Director of Alumni Relations - College of Science and Engineering (# 365268)

$72,000 - $77,000/Yr

University of Minnesota

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote

Educational Services

About the position

The Director of Alumni Relations for the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota is responsible for engaging over 80,000 alumni and donors through the development and execution of alumni-centric programs, events, and communications. This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, to foster connections and support fundraising goals. The Director will lead strategic planning efforts, manage volunteer relationships, and oversee event logistics while ensuring effective communication with alumni and donors.

Responsibilities

• Develop annual and long-term strategic plans to connect alumni with the University and its departments.
• Design, develop, and execute a variety of events appealing to diverse alumni demographics.
• Plan and execute the CSE Mentor Program for approximately 300+ pairs.
• Conduct activities to support fundraising goals and campaigns.
• Oversee event logistics including venues, catering, and audiovisual needs.
• Monitor budgets and manage vendor relationships for events.
• Assign and supervise student worker projects.
• Track and evaluate alumni engagement metrics against goals.
• Build and maintain connections with alumni and donors to support student success.
• Lead the CSE Alumni Society Board and assist with recruitment and meeting facilitation.
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers for events and programs.
• Track alumni engagement in the Donor Management System database.
• Partner with the CSE Career Center to enhance corporate alumni relationships.
• Serve as the primary liaison between CSE and the University of Minnesota Alumni Association.
• Represent CSE at UMAA meetings and events.
• Collaborate with CSE departments on alumni relations best practices.
• Develop strategic communications to engage alumni and donors.
• Collaborate with CSE Communications staff to produce event materials.
• Identify alumni for awards and recognition opportunities.
• Oversee data privacy and integrity standards for alumni engagement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year institution.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in planning and executing events and programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to work with volunteers, donors, and vendors.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to customer service.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Flexibility and initiative in managing change.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to engage in physical activity for extended periods on event days.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or related field.
• Experience in an academic, fundraising, marketing, or nonprofit environment.
• Experience with digital marketing and engagement tools such as Zoom and Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
• Experience collaborating in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs.
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• University HSA contributions.
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance.
• Employee wellbeing program.
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity.
• Financial counseling services.
• Employee Assistance Program with counseling sessions at no cost.
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.