2017-2022 Strategic Plan

PREAMBLE

Since 1878 the ISU Alumni Association has connected alumni and friends to Iowa State University and has championed the independent voice of Cyclones everywhere. Today, the ISUAA is uniquely positioned to tell the stories of how alumni have adopted the university’s mission to create, share, and apply knowledge to make Iowa and the world a better place. In this five-year strategic plan, the ISU Alumni Association makes a renewed commitment to maintaining relevancy with our stakeholders by pursuing collaborations with university partners, creating a robust member base, enhancing organizational health, and broadening engagement with Cyclones everywhere: alumni, students, faculty/staff, and friends.

GOALS

CONSTITUENT ENGAGEMENT Goal 1: Engage ISU Alumni Association members and Cyclones everywhere by tailoring efforts to their geographic location, ISU experiences, and life stages.

• 1.1: Focus resources to increase engagement of alumni and friends in specific geographic areas. • 1.2: Tailor programs and communications to the life stages of all ISU students and alumni. (Supports ISU plan action 3.1)

• 1.3: Continue the ISU adventure by connecting alumni through shared interests and experiences. (Supports ISU plan action 4.2) • 1.4: Engage Cyclones everywhere at a deeper level through ISUAA membership. • 1.5: Ensure the ISU Alumni Center remains the forever home base for Cyclones everywhere.

COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS Goal 2: Lead ISU alumni relations efforts across Iowa State University and nurture working relationships with other ISU entities to advance the interests of Cyclones everywhere.

• 2.1: Champion the independent voice of Cyclones everywhere and serve as a university entry point and campus resource. • 2.2: Collaborate with strategic university entities to define leadership and partnership roles. (Supports ISU plan subgoal 4.3) • 2.3: Share the ISUAA’s understanding of alumni, including market research and segmentation, with university entities to develop engagement strategies.

INTERNAL ORGANIZATION AND DIVERSITY Goal 3: Attract and retain talented staff committed to advancing the ISU Alumni Association and engaging Cyclones everywhere.

• 3.1: Recruit and retain staff who embrace the ISUAA’s culture and Guiding Principles. • 3.2: Invest in professional development and facilitate career planning for each ISUAA staff member. (Supports ISU plan action 4.3) • 3.3: Ensure the organizational structure of the ISUAA is positioned for sustained growth and future stability. • 3.4: Build and maintain a culture where inclusion and diversity are the foundation and visible attributes of a network of people—including alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends—nurturing deep, lifelong ties to Iowa State.

FINANCIAL HEALTH Goal 4: Strengthen the health of the ISU Alumni Association by diversifying financial resources.

• 4.1: Grow membership revenue to $922,000 by end of FY22 with revenue not dropping below $875,000 based on the FY17-19 average membership revenue. • 4.2: Secure $12.5 million for the ISUAA Forever True for Iowa State campaign. • 4.3: Increase the annual funding received through corporate/affinity sponsorships and entrepreneurial efforts by $300,000

Adopted by the ISU Alumni Association Board of Directors on May 19, 2017 and amended Dec. 17, 2020.