Description

Position Summary

The Vice President of Alumni Relations (VPAR) serves as a senior executive leader for the Marshall University Foundation, responsible for shaping and driving a comprehensive, institutionwide strategy for alumni engagement. Reporting to the President & CEO/SVP of Advancement, the VPAR provides highlevel vision, direction, and oversight for the MUAA, all alumni relations programs, communications, and services that strengthen lifelong connection with more than 120,000 alumni worldwide.

As a key member of the Foundation’s executive leadership team, the VPAR leads the Alumni Relations professional staff, oversees the strategy and performance of 30+ alumni chapters across the country, and serves as the primary partner to the Marshall University Alumni Association (MUAA) Board of Directors. The VPAR works in close collaboration with the Vice President of Development/Chief Development Officer and the Vice President of Advancement Services to ensure alumni engagement is fully aligned with fundraising, campaign priorities, and institutional goals.

Note: Paschal Murray Executive Search is assisting the Marshall University Foundation with this search. Applications and Nominations should be sent to Beau Cummings, Senior Search Consultant, at beau@paschalmurray.com or (760) 863-4512.

To Apply Online: https://marshall.peopleadmin.com/postings/33059

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Long-Range Planning (25%)

• Establish a clear, compelling vision for alumni engagement that reflects Marshall’s values, traditions, and aspirations, positioning the department as a strategic driver of institutional success.
• Develop multiyear engagement strategies that expand the reach, depth, and diversity of alumni involvement, with measurable goals tied to participation, volunteerism, and philanthropic outcomes.
• Use datadriven insights to identify emerging trends, evaluate program effectiveness, and refine strategies that strengthen alumni affinity and institutional loyalty.
• Cultivate a vibrant, engaged alumni community that celebrates Marshall’s history, amplifies alumni achievements, and reinforces the University’s role as a lifelong home.
• Strengthen signature traditions, such as Homecoming, Fountain Ceremony, Alumni Awards Banquet, chapter events, regional gatherings, and milestone reunions, to deepen emotional connection and reinforce the Marshall experience.
• Elevate the visibility of alumni impact through storytelling, recognition programs, and strategic communications that inspire pride and engagement.

Board Leadership and Governance (25%)       

• Serve as the primary Foundation liaison to the Marshall University Alumni Association Board of Directors, ensuring the Board is wellsupported, wellinformed, and positioned to fulfill its governance responsibilities.
• Provide strategic guidance to the Board President and Executive Committee, including agenda planning, meeting preparation, and alignment with University and Foundation priorities.
• Ensure all Board activities, decisions, and communications adhere to established bylaws, policies, and best practices in nonprofit governance.
• Facilitate Board development by identifying training needs, onboarding new directors, and cultivating a pipeline of future volunteer leaders.

Partnership and Collaboration (15%)

• Serve as a strategic advisor to University and Foundation leadership on matters related to alumni engagement, volunteer leadership, and constituent relations.
• Build strong partnerships with campus units, including Athletics, Admissions, Career Education, Student Affairs, and academic colleges, to integrate alumni into the life of the University and support institutional goals.
• Ensure the department operates with clarity, accountability, and alignment, modeling collaborative leadership and a serviceoriented approach.

Leadership & Talent Development (15%)

• Lead, mentor, and evaluate professional staff responsible for alumni engagement, volunteer management, communications, and chapter support, ensuring the team operates with shared purpose.
• Recruit, develop, and retain highcaliber talent, fostering a culture that values creativity, datainformed decisionmaking, and exceptional service to alumni and campus partners.
• Provide coaching and professional development opportunities that strengthen staff capabilities and prepare team members for expanded responsibilities and future leadership roles.

Budget & Resource Stewardship (15%)

• Oversee the Alumni Relations operating budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources, alignment with strategic priorities, and adherence to Foundation financial policies.
• Develop annual budget proposals and longrange financial plans that support departmental growth, program expansion, and strategic initiatives.
• Monitor expenditures, assess resource needs, and make datadriven adjustments in collaboration with the President & CEO to maximize impact and operational efficiency.

Other Duties as assigned by the President & CEO (5%)

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive leadership experience in alumni relations, advancement, or related fields in which the candidate served in a non-profit cultivation leadership role.
• Proven ability to design and implement alumni engagement strategies across diverse regions and demographics.
• Strong financial management skills, with experience overseeing budgets and entrepreneurial projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading alumni organizations with a minimum of 8,000 students enrolled annually and a minimum of 80,000 alumni.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to inspire alumni, volunteers, and staff.
• Experience supervising staff with dignity, clarity, and strategic focus.
• Familiarity with CASE Alumni Engagement Metrics and benchmarking strongly preferred.
• Advanced degree.