Outreach Program Manager (Corporate and Alumni Engagement)

Kent State University; Kent (OH); On-site; USD 53,015 - 61,804; Full time

Job summary

A public research university in Ohio is seeking an Outreach Program Manager to oversee corporate and alumni engagement efforts. This role focuses on building essential relationships that enhance student success and foster industry connections. Key responsibilities include coordinating engagements, supporting outreach initiatives, and serving as a main contact for advisory councils. The ideal candidate has a relevant Bachelor's degree and professional experience, with a preference for those with advanced degrees and industry engagement backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Four years of relevant professional experience required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in higher education or corporate engagement valued.

Responsibilities

• Manage outreach to strengthen CAE awareness.
• Coordinate corporate participation in events.
• Track partner engagement activities.

Skills

Strong written communication skills

Interpersonal communication skills

Project management

Stakeholder relationship management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Job description

Basic Function

To manage an educational outreach program. Reports to designated supervisor.

Job Title

Outreach Program Manager

Physical Location

Kent Campus - Kent, OH

Salary

$53,015 - $61,804

About the Program

Kent State University’s College of Aeronautics and Engineering (CAE) is seeking an Outreach Program Manager to support and grow our corporate, industry, and alumni engagement efforts. This role is central to strengthening relationships that advance student success, workforce pipelines, experiential learning, and industry-informed innovation.

The Outreach Program Manager will collaborate with CAE leadership, faculty, staff, students, University Corporate Engagement, University Advancement and Alumni Relations, and external partners to strengthen engagement and expand opportunities that advance the college’s mission. These relationships support CAE’s goals in student success, research partnerships, philanthropic support, and high‑impact events that connect the university to employers, alumni, and the broader community. The Outreach Program Manager will also serve as the primary point of contact and coordinator for CAE’s advisory councils at the college level and within the School of Engineering and School of Aeronautics. This position is focused on relationship‑building and engagement coordination, not sales.

CAE engagement includes signature events such as the Aeronautics & Engineering Expo, Dronavation, Safety Day, student‑centered milestone ceremonies, and more.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting outreach to regional, state, and national partners to strengthen awareness of CAE academic programs, research capabilities, workforce pipelines, and innovation initiatives
• Assisting with coordination of corporate participation in CAE events and initiatives (e.g., career fairs, workforce development activities, experiential learning opportunities, industry panels, and innovation‑focused programming)
• Supporting major college events and signature experiences that strengthen CAE’s visibility, partnerships, and philanthropic engagement
• Serving as the primary point of contact for CAE advisory councils (college‑level, School of Engineering, and School of Aeronautics), including meeting coordination, communications, logistics, and engagement tracking
• Coordinating partner engagement activities, including meetings, site visits, and campus visits, while tracking partner participation and follow‑up
• Engaging alumni as strategic partners in outreach efforts, including mentoring, student engagement opportunities, industry panels, and employer connections, in coordination with Kent State University Advancement and Alumni Relations
• Collaborating with internal CAE and university units to align outreach activities with workforce development priorities, experiential learning goals, and regional economic development strategies
• Maintaining records and reports related to engagement activities and assisting with evaluation of outreach effectiveness and opportunities for expanded partnerships

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Four years of relevant professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred
• Experience in higher education, corporate engagement, alumni engagement, workforce development, employer relations, advisory council support, or event/program coordination

Skills and Strengths for Success

• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects, events, and stakeholder relationships simultaneously
• High professionalism, strong follow‑through, and comfort working across a wide range of partners (industry leaders, alumni, faculty, students, and administrators)
• Ability to maintain records, track engagement, and support reporting and continuous improvement

Why Kent State / CAE

Kent State University is a nationally recognized public research university. The College of Aeronautics and Engineering is a high‑growth college with strong connections to industry, an expanding portfolio of academic programs, and an emphasis on applied learning, workforce development, and innovation.

Kent State University is committed to creating a community that is culturally and intellectually diverse and to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that respect differences, and are inclusive, welcoming, respectful and kind.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and are committed to non‑discrimination to employ and advance qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. We comply with VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

To Apply

Please submit an online application at https://jobs.kent.edu/jobs/outreach-program-manager-corporate-alumni-engagement-kent-campus-kent-ohio-united-states. Once you apply, please add an application letter, resume and a minimum of three references. For full consideration, please submit your materials no later than March 26, 2026.

Equal Opportunity / Affimative Action Employer / Disabled / Veterans