Outreach Program Manager (Corporate & Alumni Engagement)

Job Title:

Outreach Program Manager

 Kent Campus - Kent, OH 

Salary:

 $53,015 - $61,804

Basic Function:

To manage an educational outreach program. Reports to designated supervisor.

Additional Basic Function – if applicable:

Kent State University’s College of Aeronautics and Engineering (CAE) is seeking an Outreach Program Manager to support and grow our corporate, industry, and alumni engagement efforts. This role is central to strengthening relationships that advance student success, workforce pipelines, experiential learning, and industry-informed innovation.

Examples of Duties:

Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following: 

Plan and manage the activities of an educational outreach program.

Perform assigned financial responsibilities for the program.

Provide information to students or clients on a range of issues related to the program.

Assist with reviewing, recommending, and implementing program policies and procedures.

Promote and/or communicate all aspects of the program by developing and distributing various materials.

Compile and analyze information related to the program and recommend change.

Deliver presentations and/or provide instruction to students/clients as it relates to program area.

Plan and coordinate meetings, conferences, and/or special events as they relate to program activities.

Serve on various University committees.

May perform consultative services and skills assessment services with clients.

Leadership of a small department, unit, or major function and/or direct supervision over administrative/professional employees.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Employees assigned a sales role may be responsible for:

Identifying a list of prospects and managing the communication processes with the prospects.

Meeting with client prospects (i.e. human resource managers, operations managers, decision-makers, executives, professionals and employees) to present information about Kent State’s services and products.

Pricing solutions proposed, writing and reviewing proposals, contracts and training plans reflecting the organizations’ needs and Kent State’s solutions.

Maintaining electronic records utilizing client relationship management software. Reporting on the client activity using the software.

Employees assigned a corporate and alumni engagement role may be responsible for:

Support corporate and industry engagement initiatives, including outreach to regional, state, and national partners to strengthen awareness of academic programs, research capabilities, workforce pipelines, and innovation activities.

Assist with coordination of corporate participation in events and initiatives, including career fairs, workforce development programs, experiential learning opportunities, and innovation-focused activities.

Support outreach and engagement activities, including coordination with external partners, facilitation of meetings or site visits, and tracking partner engagement.

Engage alumni as strategic partners in outreach efforts, including participation in student engagement activities, industry panels, mentoring, and employer connections, in coordination with university advancement and alumni relations.

Collaborate with internal units to align outreach activities with workforce development, experiential learning, and regional economic development priorities.

Maintain records and reports related to corporate, industry, and alumni engagement activities; assist in assessing outreach effectiveness and identifying opportunities for expanded partnerships.

Additional Examples of Duties – if applicable:

The Outreach Program Manager will collaborate with CAE leadership, faculty, staff, students, University Corporate Engagement, University Advancement and Alumni Relations, and external partners to strengthen engagement and expand opportunities that advance the college’s mission. These relationships support CAE’s goals in student success, research partnerships, philanthropic support, and high-impact events that connect the university to employers, alumni, and the broader community. The Outreach Program Manager will also serve as the primary point of contact and coordinator for CAE’s advisory councils at the college level and within the School of Engineering and School of Aeronautics. This position is focused on relationship-building and engagement coordination, not sales.

CAE engagement includes signature events such as the Aeronautics & Engineering Expo, Dronavation, Safety Day, student-centered milestone ceremonies, and more.

Key Responsibilities

The Outreach Program Manager will support corporate, industry, and alumni engagement activities, including:

• Supporting outreach to regional, state, and national partners to strengthen awareness of CAE academic programs, research capabilities, workforce pipelines, and innovation initiatives

• Assisting with coordination of corporate participation in CAE events and initiatives (e.g., career fairs, workforce development activities, experiential learning opportunities, industry panels, and innovation-focused programming)
• Supporting major college events and signature experiences that strengthen CAE’s visibility, partnerships, and philanthropic engagement
• Serving as the primary point of contact for CAE advisory councils (college-level, School of Engineering, and School of Aeronautics), including meeting coordination, communications, logistics, and engagement tracking
• Coordinating partner engagement activities, including meetings, site visits, and campus visits, while tracking partner participation and follow-up
• Engaging alumni as strategic partners in outreach efforts, including mentoring, student engagement opportunities, industry panels, and employer connections, in coordination with Kent State University Advancement and Alumni Relations
• Collaborating with internal CAE and university units to align outreach activities with workforce development priorities, experiential learning goals, and regional economic development strategies.
• Maintaining records and reports related to engagement activities and assisting with evaluation of outreach effectiveness and opportunities for expanded partnerships.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; four years relevant experience.

License/Certification:

Knowledge Of:

Personal computer applications
Business, employee development and/or organization development approaches and concepts

Skill In:

Written and interpersonal communication

Ability To:

Provide leadership and direction

Maintain client relationships for retaining and/or cross-selling clients

Manage prospect lists and strategic plan for prospecting and client calls for a small unit

Preferred Qualifications – if applicable:

• Master’s degree preferred.

Experience in higher education, corporate engagement, alumni engagement, workforce development, employer relations, advisory council support, or event/program coordination

Skills and Strengths for Success

• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects, events, and stakeholder relationships simultaneously.
• High professionalism, strong follow-through, and comfort working across a wide range of partners (industry leaders, alumni, faculty, students, and administrators)
• Ability to maintain records, track engagement, and support reporting and continuous improvement.

Assessments:

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which require assessments

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Incumbent may be required to travel from building to building frequently and campus to campus occasionally. For those in a sales role, incumbent will be required to travel to client sites frequently.

Working Schedule:

Additional Information:

To apply: Please complete an online application, letter of interest, resume and contact information (email and phone number) for three references. For full consideration, please submit your materials no later than March 26, 2026.

Why Kent State University/ CAE

Kent State University is a nationally recognized public research university. The College of Aeronautics and Engineering is a high-growth college with strong connections to industry, an expanding portfolio of academic programs, and an emphasis on applied learning, workforce development, and innovation.

Kent State University is committed to creating a community that is culturally and intellectually diverse and to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that respect differences, and are inclusive, welcoming, respectful and kind.

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to non-discrimination to employ and advance qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. We comply with VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.”

Kent State University is a Smoke-Free, Tobacco-Free University effective July 1, 2017. Smoking and tobacco use are not permitted on any of Kent State's campuses or other locations and properties that are owned, operated, or leased by Kent State, both domestic and international.  For additional details, visit  www.kent.edu/smokefree 

Disclaimer:

The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities.