The Oklahoma State University Alumni Association is accepting applications for a passionate and motivated individual to serve as the next president of the organization, located in Stillwater, Oklahoma!

Rich in tradition and uncompromising in excellence, the OSU Alumni Association exists to deepen pride and love for OSU among the more than 245,000 living alumni of the university. Through a wide range of alumni and student programming, the organization serves as the main source of connection between members of the Cowboy Family and our alma mater.

Reporting to the Alumni Association Board of Directors, the president provides strategic direction for the organization. The scope of his or her responsibilities include strategic planning and execution, marketing/communications, external and community relations, and volunteer/personnel management as well as the overall operation, financial and administrative management of the organization.

This president works closely with all campus and community partners including the OSU President’s Office, OSU Foundation and OSU Athletics. The ideal candidate will be familiar with the OSU System and ready to support a hardworking team dedicated to celebrating OSU traditions and promoting the Cowboy Code.

Nature of Work:
The President is responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight to the Alumni Association at Oklahoma State University. The scope of responsibility includes strategic planning and execution, marketing/communications, external and community relations, volunteer/personnel management, and overall operational, financial and administrative management of the organization.

Responsibilities
Operational and Strategic Leadership

• Oversee the development and implementation of visionary programs that enhance and develop strong connections to Oklahoma State University
• Implement and monitor a long-term strategic and short-term operating plan, in coordination with the Board of Directors
  • Must possess characteristics of being nimble and adaptive to working with different groups and stakeholders
• Collaborate with the Executive Management Team to formulate organizational culture along with the strategy, goals, objectives, programs, policies and procedures of the Association
• Lead, motivate, coach, develop and retain high-performance employees with an emphasis on developing capacity and facilitating employee success
• Practice sound, fiscal management when making budgeting decisions
• Promote diversity and inclusion in the Alumni community consistent with the University Strategic Plan and core values.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Association stakeholders and work directly with OSU Foundation staff to further fundraising for Association initiatives and programs

Community Engagement and Organizational Visibility

• Develop and cultivate relationships with OSU entities including the University, OSU Foundation, OSU Athletics, OSU/A&M Board of Regents and OSUAA partners
• Set vision for advancing trends in the alumni relations profession by serving on the boards of affinity and community partners
• Maintain active involvement with national conferences and staff development opportunities to stay current and abreast of alumni relations and higher education

Governance

• Engage and utilize the talents and resources of the Board of Directors. Support the Board to maintain engagement, proper governance, financial sustainability, and engaged ambassadorship
• Initiate and maintain effective communications with the Board Chair, Board of Directors and staff
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Board, while engaging, educating, and motivating the Directors to maximize their effectiveness
• Provide leading practices in Board governance to the Board

Job Competencies and Experience
External Position Relationships
University:

• President’s Executive Team
• OSU Foundation Board of Trustees
• OSU Building and Facility Space Utilization Committee
• University Marketing Committee
• International Relations Committee
• Various University search committees

External Organizations:

• Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
• Council for Advancement of Association Executives (CAAE)
• Big 12 Alumni Directors
• Self-governing Alumni Associations (SGA)
• Stillwater Chamber of Commerce
• Stillwater Marketing Committee

Work Environment:

• The President shall reside within the surrounding community(ies) of the Alumni Association during the time they are employed as the Alumni Association President
• Office setting within the OSU Alumni Center
• Extensive travel is required both in-state and out-of-state

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Degree from Oklahoma State University preferred but not required

Experience

• Ten years’ experience in alumni relations, business management, public relations, sales, or marketing is preferred
• Executive leadership experience, with experience successfully interacting with boards is required.

Core Competencies

• Effective Communication: Makes clear and convincing presentations to individuals or groups using correct verbiage appropriate to the topic and audience. Listens effectively and demonstrates that by clarifying information when it is necessary. Facilitates open exchanges of ideas in an environment of open communication.
• Execution & Initiative: Identifies and analyzes problems, distinguishes between relevant and irrelevant information to make logical decisions.
• Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills: Responds appropriately to others in a manner that considers the needs, feelings and capabilities of diverse individuals in differing situations. Treats others with respect and is tactful, compassionate and sensitive.
• Problem Solving & Judgement: Identifies and analyzes problems, distinguishes between relevant and irrelevant information to make logical decisions.
• Adaptability: Embraces change and new information while tolerating ambiguity; adapting behavior and work methods in response to new information, changing conditions or unexpected obstacles; rapidly adjusting to unforeseen circumstances that require immediate attention and resolution.

Special Condition for Employment: 

Successful completion of a background check.

About the OSU Alumni Association

Founded by the university’s first graduates in 1897, the OSU Alumni Association is self-governed and recognized as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Since our earliest days, the organization has been supported through membership dues, a structure that in July 2020 was enhanced to a new model that was the first of its kind in higher education.

The Alumni Association celebrates OSU traditions and promotes the Cowboy Code through three ways: providing intentional, innovative and inclusive experiences that deepen affinity and the “orange connection;” strategic and creative communications; and relationships to welcome all members of our Cowboy Family and meet them where they are.

Housed in the beautiful ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center, our exceptional staff of 25 oversee a host of premier programs, including America’s Greatest Homecoming, OSU alumni and student awards, affinity and location-based chapters, membership, travel and more.