Associate Director of Alumni and Donor Engagement

University of California System•Irvine, CA

38d•$75,000 - $90,000

About The Position

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu. The School of Social Ecology's Development Department plays a pivotal role in advancing the school's mission of fostering interdisciplinary scholarship, community engagement, and social impact. The development team serves as the critical fundraising arm that enables transformative academic and outreach initiatives. With a legacy rooted in applied research and civic engagement, the School of Social Ecology empowers students and faculty across three departments-Criminology, Law and Society; Psychological Science; and Urban Planning and Public Policy-to address pressing societal challenges through research, field study, and partnership-driven solutions. The Associate Director of Alumni and Donor Engagement will play a critical leadership role in cultivating alumni connections and developing community-based funding streams and partnerships. This position is instrumental in securing mid-level gifts ($1,000-$25,000) to enhance our flagship Field Study and Pipeline programs, while laying the foundation for a dynamic and sustainable mentorship network for Social Ecology students. While their primary focus will be on alumni and community engagement for these key student-centered programs, the Associate Director will also serve as a strategic partner in the School's broader fundraising efforts. They will play a vital role in expanding the School's donor base, contributing to the growth of philanthropic support across initiatives, and helping to build a robust pipeline of individual and institutional donors. By strategically engaging alumni, local businesses, civic organizations, foundations, and individual donors, the Associate Director will transform community goodwill into lasting impact, amplifying opportunities for student learning, leadership, and career development.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of basic concepts, principles, and procedures of building and maintaining effective relations with alumni, internal and key constituencies.
Thorough knowledge of the campus, its mission, goals, objectives, programs, achievements, infrastructure and issues of concern.
Thorough written, verbal and interpersonal communications, tact and political acumen to effectively represent the campus.
Thorough research, analytical and critical thinking skills, including sound judgment and decision-making skills and skill to correctly identify real and potential problems, advising management as required, and proposing effective strategic resolutions.
Skill in project management, including event planning and meeting deadlines.
Proficiency in UC procurement systems and expense protocols.
Thorough knowledge of, and the ability to support, CRM data integrity to enhance donor engagement through research and personalized experiences.
Proven ability to ensure thoughtful, timely stewardship and implementation of content-driven strategies to amplify philanthropic impact.
Demonstrated ability to build and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, alumni, business leaders, and community partners.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages, reports, and donor outreach materials.
Strong interpersonal and networking skills; comfortable representing the organization at meetings, events, and in the community.
Highly organized with strong project management skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines.
Comfortable working independently while also collaborating as part of a broader development and program team.
A proactive, positive, and mission-driven mindset, with a genuine interest in education, student development, and social impact.
Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Nice To Haves

Some experience with soliciting gifts or sponsorships, preferably in the $1,000-$5,000 range, with an interest and capacity to grow into managing mid-level gifts ($5,000-$25,000).
3-5 years of relevant experience in fundraising, alumni relations, community engagement, nonprofit development, or a related field.
Familiarity with donor databases or CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, or similar) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Cultivating alumni connections
Developing community-based funding streams and partnerships
Securing mid-level gifts ($1,000-$25,000) to enhance our flagship Field Study and Pipeline programs
Laying the foundation for a dynamic and sustainable mentorship network for Social Ecology students
Serve as a strategic partner in the School's broader fundraising efforts
Expanding the School's donor base
Contributing to the growth of philanthropic support across initiatives
Helping to build a robust pipeline of individual and institutional donors
Strategically engaging alumni, local businesses, civic organizations, foundations, and individual donors
Transform community goodwill into lasting impact, amplifying opportunities for student learning, leadership, and career development.