Alumni Engagement Lead: College & Affinity Programs

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC is seeking an Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement to lead college-based and affinity-based programming, coordinate with campus partners, and promote alumni participation.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Annual Giving and Engagement, the role oversees events such as Homecoming, drives giving campaigns, and maintains Raiser's Edge records to support engagement and philanthropy.

Qualifications

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience with public relations, volunteer groups, event coordination, and Raiser's Edge preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, promote, and execute college-centered alumni events, programs, recognition efforts, and engagement opportunities on campus and in regional markets.
• Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with engagement and development colleagues to create and execute alumni engagement strategies aligned with academic priorities.
• Coordinate with Advancement Communications to develop messaging that enhances visibility of college engagement programs and accomplishments, while sharing alumni success stories to strengthen institutional pride.
• Partner with Advancement colleagues to help identify alumni who may be strong prospects for volunteerism, philanthropy, first-time giving, or leadership opportunities.
• Serve as a liaison to established affinity communities, providing strategic guidance, event support, and communication resources.
• Assist affinity communities with planning and implementing engagement initiatives that foster connection, sustain participation, and inspire initial financial contributions.
• Recruit, develop, and support volunteer leaders and ambassadors who help drive affinity engagement and assist with regional outreach.
• Monitor progress and engagement trends within affinity communities and provide regular updates to Alumni Engagement leadership and liaisons.
• Assist in planning and executing major alumni events such as Homecoming, reunions, and other university-hosted gatherings, ensuring timely, strategic post-event follow-up to transition attendees into pipeline prospects.
• Collaborate with Advancement staff to drive alumni participation in giving campaigns, including university-wide giving days, with a specific emphasis on new donor acquisition.
• Manage engagement portfolios of assigned partners, donors, and volunteers connected to academic colleges and affinity communities, including outreach, stewardship, cultivation for first-time gifts, and tracking of engagement activity.
• Maintain accurate alumni records, engagement activity, and contact information in Raiser's Edge in coordination with Advancement Services.

Skills

Communication

Detail oriented

Customer relations

Team player

Work ethic

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Job description

Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC is seeking an Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement to lead college-based and affinity-based programming, coordinate with campus partners, and promote alumni participation.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Annual Giving and Engagement, the role oversees events such as Homecoming, drives giving campaigns, and maintains Raiser's Edge records to support engagement and philanthropy.