Director of Alumni Engagement, Denver Network & Signature Experiences

University of Denver•Denver, CO

49d•$95,000 - $110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Denver is seeking a driven and passionate professional to join our Advancement team as the Director of Alumni Engagement - Denver Network and Signature Experiences. This centrally-based role is a unique opportunity for a skilled professional to join a dynamic, purposeful enterprise united around a compelling vision charted by Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. The incumbent will be part of the university-wide advancement team and will work with a community of talented professionals advancing the mission of the University of Denver and representing the bold ideas of our faculty to inspire engagement and philanthropy. Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Engagement, Campus Initiatives, the Director of Alumni Engagement will strategically build engagement among DU alumni in the Denver metro area through a combination of strategies. This role will play a leadership role in designated signature experiences for alumni, advance one-on-one relationships with key alumni in the Denver metro area, and partner on the design and execution of other identified strategies. The Director will have the opportunity to refine existing offerings and play a key role in developing and executing new programs in a highly collaborative environment. This role will work in tandem with colleagues focused on regional engagement, volunteerism, and unit-based engagement to drive broad-scale engagement throughout the DU alumni community.

Requirements

Proven track record of ability to identify and execute strategic, creative programmatic efforts that expand engagement and deepen affinity
Demonstrated success in driving programs and initiatives forward in a highly complex, collaborative environment
Demonstrated success in external constituent management to desired ends
Highly organized and detail oriented; Strong project management and event planning skills
Initiative, including direct constituent work and active relationship management
Approaches work with curiosity, resourcefulness and a drive to make things better. Takes initiative, including proactive steps to solve problems, follow through on ideas, and take on new challenges.
Demonstrated ability to practice and adhere to organizational values, ability to communicate effectively within the university and with external constituents
Proficient in Microsoft Office suite
Demonstrated proficiency in using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to accurately enter, update, and manage data, recognizing the importance of data integrity and maintaining high standards
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience (Veterans with equivalent combination of military certification/education and experience may substitute for this qualification)
5 years of alumni, membership, or other constituent relations experience

Nice To Haves

Constituent relations or development experience in higher education or a similarly complex non-profit organization
Working knowledge of the University of Denver and/or Denver metro area professional, cultural, and civic organizations and networks

Responsibilities

Denver Network: Build and manage a comprehensive suite of engagement experiences designed to maximize the affinity and impact of DU alumni living in the Denver metro area. This will include one-on-one relationship building with key alumni leaders and volunteers, partnership with Career and Professional Development to activate the alumni network within target industries and companies, and other opportunities to engage alumni with the university.
Signature Events, Experiences and Programs: Partner closely with the Assistant Vice Chancellor in setting the vision for annual signature engagement programs such as Homecoming and the university's emerging reunions program, including direct responsibility for execution of key elements of these programs. Liaise with the Programming Committee of the University Alumni Council in support of their efforts to deepen alumni engagement. Partner with colleagues to develop a suite of life-stage, professional and intellectual programming that drive engagement and add value to the lives of DU alumni. Collaborate closely alongside the Advancement Events and Communications teams, as well as other Advancement and campus partners, for design and execution of all experiences.
Discovery & Day of Giving: In partnership with development colleagues, perform discovery activities related to strengthening the pipeline of philanthropic and volunteer support and engage actively with alumni to maximize DU's annual day of giving (1Day4DU) and other initiatives supporting campaign efforts.
Other programs: Partner with the Assistant Vice Chancellor and other colleagues to refine and maximize the potential of other engagement activities, such as the alumni benefits program, student-alumni connections, and alumni-owned business directory. Engage in cross-functional and collaborative opportunities with unit-based alumni engagement colleagues to encourage alumni engagement within DU's academic schools and colleges as appropriate.
Metrics: Meet assigned targets for individual metrics which may include but are not limited to one-on-one visits with alumni, overall alumni engagement targets, and other metrics as assigned.
Leadership, Partnership and University Citizenship: As a key member of the alumni engagement team, this role serves as a content-area expert in developing and implementing strategies for signature events and experiences that strengthen alumni connections. It involves active collaboration with advancement colleagues, institutional partners, and campus stakeholders to foster strategic and effective engagement practices. The position contributes to Advancement's goal-setting processes for both individual and team objectives, while responsibly managing budgets and resources to advance the University of Denver. A commitment to inclusivity is essential-creating a workplace where all community members feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to participate fully. This includes intentionally understanding diverse perspectives, engaging in ongoing learning, and cultivating self-awareness to build strong relationships and a positive, welcoming environment.