Affinity Networks Senior Specialist

Purdue for Life Foundation; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10 paid holidays per year

Accrue up to 22 vacation days a year

10% employer contribution to retirement plan

Health Savings Account

Employer funded Dental and Vision insurance

Tuition discounts on eligible programs

Job summary

The Purdue For Life Foundation seeks an Affinity Networks Senior Specialist to enhance connections between alumni and supporters through strategic engagement.

This role requires excellent project management skills and a Bachelor's degree. Responsibilities include managing affinity networks, planning events, and maintaining relationships with volunteers, ensuring a meaningful impact in the Purdue community.

Eligible employees enjoy a benefits package, including vacation days, retirement plans, and tuition discounts.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience in Alumni relations or higher education.
• Program or event coordination experience is essential.
• Experience in volunteer or stakeholder management is required.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple affinity networks and engage with program initiatives.
• Coordinate logistics for virtual and in-person events.
• Collaborate with marketing and promote programs.

Skills

Communicate Purdue’s mission effectively

Build relationships with diverse alumni and volunteers

Strong project management and organizational skills

Work independently and collaboratively

Professional judgment and problem-solving ability

Proficiency in business software

CRM experience

Creative thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Working for the Purdue For Life Foundation offers a unique opportunity to be part of an organization dedicated to empowering Purdue University alumni and fostering a lifelong connection to the institution. By joining our team, you'll have the chance to contribute to a mission that supports educational initiatives, scholarships, and programs that positively impact the lives of Purdue students and graduates. The Foundation's commitment to education and community engagement provides a fulfilling work environment where you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and the broader community. Additionally, you'll have access to a network of passionate colleagues and the resources needed to drive positive change, making the Purdue For Life Foundation an inspiring and rewarding place to build your career. Your next giant leap starts here.

Department: Engagement

Location: Purdue for Life Foundation

Position Overview

The Affinity Networks Senior Specialist advances the mission of the Purdue for Life Foundation by strengthening connections among alumni, students, and supporters through strategic engagement initiatives. This role manages affinity network boards and volunteer leaders while supporting programs, events, initiatives, and other engagement efforts as needed to strengthen community and expand the reach of Affinity Networks across the Purdue community.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Strategically manage multiple affinity networks, driving initiatives that advance alumni connections and institutional priorities.
• Serve as the primary liaison to volunteer leaders, empowering them to execute programs that extend Purdue’s reach and impact.
• Plan and execute virtual and in-person programs, including logistics, speaker coordination, budgeting, and promotion.
• Recruit, train, and steward volunteer leaders; support succession planning and retention.
• Track engagement metrics, maintain records, and report program outcomes using CRM and other tools.
• Represent the Purdue for Life Foundation professionally in all interactions.

Volunteer Leadership Support

• Support board meetings and communications.
• Provide resources and best practices to volunteers.
• Steward volunteers as mentors, speakers, and ambassadors.

Program Development and Events

• Collaborate with marketing to promote programs.
• Assist with signature events and strategic initiatives.
• Support scholarships and fundraising projects.

Communications and Content

• Maintain microsites and digital resources.
• Serve as speaker, moderator, or interviewer as needed.

Operational Support

• Assist with volunteer recognition and leadership development.
• Support mentorship programs and broader engagement initiatives.
• Availability for occasional evenings, weekends, and travel.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Communicate Purdue’s mission effectively.
• Build relationships with diverse alumni and volunteers.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional judgment and problem-solving ability.
• Proficiency in business software; CRM experience preferred.
• Creative thinking; digital content creation or video skills a plus.

Required Education, Experience and Benefits Summary

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum 3 years experience in Alumni relations, volunteer management, or higher education experience.
• Program or event coordination experience required.
• Volunteer or stakeholder relationship management required.
• Group presentation or facilitation experience required.

Job Level: Professional 3

*Purdue For Life Foundation job levels and compensation ranges are independent of, and differ from, those of Purdue University.

Benefits Summary for eligible employees:

• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Accrue up to 22 vacation days a year.
• Traditional pre-tax 403(b) and Roth retirement plans available.
• 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan and immediate vesting.
• Health Savings Account- earn up to $700 annually towards medical expenses.
• Employer funded Preventative Dental and Vision insurance.
• Tuition discounts on eligible programs at Purdue University and Purdue Global for qualified employees, spouses, and dependents.