The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA). Reporting to the Senior Director of Annual Giving and Engagement, the Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement strengthens alumni connections to Western Carolina University through leading engagement initiatives centered on the university's academic colleges and affinity communities. These include coordinating with Advancement and campus partners around communications and storytelling, volunteer involvement, giving opportunities, and events in ways that promote meaningful alumni participation. College-Based Alumni Engagement 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. Affinity-Based Alumni Engagement 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. Additional Responsibilities 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.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Excellent communication and composition skills, organized, detail oriented, strong customer relation skills, strong work ethic, and a team player. Minimum Qualifications Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any immigration-related assistance. Bachelor's degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Preferred Qualifications Previous demonstrated experience with public relations, volunteer groups, event coordination, and Raisers Edge. Position Type Permanent Full-Time Number of Hours Per Week 40 Number of Months Per Year 12 Posting Text Open Date 09/03/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants To be considered, you must apply online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. Attach a cover letter, current resume and a list of references (including complete contact information with name, title, address, email, and phone) to complete the application. For questions and additional information, please contact Stacey Miller at srmiller@wcu.edu Background/E-Verify Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify . Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment. Credential Verification All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements. EOE Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu. University Safety The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.