Ohio Wesleyan University, a selective, private, undergraduate liberal arts, residential institution founded in 1842 and located just 20 miles north of Columbus, is seeking candidates for the full-time position of Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement.

About You:

You are a college graduate with experience in alumni engagement, development, volunteer management and/or higher education.

You have a genuine passion for building lifelong relationships between graduates and their alma mater.

You are comfortable facilitating events and engaging with alumni both in-person and virtually.

You enjoy traveling to connect with alumni, value working on a college campus, and believe deeply in the transformative power of higher education, particularly at a small, private liberal arts institution.

You are a skilled collaborator and excellent multitasker who manages multiple initiatives while maintaining attention to detail.

Your relationship-building and problem-solving skills are exceptional, and you approach challenges with creativity and composure to strengthen the alumni community.

About Us: The University recently completed the Connect Today, Create Tomorrow campaign, successfully raising over $238 million for key priorities including faculty investment, student scholarships and financial aid, the OWU Connection, capital improvements, and annual giving. Alumni Engagement plays a critical role in fostering relationships between graduates and the university, creating a vibrant community that supports philanthropic giving, volunteer recruitment, career networking, and meaningful peer connections—the foundation that makes such transformative campaigns possible.

Job Summary: Reporting to the Director of Alumni & Family Engagement, the Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement develops strategic initiatives to cultivate lasting relationships between Ohio Wesleyan University and its emerging alumni community. This role champions an innovative approach to alumni engagement that moves beyond traditional class-year models to embrace affinity-based communities rooted in shared interests, identities, and experiences that truly shaped alumni during their time at OWU.

Key Responsibilities:

Affinity Based Alumni Engagement Strategy & Programming

Leads the development and execution of inclusive engagement strategies that build lifelong connections between alumni and Ohio Wesleyan.

Fosters affinity-based communities rooted in shared identities and experiences—such as Greek life, athletics, student organizations, cultural groups, and academic programs—ensuring alumni feel a continued sense of belonging beyond class-year models.

Designs innovative programs and volunteer opportunities that engage alumni across life stages, with a focus on recent graduates and shared OWU experiences.

Creates meaningful touchpoints through signature events, virtual content, and peer-led initiatives that celebrate and sustain the OWU community.

Event Planning & Execution

Plans and executes alumni events, including regional gatherings, homecoming celebrations, affinity group reunions, and networking receptions. Creates memorable experiences that strengthen alumni connections and affinity.

Partnership & Volunteer Development

Collaborates with annual giving staff to recruit and support volunteer leaders for reunion committees and fundraising initiatives while building volunteer networks within affinity communities. Integrates affinity group leadership into broader alumni volunteer structures to drive engagement and philanthropic participation.

Digital Engagement & Social Media Management

Executes an alumni-focused social media strategy across multiple platforms in partnership with university communications. Creates authentic content that celebrates diverse campus experiences and maintains connections across different alumni communities while analyzing metrics to optimize engagement.

Strategic Relationship Building

Cultivates relationships with current student organizations and campus communities to create seamless transitions from student involvement to alumni engagement, ensuring continuity of community connections beyond graduation.

Qualifications:

This position requires strong relationship-building skills

Innovative programming capabilities, event management experience

Community development expertise to successfully cultivate diverse alumni relationships that embody the distinctive OWU experience

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two (2) years of experience in volunteer management, alumni engagement, and/or development

Social media experience and content development using a variety of platforms is preferred

The ability to travel and to work occasionally on weekends and evenings

An aptitude for collaborating with others and balancing multiple deadlines in a fast-paced work environment

Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

Serve as a positive member of the University Advancement staff contributing toward the achievement of goals related to the University Advancement Division, alumni participation, and the university community

Completed application packets will include: 1. Cover Letter with salary requirements. 2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae. 3. References will be requested for top candidates. 4. Application review will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

NOTE: Employment sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States

WHAT WE OFFER: Ohio Wesleyan University offers a rewarding place to work! To discover why this should be your next work home, visit our website. Learn more about our benefits at Discover our Benefits. As an equal opportunity institution, OWU has a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. We do not discriminate on any basis including: race, religion, color, culture, national origin, sex and/or sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, economic barriers, or any other legally protected factor.

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