s Alumni Council.
• Work with the Vice President and Philanthropy Officers to engage alumni and friends in targeted geographic areas through special events, virtual engagement opportunities, and other high-value programming that foster opportunities for annual support and potentially, the engagement of major gift prospects.
• Develop and implement a sustainable process to recruit, train, and support alumni volunteers to achieve program goals and objectives.
• Coordinate with the IMPACT Center to implement a quality mentorship program that connects alumni with current students to provide meaningful engagement opportunities.
• Support efforts of the Director of Annual Giving to engage alumni through annual and special opportunities for giving.
• Work with the Marketing and Communications Office to ensure a dynamic alumni presence in the University’s marketing/communication efforts on the website and in designated print, electronic, and social media platforms.
• Oversee the University’s alumni social media pages on Facebook and Instagram and other sites as an opportunity to shape alumni perception of Muskingum University.

CRM Optimization

• Support ongoing performance improvement of the Advancement Slate CRM by participating in professional development.
• Collaborate with Advancement Services and MU’s Slate Specialist as needed to problem solve, and support implementation of system refinements to all Advancement units.

The above statements reflect the general duties and responsibilities necessary to describe the major functions of the position and should not be considered a complete description of the essential functions of the position. It is not intended to be all inclusive, and the employee will perform other reasonable related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 3 years of job-related experience
• Availability work evenings and weekends and to travel overnight on a limited basis for events
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent project management, organizational, and planning skills
• Strong interpersonal skills to relate with alumni across generations, in-person, by phone, and virtually
• Ability to interface cross-functionally across departments and to collaborate effectively with a team
• Willingness to innovate and create solutions for ongoing challenges
• Self-starter with initiative and follow through
• High-level attention to detail, consistency, and accuracy
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently
• Strong technology skills including social media, CRM experience, and all Microsoft 365 applications
• Ability to gather, examine, and analyze information to either solve problems or make recommendations to the VPIA and/or take appropriate action as required
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding constituent information

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must include a statement of interest and current resume. If not provided, references may be requested. Application materials should be sent by email to careers@muskingum.edu or faxed to 740-826-6131. Please include the position title in the subject line of your correspondence. This position will remain open until filled, with review of applications to begin on August 10, 2026.

Muskingum University actively seeks out and welcomes administrators and staff who are committed to excellence in student learning, consider the engagement of diverse viewpoints in the University’s educational programs and activities, and are committed to full inclusivity at the University. Muskingum University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all individuals.

Muskingum University does not discriminate in its employment or educational programs or activities.