May 18th, 2026
Marshall University Foundation
Vice President for Alumni Relations
( WEST VIRGINIA | On-site )
About the Organization
Located in the heart of Huntington, West Virginia, the Marshall University Foundation Inc. (Foundation) was chartered on January 3, 1947 as an independent nonprofit organization to receive, invest, administer and disburse private resources on behalf of Marshall University. Founded in 1837 and named after Chief Justice John Marshall, definer of the Constitution, Marshall University advances the public good through innovative, accredited educational programs. Marshall University is led by West Virginia native, President Brad D. Smith, who joined the University in 2022 after a successful career as a Silicon Valley CEO.
Nico Karagosian, President & CEO of the Marshall University Foundation and Senior Vice President of Advancement, leads a team of more than 30 development, alumni relations, advancement services, and finance professionals to achieve the Foundation’s mission. The Foundation plays a crucial role in providing the support critical to the continuing success of this nationally prominent university.
Over the past year, the Marshall University Foundation has experienced significant momentum in both fundraising and alumni engagement, reflecting a renewed culture of philanthropy and connection across the Marshall community. The Foundation secured more than $80 million in new gifts and commitments, the highest annual total in its history, while also doubling the number of seven-figure contributions. At the same time, alumni engagement has expanded in both reach and depth, with increased participation across volunteer leadership, events, and philanthropic support. More than 3,600 donors contributed in the most recent fiscal year, including over 2,200 alumni donors and nearly 900 new supporters, signaling strong growth in both retention and pipeline development. These results underscore a strategic alignment between engagement and fundraising, positioning Marshall to build sustained momentum as it advances its institutional priorities and long-term campaign goals.
The Foundation collaborates with President Smith to achieve his groundbreaking Marshall For All program. Designed to eliminate student loan debt, this program ensures that students graduate debt-free and equipped with invaluable work experience and financial literacy skills. By combining scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and family contributions, Marshall For All empowers students to focus on their education and future careers without the burden of financial stress.
Job Description
Position reports to: President & CEO, Marshall University Foundation & Senior Vice President of Advancement, Marshall University
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, institution wide strategy for alumni engagement. Reporting to the President & CEO/SVP of Advancement, the VPAR provides high level 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 a 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.
The VPAR will position Marshall as a national leader in alumni engagement by establishing clear strategic priorities, elevating the visibility and impact of alumni programs, and ensuring engagement outcomes are measured and benchmarked using CASE Alumni Engagement Metrics. This role requires a strategic, forward‑thinking executive who can build strong relationships, drive innovation, and lead a high‑performing team in advancing Marshall’s mission and reputation.
Additional information
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 multi‑year engagement strategies that expand the reach, depth, and diversity of alumni involvement, with measurable goals tied to participation, volunteerism, and philanthropic outcomes.
•Use data‑driven 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 well‑supported, well‑informed, 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 service‑oriented 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 high‑caliber talent, fostering a culture that values creativity, data‑informed decision‑making, 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 long‑range financial plans that support departmental growth, program expansion, and strategic initiatives.
•Monitor expenditures, assess resource needs, and make data‑driven adjustments in collaboration with the President & CEO to maximize impact and operational efficiency.
Other Duties as assigned by the President & CEO (5%)
Contact email for applicants beau@paschalmurray.com