Managing Director of External Relations

Brigham Young University•Provo, UT

About The Position

As the flagship higher education institution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young University (BYU) strives to be among the exceptional universities in the world. At BYU, we are devoted to our faith and to our students. We take an active role in the University's Mission: "To assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life.” Our unique mission, deeply rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, provides countless ways to serve and make an impact. This, along with our remarkable culture of belonging, weekly devotionals, and endless opportunities for learning and growth—all situated within a beautiful and historic campus—make it hard to imagine a more inspiring place to work. Brigham Young University strongly prefers to hire faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Managing Director of External Relations 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