Director of Alumni Outreach and Mentor Programs

South Dakota State University Alumni & Foundation•Brookings, SD

About The Position

The Director of Alumni Outreach and Mentor Programs provides leadership in developing and administering the alumni mentoring program for current South Dakota State University students and coordinates career-development programming for young alumni. The role builds relationships on behalf of the SDSU Alumni & Foundation and represents the organization through presentations, meetings, and events. It works with internal colleagues, campus partners, alumni, and friends to support the organization’s strategic initiatives. The position organizes and executes the alumni-to-student mentoring program, recruits students and alumni mentors, and delivers professional development programs in person and virtually. It also represents the organization at events and presentations, contributes collaborative leadership, and facilitates communication with internal and external stakeholders. Travel and night or weekend availability may be required for events. The SDSU Alumni & Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed on January 1, 2026, through the consolidation of the SDSU Alumni Association and SDSU Foundation. It engages alumni, friends, and business partners with the university through events, strategic communication, and outreach, and manages fundraising and private gifts designated for SDSU.

Requirements

At least five years of professional experience in a related field, such as nonprofit administration, higher education, project management, program creation, event planning, or communications.
Ability to foster collaboration and productivity among multiple stakeholders.
Ability to mobilize and maximize volunteer alumni support.
Strong interpersonal skills for handling sensitive and confidential situations with varied internal and external constituencies.
Clear customer-service communication skills in person, by phone, and in writing.
High integrity and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
Organizational and resourcefulness skills to locate and compile information and complete projects with minimal supervision.
Attention to detail in composing and proofreading materials, establishing priorities, and meeting deadlines.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple competing tasks and demands.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a professional demeanor, self-reliance, and resourcefulness.
Dependability and punctuality.
High energy, a positive attitude, and initiative.
Proficiency with current computer software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software such as MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Ability to meet the physical demands of sitting, standing, bending, reaching, some lifting, and operating standard office and clerical equipment.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree.
Prior supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Organize, implement, and execute the alumni-to-student mentor program.
Build relationships with campus administration, faculty, and staff to recruit students for the program.
Recruit and train alumni mentors to work with SDSU juniors and seniors preparing for careers after college.
Deliver and facilitate professional development programs for alumni and students, both in person and virtually.
Drive the strategic vision for the student mentor program and execute its deliverables.
Evaluate and measure program success against short-term and long-term goals.
Represent the SDSU Alumni & Foundation to groups of alumni and friends of the university.
Participate in SDSU Alumni & Foundation and university events, which may require travel and night and weekend availability.
Present to alumni and friends on topics relevant to the SDSU Alumni & Foundation and the university.
Provide collaborative leadership to organizational colleagues.
Facilitate communication with internal and external stakeholders.
Engage in professional development, including building networks within the university and with colleagues at peer institutions.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet the organization’s needs.