Managing Director of External Relations - School of Medicine

Brigham Young University • Provo, UT

6d

About The Position

The BYU School of Medicine is seeking an experienced and mission-driven Managing Director of External Relations to provide executive leadership for advancement, donor development, alumni relations, marketing, and strategic communications. Reporting directly to the Dean and serving as a member of the School of Medicine leadership team, this role works closely with BYU Philanthropies and university partners to strengthen fundraising initiatives, external relationships, alumni engagement, and the School’s local, national, and global reputation. All efforts are aligned with BYU’s mission to provide a spiritually grounded and scientifically rigorous education for future physicians who serve as healers, teachers, researchers, leaders, and disciples of Jesus Christ.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s strongly preferred) in Communications, Business, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field
• 10–15 years of relevant professional experience
• 5+ years of senior leadership experience
• Direct experience in advancement, donor relations, alumni relations, or strategic communications
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Experience managing budgets, teams, and complex stakeholder relationships

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, PhD, or related)
• Higher education experience, preferably in academic medicine
• Proven success leading fundraising initiatives and alumni programs
• Familiarity with CRM systems, digital media platforms, and analytics
• Professional certifications such as CFRE or FAHP

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a unified strategic communications, branding, and marketing strategy for the School of Medicine
• Provide oversight of all development communications, donor events, and marketing initiatives
• Lead multi-channel marketing efforts, including digital content, social media, web presence, and print materials
• Serve as the School’s communications lead, including media relations and crisis communications
• Monitor and report on communications and marketing performance metrics
• Design and implement a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy
• Lead alumni events, recognition programs, mentoring initiatives, and advancement activities
• Oversee alumni communications, primarily through digital platforms
• Manage student-alumni engagement platforms and partnerships
• Lead donor development and fundraising strategies in collaboration with BYU Philanthropies and the Advancement Office
• Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, corporations, foundations, and external partners
• Oversee donor proposals, gift agreements, stewardship communications, and recognition programs
• Manage advancement and external relations budgets and CRM systems
• Represent the School of Medicine at university and external events
• Serve as a liaison to BYU Alumni, University Communications, Brand & Creative, and other key partners

Benefits

• 401k. BYU automatically contributes 8% at no cost to you. Additionally, if you contribute 5%, BYU adds an additional 4% (Rehires may qualify for different retirement plans)
• Excellent work-life balance: 13 paid holidays + 22 days paid vacation + 12 sick days, accrued annually
• Employee assistance program, available to the employee and all members of their household
• Tuition benefits for employees and eligible family members
• Access to athletic facilities
• Excellent medical/dental benefits
• Short/long-term disability benefits
• Paid parental and maternity leave
• Wellness Program
• Free on-campus parking
• Free UTA passes for employees, spouses, and qualified dependents
• Discounts at the BYU Store and for many events at BYU

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees