Alumni Engagement Manager

Overview of the Academy

The Midwest Academy has played a vital role in preparing several generations of organizers, many of whom are now in leadership positions in community and labor organizations. Our trainers have developed a curriculum that distills decades of experience in organizing into practical lessons for organizers in how to support the development of self-determined, democratically governed organizations that win real improvements in people’s lives and help build the broader movement for racial, economic and social justice. Our commitment at this moment in history is to provide training and other forms of strategic support to groups that are organizing to build power in communities of color and low-income and working-class communities and constituencies, and also ensuring our programs are broadly accessible to the progressive movement ecosystem.

Alumni Engagement Manager

Midwest Academy is seeking an Alumni Engagement Manager to lead post-training programming and strengthen connections among our alumni. The hope is that this role fulfills the Academy’s mission through visionary, responsive and creative thinking, which is rooted in current trends and movement prospects. Building on our decades-long legacy, this role will also be instrumental in developing and implementing a robust alumni network that fosters collaboration across regions and issues, ultimately enhancing organizing capacity and movement-building efforts.

As this is a new initiative for Midwest Academy, we are looking for a candidate with a strong background in community organizing, training, alumni outreach, event planning, and logistics. Additionally, proficiency in technology and social media will be essential for effectively engaging and connecting alumni.

This is a remote position and will report directly to one of the Academy’s co-Directors. This is a grant-funded position with employment guaranteed through the end of 2027. The goal is continued funding beyond the end of the grant, but the position is currently dependent upon grant funding.

Responsibilities

• Strengthen data collection to facilitate communication with alumni
• Develop alumni network directory and utilize mailing list and social media as a way to connect alumni and share information
• Plan and implement virtual and in person training and events for alumni one being an fall kick off organizers’ retreat
• Create and disseminate newsletter and document case studies spotlighting alumni’s organizing work
• Develop and conduct surveys focused on alumni training needs, with the intent to design programming to meet those needs
• Facilitate focus groups to strengthen our training and program offerings
• Work with Spanish-speaking trainers to ensure the alumni network is accessible to Spanish-speaking alumni
• Facilitate more advanced, shorter theme-specific trainings for alumni
• Support with training and tools development
• Support with organizational wide events and fundraising endeavors

Qualifications

The Alumni Engagement Manager should:

• Share the progressive values that have guided Midwest Academy in supporting movements and organizations for democracy, justice, and peace
• Have experience in multicultural, racially diverse organizing
• Possess 3–5 years of organizing experience, including training and coaching, preferably in both community and labor settings
• Have experience developing and launching new projects
• Demonstrate strong networking skills and connections within the progressive community
• Be capable of managing diverse and demanding tasks effectively
• Think creatively and problem-solve in dynamic environments
• Have experience in event planning and strong logistical skills
• Be familiar with social media engagement strategies
• Have experience designing basic graphics and flyers using Canva
• Possess a strong understanding of databases, data collection, and interpretation
• Be able to travel as needed
• Foster a joyful and inclusive environment
• Be committed to language justice, plus if Spanish speaker, but not required
• Be willing to work some evenings and weekends

Salary and Benefits

This is an exempt, full-time (40 hours a week) position with a salary range of $95,000-$100,000. This is a union position.

Midwest Academy offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• 100% coverage for medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k w/ company match (after 1 year)
• 15 vacation days your first 3 years, and 20 vacation days in your 4th year and on
• 12 sick and safe leave days per year
• 12 weeks of full-time paid parental leave, with an additional 4 weeks of half-time leave for transitioning back to full-time work schedule
• 6 personal days
• Annual professional development stipend

Application Process

Applications will be accepted through July 25, 2025. This job is being posted on July 7, 2025.

To apply please send your resume and cover letter addressing why you are interested in the position, to: job@midwestacademy.com

The application timeline is as follows:

• Initial 30 minute interview with 1-3 staff members
• One hour long interview with 15-20 minutes training demonstration
• Final 1 hour long interview with most or all of the team
• Offer

We would like to make an offer by September 30, 2025.

The Midwest Academy values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals of every race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, and record of arrest or conviction.