Associate Director of MN Alumni Engagement

If you have a passion for community engagement, enjoy working with volunteers, and want to make a lasting impact on the University's alumni community, this job is for you! This role is instrumental in strengthening connections between alumni, the University System, and local communities by planning impactful events, fostering volunteer leadership, and amplifying the University's presence across the state.

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) is seeking a dynamic and motivated professional to lead alumni engagement efforts across Greater Minnesota. As the primary liaison for regional alumni relations in Minnesota for the UMAA, you will develop and execute engagement strategies that inspire lifelong connections, advance advocacy efforts, and alumni-supported enrollment growth. This position requires a blend of strategic thinking, event management, relationship-building, and communications expertise to create meaningful alumni experiences.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Greater Minnesota Alumni Engagement (60%)
  • Lead UMAA's regional engagement strategy, fostering long-term alumni loyalty and advocacy across Greater Minnesota.
  • Serve as the primary UMAA liaison to all system campuses, working to align alumni engagement efforts across the University.
  • Expand the University's and the UMAA's statewide impact by aligning regional interests of alumni with University priorities in the region.
  • Collaborate with University partners (e.g., Extension offices, research outposts) and external partners (e.g. community organizations) to engage alumni volunteers.
  • Increase alumni participation in UMAA and University initiatives through targeted outreach, events, and volunteer activation.
  • Support UMAA leadership in cultivating relationships with alumni leaders across the state.
  • Mobilize Greater Minnesota alumni to support University legislative priorities and advocacy initiatives.
  • 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
• Greater Minnesota Brand Visibility (20%)
  • Champion the University's presence in Greater Minnesota by elevating alumni, student and faculty stories across local and regional media.
  • Develop and deploy communications that reinforce the University's value to the state, including multimedia storytelling, letters to the editor, and digital campaigns.
  • Serve as a strategic connector between UMAA, University communicators, and media outlets to highlight alumni impact and University achievements.
• Alumni-supported enrollment growth (20%)
  • Partner with the admissions offices on all campuses to build awareness of the unique educational opportunities at each campus to all system alumni
  • Coordinate system alumni engagement to support campus-based enrollment initiatives

This position reports to the Vice President of Alumni Communications.

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association offers flexible working options with a "go where the work is'' philosophy. Location is flexible but must be in Minnesota.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

* Bachelor's (BA/BS) degree and at least four (4) years of experience
* Experience working with volunteers, donors, external partners, or engagement-focused initiatives
* Experience coordinating events, managing communications, or implementing engagement programs
* Familiarity with email marketing, social media engagement, and digital communication strategies.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, including copywriting, editing, and storytelling across multiple platforms.
* Creative problem-solver with the ability to think strategically and develop engagement initiatives.
* Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks effectively
* Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders
* Strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders
* Ability to work outside regular office hours when required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

* At least two years of professional experience in alumni relations, event planning, fundraising, volunteer management, constituent engagement, or a related field
* Experience crafting written content for a variety of media, including email newsletters, social media and letters to the editor
* Familiarity with higher education settings, particularly in alumni engagement or advancement
* Experience using project management tools to track progress and deadlines

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: Salary range for this position is $60,000-$70,000. 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. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by Thursday, June 5, with review of materials beginning at that time. 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.

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).