Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association logo

Program Coordinator, Alumni Communities

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
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Benefits

competitive pay
401k
Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Professional Development
flexible schedule
employee wellness program

Job Description

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA) is a private nonprofit corporation committed to fostering connections between the University of Wisconsin-Madison and its extensive network of alumni and donors. Established with the mission to inspire individuals and organizations to support the university through philanthropic contributions and active engagement, WFAA serves as a vital link between past, present, and future Badgers. The organization was formed through the merger of the UW Foundation and the Wisconsin Alumni Association in 2014, enabling it to provide more comprehensive services to the Wisconsin community. By facilitating meaningful relationships between campus leaders, faculty, program staff, alumni, and friends of the university, WFAA strengthens the university's impact academically, culturally, and socially.

WFAA operates with a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect for the wide range of experiences and perspectives its community members bring. This inclusive culture is reflected in their staffing, programming, and initiatives designed to ensure all constituents feel valued and have opportunities to thrive in their involvement with the university. The foundation embraces the principle that a strong community uplifts the university’s mission and generates sustained private support crucial for advancing UW-Madison's vision.

The Program Coordinator position with WFAA is a dynamic and influential role designed to support alumni engagement efforts domestically and internationally. Reporting to supervisory leadership, the individual will be instrumental in coordinating and implementing varied events and activities aimed at connecting alumni and friends with UW-Madison and with each other. This role involves multiple facets including project coordination for divisionally sponsored events, facilitating communication with alumni volunteer leaders, and serving as a key operational support within the alumni engagement team. The position requires a hybrid work model where the employee works on-site at the Madison, Wisconsin office at least two days per week, emphasizing collaboration and in-person interaction to enhance program outcomes.

Core responsibilities of the Program Coordinator include administering organizational tools and processes such as CRM and event registration platforms to manage data and facilitate seamless program delivery. They will generate reports to guide program improvements, maintain accurate tracking of expenses, and coordinate logistics for meetings and shipments. The coordinator will also engage in program design and evaluation by gathering and analyzing alumni engagement metrics and managing feedback tools to ensure the success and continuous improvement of events.

In the realm of program delivery, the coordinator will lead project teams through the planning and execution cycle for various events while maintaining close communication with local partners for on-site event support. This includes meticulous preparation of event materials and a focus on logistical excellence during event implementation. Building strong constituent relations is another critical area of focus, where the coordinator acts as a resource and liaison for volunteer leaders, promotes ongoing communication strategies to strengthen alumni networks, and maintains collaborative relationships both within the university and the broader community.

WFAA offers a supportive work environment fostering creativity, respect, and professional growth. Employees benefit from competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous 10% 401(k) contribution after one year of service. Those joining WFAA are not only supporting vital university initiatives but also becoming part of a team dedicated to enhancing the lifelong connection between UW-Madison and its global alumni community.

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • 2+ years of professional experience in an organization, educational institution or related setting
  • Prior professional experience with program planning, event implementation, customer service and/or relationship/volunteer management
  • Experience or interest in international relations, cultural awareness or global engagement
  • High degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook) is essential
  • Ability to take initiative, demonstrate engagement in projects and meet deadlines

Job Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • 2+ years of professional experience in an organization, educational institution or related setting
  • Prior professional experience with program planning, event implementation, customer service and/or relationship/volunteer management
  • Experience or interest in international relations, cultural awareness or global engagement
  • High degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook) is essential
  • Ability to take initiative, demonstrate engagement in projects and meet deadlines
  • Familiarity with customer and/or registration databases is preferred
  • Excellent oral and written skills and strong planning, organization and administrative skills
  • Ability to effectively interact with internal and external clients and constituents of diverse backgrounds
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and maintain a high degree of discretion, tact, poise, professionalism, and diplomacy
  • Work independently as well as collaborate positively within a team environment
  • Experience living, working, or studying internationally (e.g., study abroad), significant personal travel, and/or relevant coursework involving international topics or intercultural communication is preferred but not required

Job Duties

  • Utilize organizational processes and technology tools to implement tasks and programs
  • Use the CRM and event registration platforms to manage constituent data and support program delivery
  • Generate CRM reports and dashboards to inform program planning and performance tracking
  • Support the development of program concepts, design, and development, and reporting on outcomes
  • Actively use project management tools to document progress in tactic execution
  • Communicate regularly and professionally with program and event stakeholders
  • Suggest process improvement areas and assist with implementing them when appropriate
  • Track program expenses in a spreadsheet for designated events and activities
  • Coordinate, attend, and help facilitate internal team meetings, including preparing materials and documenting proceedings
  • Prepare and ship mailing supplies and materials, including assembling packets and coordinating postage
  • Serve as the coordinator for program and project teams in the research, design, development, and implementation of organization-sponsored events, meetings, and other activities
  • Use alumni engagement metrics to enhance the effectiveness of programs and events
  • Create and document program surveys and evaluations
  • Collect KPI data for quarterly reporting
  • Conduct secondary research to identify and compile biographical backgrounds on constituents, companies, and industry sectors
  • Assist with preparing event materials, collateral, and logistical details
  • Provide on-site support during program and event implementation, including coordinating with local partners to plan and execute trips, events, transportation, and day-of logistics
  • Serve as a resource and support for alumni volunteer leaders
  • Under the direction of the supervisor and managing director, identify, develop, and implement regular communication tactics to foster a strong alumni network
  • Build and maintain positive relationships with campus and community colleagues and work collaboratively to advance university objectives
  • Provide exceptional customer service to internal and external clients
  • Respond promptly and courteously to inquiries from internal and external constituents, taking the initiative to seek information and resolution
  • When possible, seek feedback and participation from alumni, WAA members, and donors in designing and developing engagement activities
  • Communicate with appropriate stakeholders regarding plans and preparation for events

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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