Working/Functional Title
Assistant Director, Alumni Programs
Position Summary
The MSU Alumni Office (MSUAO) advances Michigan State University by building pride and strategically fostering meaningful engagement of Spartans through connections, service and investment. We strive to inspire and empower Spartans to engage in lifelong relationships with MSU and each other.
As a key member of the MSUAO Programs Team, this position is responsible for the development and execution of programming within a portfolio of MSUAO flagship initiatives. This position will join the team at an important time, as our programs continue to evolve to more intentionally engage alumni through meaningful opportunities to share their stories and experiences. This position extends beyond logistical coordination, requiring creativity and the ability to conceptualize and design engaging alumni experiences that drive engagement, build and strengthen affinity, and support MSU’s comprehensive campaign.
The MSUAO Programs Team operates in a fast-paced, shared responsibility model in which multiple programs and priorities are managed concurrently. This position requires a collaborative team player who is purposeful, accountable, action-oriented, communicates openly, embraces innovation and new ideas, and contributes to a positive and high-performing team environment.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Development and Strategy -
- Develops and shapes in-person, hybrid, and virtual programs, designing experiences aligned with program strategy, audience objectives and budget, including opportunities for alumni to share their stories and experiences.
- Identifies and cultivates key campus and external partners to support programs.
- Conducts ongoing evaluations to assess program effectiveness and uses data and insights to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Benchmarks peer institutions and other organizations to inform recommendations for program enhancement and innovation, ensuring that MSUAO remains current with industry trends and best practices.
Program Management and Execution -
- Manages program logistics from timeline development to ensuring milestone completion.
- Develops and executes program content, including tours, visits, social experiences, classes, and other experiences that support overall program goals.
- Determines volunteer needs, including role development, recruitment and training.
- Develops materials to assist staff and volunteers with the effective execution of programs.
- Monitors program participation and engagement and adjusts marketing and communication strategies as needed.
- Contributes to shared program execution, often working on multiple programs and program elements simultaneously.
- Staff programs, serving as a key point of contact for program execution and production.
Program Communications and Materials -
- Develops collateral material for programs.
Other -
- Maintains and expands knowledge of alumni engagement, event strategy, and fundraising through webinars, workshops, conferences, and professional contacts.
- Strengthens technical proficiency in systems relevant to the planning and execution of programs.
- Develops and maintains positive relationships with campus and external partners.
Communications - Interpersonal Relationships
- MSU donors and alumni - in order to provide services and information to them in the course of University Advancement events and serving thereby as a representative of Michigan State University.
- MSU president, provost, vice presidents, executive managers, the Board of Trustees and the staff of their respective offices - in order to exchange information regarding events.
- MSU deans, directors, faculty, academic staff and support staff - in order to collaborate on projects for the university and its colleges.
- Personnel in various university departments in order to exchange information regarding the planning and producing of events for University Advancement.
- Event contractors and vendors, including hotels, airlines, travel agencies, restaurants, caterers, musicians, designers, florists, audio-visual and transportation companies, etc. - in order to coordinate and discuss information related to events.
- Colleagues within University Advancement, including University Development, the MSU Alumni Office and Advancement Services - in order to service the fundraising and advancement mission of the division.
- Student Employees - in order to coordinate and check individual assignments.
- Volunteers - in order to provide information and coordinate staffing.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Direction is received from the MSU Alumni Office Director of Alumni Events and Programs.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position may provide first level supervision over student employees, volunteers, community members, past participants and university staff in execution of programs.
IMPACT ON PROGRAMS – SERVICES – OPERATIONS
Decisions made in the planning and execution of MSU Alumni Office events can significantly influence the university’s reputation and standing among donors, alumni and external communities. Errors in judgment may have adverse effects on the university's future resources and overall integrity.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This is currently a hybrid position with three days/week in the office. When in the office, it primarily entails a standard environment. Moderate physical exertion, including lifting and moving moderately heavy event materials (minimum of 25 pounds), and sustained physical activity is typical during events. This position also requires working evenings/nights and weekends based on program needs to support MSU Alumni Office, University Advancement and pertinent campus events.
The hybrid work agreement can be discontinued for any business reason at any time.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in a related field; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in the planning and production of institutional and/or fundraising events; contractor and vendor contract negotiations, and developing event budget reports; experience in a customer-service environment; and experience in database, spreadsheet, word processing and presentation software; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
- Three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in planning and coordinating educational, institutional, non-profit and/or other alumni events/programs.
- Demonstrated ability to plan impactful, large-scale programs involving multiple days, locations, events, and partners.
- Demonstrated ability to align programs with broader engagement and fundraising goals, using data and insights to guide planning, strategy, and decision-making.
- Excellent project management, organizational, and analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and present ideas that address challenges, drive continuous improvement, and foster innovation.
- Demonstrated ability to develop, write, and edit clear, engaging program communications, including program materials, FAQs, and suggested email content, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with the overall program experience.
- Experience creating opportunities for participant engagement, feedback, or storytelling within programs.
- Familiarity with higher education, alumni engagement, fundraising, and student engagement.
- The ability to handle confidential information and navigate sensitive situations with professionalism.
- Strong technical proficiency with the ability to quickly learn, adapt, and leverage systems including Microsoft Teams, Wrike, Qualtrics, and other enterprise platforms to support operational needs.
- Familiarity with CRM systems, particularly Ascend. Exceptional customer service skills with strong written and verbal communication across a broad range of campus and external audiences.
- Strong collaborative approach as well as capable of work independently.
- Commitment to open communication and continuous improvement
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Resume and cover letter
Special Instructions
Interested in joining the team at Michigan State University? For questions, contact Patricia Karam, Director of Talent Acquisition, at karampat@msu.edu.
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Work Hours
8 am - 5 pm with possible evenings and weekends
Website
Advancement.msu.edu
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment, and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Bidding eligibility ends on May 5, 2026, at 11:55 PM
