Alumni & Stewardship Director

The Alumni & Stewardship Director is a part-time, mission-driven leader responsible for developing and executing internal and external alumni engagement strategies that foster lifelong relationships between alumni and Cornerstone University. This highly relational and innovative individual will focus on strategic communications, events, and community-building efforts that contribute to donor pipeline development and increased alumni affinity. This position works closely with the Vice President for Advancement and the Assistant Vice President for Advancement and collaborates across departments to ensure alignment with institutional advancement goals.

CLASSIFICATION: Part-Time, 25 Hours per week (includes some evenings and weekends)

DEPARTMENT: Alumni Relations

LOCATION: WCSG Headquarters - Grand Rapids, MI. WCSG

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement creative strategies to increase alumni engagement through communications, digital outreach, storytelling, and events.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni to foster a culture of connection, volunteerism, and giving.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute alumni-focused events (both in-person and virtual), including Homecoming, regional gatherings, and class reunions.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive communication strategy for alumni that aligns with overall institutional communication goals.
• Create and oversee alumni content for newsletters, website, and social media platforms.
• Collaborate with Advancement and WCSG Radio staff to ensure cohesive messaging and joint alumni/donor initiatives.
• Partner with gift officers to support identification and cultivation of future alumni donors.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Alumni Board, including:
  • Planning and facilitating board meetings
  • Providing communication and administrative support
  • Supporting board development and volunteer engagement
• Represent the university at alumni and advancement events, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Maintain accurate alumni records and engagement activity in the university's CRM system.
• Respond to alumni inquiries and provide excellent customer service.
• Contribute insights and best practices related to board development and volunteer management.
• Perform other alumni-related duties as assigned to support university advancement goals.

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with a warm, professional, and approachable demeanor.
• Project management skills with the ability to organize and lead multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Event planning experience, from concept through execution and follow-up.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Creative thinking and initiative in developing new alumni engagement strategies.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Familiarity with alumni relations, donor pipelines, and volunteer engagement principles.
• Comfortable with CRM systems, email platforms, and social media engagement.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional nights and weekends.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; degree from Cornerstone University preferred.
• Prior experience in alumni relations, advancement, volunteer management, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of Christian higher education and enthusiasm for the mission of Cornerstone University.
• Demonstrated success in event coordination and community-building initiatives.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and an active Christian commitment.
• A theology that supports the values and mission of Cornerstone University core commitments, evidenced by an ability to affirm and sign the university’s doctrinal statement, “The Cornerstone Confession.”
• Four other foundational pillars, along with the university’s mission and confession, form Cornerstone’s Core Commitments:
  • The Cornerstone Christian World View
  • The Cornerstone Academic Vision
  • The Cornerstone Beautiful Christian Community
  • The Marriage and Human Sexuality Position Statement

Employees are expected to faithfully attend an evangelical and biblical church whose core beliefs and practices are consistent with Cornerstone’s confession and core commitments.