Associate Director of Student and Recent Alumni Engagement

POSITION OVERVIEW

Are you energized by building community, fostering pride, and helping students and young alumni see themselves as part of something bigger? The University of Minnesota Alumni Association is seeking a creative and strategic leader to shape and expand our student and recent alumni engagement eff orts, with a special focus on bridging the transition from campus to lifelong alumni connection. In this dynamic role, you'll design and deliver meaningful programs, events, and communications that spark belonging, support career aspirations, and create a strong foundation for lifelong engagement with the University. You'll collaborate with campus partners, alumni volunteers, and colleagues to strengthen traditions, celebrate milestones, and launch innovative strategies that keep alumni connected in the critical fi rst decade after graduation.

The Director of Student & Recent Alumni Engagement will play a vital role in leading initiatives that inspire students and recent graduates to remain connected to each other and to the U, cultivating the next generation of alumni leaders and advocates. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Alumni Engagement, this results-driven individual will craft and implement strategies that expand UMAA membership amongst students and recent graduates, elevate career and mentorship opportunities, and ensure students and alumni experience a meaningful and lasting connection to the University.

This position reports to the Associate Vice President of Engagement.

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association oers exible working options with a "go where the work is" philosophy to remote work. Specics will be discussed during the interview stage.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Engage increasing numbers of alumni in supporting the career aspirations of students and recent alumni. (40%)

* Manage all aspects of the Maroon and Gold Network, the UMAA's online platform for career-advice, networking, and mentorship, and the micro-internship program embedded within the Maroon and Gold Network.
* Develop and execute career and professional development opportunities that connect students/recent alumni to alumni.
* Position UMAA as a centralized resource to advise and assist collegiate mentor programs through the strategic management of a University-wide mentor programs committee.
* Create events, communications, and training materials in concert with mentor program partners to support and recognize mentor program participants.

Grow breadth and depth of student engagement with the UMAA. (25%)
* Develop and implement engagement programs to deepen the ties among the student population to build an expectation of and desire for a lifelong connection with the U.
* Collaborate with the Marketing Team develop and implement strategies to grow student membership.
* Lead meaningful, informative, and unifying engagement experiences for students nearing graduation, including Grad Fest and the Send O.
* Collaborate with campus partners to increase students' sense of belonging and anity through events, communications, and shared resources, including UMAA's presence during Orientation, Welcome Week, and Family Weekend.
* Develop communications to all students, reinforcing the sense of community, traditions, pride and opportunities for alumni support of students.
* Support and reinforce current campus traditions, and work with campus partners to develop new ones as appropriate.

Grow breadth and depth of recent alumni engagement. (25%)
* Design and execute a recent alumni engagement strategy that delivers relevant programs, services, and communications to enrich the lives of alumni in the rst decade after graduation.
* Collaborate with the Marketing Team develop and implement strategies to grow recent grad membership.
* Collaborate with UMAA colleagues to strategically enhance existing programming for recent graduates.
* Develop communications to new graduates in the rst year after graduation to introduce them to UMAA and all the ways it supports alumni.

Manage and support the strategic direction of the Student and Recent Alumni Council of the UMAA Board of Directors. (5%)
* Serve as the primary sta liaison to the Student and Recent Alumni Council.
* Collaborate with the Student and Recent Alumni Council directors from UMAA's Board of Directors to set the meeting schedule, agenda, and strategic direction of the Council.
* Coordinate logistics for Student and Recent Alumni Council meetings throughout the year .

Manage overall student and recent alumni engagement eorts for the UMAA (5%)
* Manage the budgets related to student and recent alumni engagement.
* Participate in sta/team meetings, quarterly and annual planning, and reporting.
* Represent the UMAA on University committees as assigned.
* Sta UMAA events as assigned, including events on evenings and weekends.
* Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance skills, knowledge, and eectiveness 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 4 years of experience developing and managing programs, events, volunteers, or engagement initiatives.
* Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external partners.
* Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong attention to detail, deadlines, and outcomes.
* Willingness and ability to sta 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 nonprot programming.
* Demonstrated ability to manage budgets eectively and allocate resources strategically.
* Experience with virtual and in-person event planning.
* Demonstrated success in building partnerships and collaborating across departments or organizations.
* Prociency with digital marketing tools, event platforms, project management software, and other technologies.
* Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently, collaboratively, and exibly in a fast-paced environment.

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) 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 off ers fl exible working options with a "go where the work is" philosophy to remote work. Specifi cs will be discussed during the interview stage.

The Engagement Department of the UMAA engages alumni, students and friends of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus through a wide variety of virtual and physical programs and services that are both relevant to the alumni and meaningful to the University. These include alumni engagement based on common geography or special interest, legislative advocacy, travel programs, student support and more.

Pay Range: $57,000-65,000. (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

The priority application deadline is October 13, 2025. Applications received after this date will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Application instructions:
Submit (1) cover letter specifically addressing your interest in and qualifications for this position, (2) a resume, and (3) a list of 3 references.

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).