Director of Alumni Initiatives

Are you passionate about lifelong learning, community impact, and the power of ideas to connect people across generations and geographies? The University of Minnesota Alumni Association is seeking a strategic and creative leader to shape and grow our alumni learning initiatives, and bring timely, relevant, and thought-provoking content to life. In this dynamic role, you'll curate and create programs that explore global issues through the lens of University expertise, collaborate with partners across campus, and build a national network of engaged alumni thinkers and doers.

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association fosters a lifelong spirit of belonging and pride by connecting alumni, students, and friends to the University of Minnesota and each other. The association advocates for the University and its alumni with a credible, independent, and collaborative voice.

The Director of Alumni Initiatives will develop and lead initiatives that connect alumni talent, expertise, and interest to global issues, inspiring a more informed, engaged, and active alumni base. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Alumni Engagement, this results-oriented individual will develop and implement innovative approaches to increase the breadth and depth of engaged alumni who have a meaningful connection to each other and the U. This strategic role involves creating and curating engagement opportunities that align with interdisciplinary themes identified in the University's strategic plan.

The salary range for this position is $60,000-75,000.
The University of Minnesota Alumni Association offers flexible working options with a "go where the work is" philosophy to remote work. Specifics will be discussed during the interview stage.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead Strategic Alumni Engagement and Program Development (70%)
* Develop and lead initiatives that connect alumni talent, expertise, and interest to global issues, inspiring a more informed, engaged, and active alumni base.
* Create and curate engagement opportunities that align with interdisciplinary themes identified in the University's strategic plan.
* Plan and execute original programming for the UMAA on current events/topics of high interest to alumni, aligned with national best practices, and cognizant of the mission and strategic direction of the UMAA and University of Minnesota.
* Build and maintain a community asset database of alumni experts and interested participants. Work closely with campus partners to identify and document alumni expertise in key areas of interest.

Drive Lifelong Learning Strategy and Campus Partnership Development (20%)
* Curate lifelong learning opportunities from alumni relations officers in the schools/colleges and other campus partners.
* Oversee strategy to grow and promote UMAA as a centralized hub of expert talks from around the University.
* Build, maintain, and nurture relationships with campus partners who are aligned with UMAA's lifelong learning efforts (e.g. academic units, research centers, OLLI, Age-Friendly University Council) to coordinate and enhance engagement efforts.
* Collaborate with the Vice President for Marketing and Business Development and the Marketing and Sales Manager to pitch and execute sponsored content opportunities.

Measure engagement and impact (5%)
* Collect engagement metrics and qualitative feedback to assess program effectiveness and refine approaches.
* Benchmark engagement strategies with peer alumni associations to identify and implement best practices.
* Assess current offerings, determine if changes need to be made, and manage implementation of enhancements.

Support overall UMAA engagement efforts (5%)
* Participate in staff/team meetings, quarterly and annual planning, and reporting
* Represent the UMAA on University committees as assigned
* Staff UMAA events as assigned, including events on evenings and weekends
* Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance skills, knowledge, and effectiveness in alumni engagement work

*The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree.
• At least four years of experience designing educational content, developing and managing programs, events, volunteers, or engagement initiatives.
• Proven ability to develop and implement mission-aligned programming that engages diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated success in building partnerships and collaborating across departments or organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex topics into accessible and engaging content.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong attention to detail, deadlines, and outcomes.
• Willingness and ability to staff occasional evening and weekend events.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Passion for the University of Minnesota and its mission.
• Experience working with diverse populations and fostering inclusive engagement.
• Familiarity with alumni relations, higher education, and/or nonprofit programming.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets effectively and allocate resources strategically.
• Experience with virtual and in-person event planning.
• Proficiency with digital marketing tools, event platforms, project management software, and other technologies.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently, collaboratively, and flexibly in a fast-paced environment.

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association fosters a lifelong spirit of belonging and pride by connecting alumni, students, and friends to the University of Minnesota and each other. The Association advocates for the University and its alumni with a credible, independent, and collaborative voice. The University of Minnesota Alumni Association currently has a flexible working environment that allows for in-person and remote work.

Pay Range: The salary range for this position is $60,000-75,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by Thursday, June 5, with review of materials beginning at that time.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).