Associate Director of Alumni Engagement, STEM

University of Denver•Denver, CO

8h•$75,000 - $85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director of Alumni Engagement advances the University of Denver’s mission within the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics by fostering meaningful, lifelong relationships with alumni and friends. While leading the implementation of unit-based alumni engagement strategies with a high degree of independence, this work is guided by and aligned with a broader campus-wide alumni engagement strategic plan in concert with the Executive Director’s leadership. The role focuses on building meaningful relationships with alumni and volunteers through targeted programming, volunteer management, and collaboration with development and campus partners. Working closely with unit leadership, including the deans, the position strengthens community, increases participation, and supports philanthropic outcomes while ensuring alignment with both unit priorities and university-wide strategy. The Associate Director of Alumni Engagement role focuses on building relationships with alumni and volunteers, delivering programs and events, and partnering with development colleagues to strengthen the pipeline for philanthropic support. Success is measured through alumni participation, volunteer engagement, and contribution to philanthropic outcomes. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, detail-oriented professional with five years of professional experience including three years of experience in alumni relations, event planning, or constituent engagement, preferably in higher education or a similarly complex non-profit environment. Additionally, they would bring demonstrated experience building relationships to meet engagement objectives and managing competing priorities. The position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with approval and requires periodic (e.g. 1-2 times per year) travel as well as attendance at evening and weekend events.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience
Five (5) years of professional experience including 3 years of alumni engagement, event planning, or constituent engagement experience
Demonstrated experience building relationships to meet engagement objectives
Demonstrated experience managing competing priorities
Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills with a variety of audiences
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to plan, execute, and evaluate events and programs
Strong organizational and project management skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems
Collaborative mindset with ability to work across teams
Analytical skills to assess engagement data and outcomes.

Nice To Haves

Constituent engagement experience in a higher education or similarly complex non-profit environment

Responsibilities

Alumni Relationship Building: Develop and maintain relationships with targeted groups of alumni through individual outreach, communications, events, and programs. Focus on initiatives that strengthen affinity, connect alumni to the university’s mission and priorities, and prepare alumni for deeper engagement through philanthropy and/or volunteerism.
Conduct Discovery Visits: Meet 1:1 with alumni to assess areas of interest, including support of campaign philanthropic and volunteerism goals, and contribute to campaign-related activities.
Event Planning and Program Execution: Plan and execute a focused portfolio of alumni events and programs, including campus-based, regional, and virtual experiences. Manage logistics, communications, and follow-up to ensure high-quality, broadly appealing engagement opportunities.
Volunteer Management: Identify, cultivate, and support alumni volunteers for career, instance-based opportunities, advisory groups, including councils and committees. Coordinate volunteer opportunities, communications, meetings, and engagement strategies to enhance volunteer effectiveness and satisfaction.
Project Management and Operations: Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timeliness, budgets, and deliverables are met. Track engagement metrics and maintain accurate records in CRM systems.
University Citizenship and Team Contribution: Actively contribute to a collaborative and inclusive team culture. Participate in division-wide initiatives and support shared goals across Advancement and the University.