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Colorado State University

Volunteer Engagement Specialist

Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, us, 80523

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Posting Detail Information

Working TitleVolunteer Engagement Specialist

Position LocationFort Collins, CO

Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work

Research Professional PositionNo

Posting Number202501209AP

Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification TitleProf/Indiv Contrib II

Number of Vacancies1

Work Hours/Week40

Proposed Annual Salary Range$50,000 - $55,000

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)

Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .

Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !

Desired Start Date10/13/2025

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on09/21/2025

Description of Work Unit

Who We Are

Located in the beautiful town of Fort Collins, Colorado, CSU is a premier land-grant university with world-class programs in education, outreach, and research. CSU has a student body of over 34,000 students, 7,400 employees, 250,000 living alumni, and annual research expenditures exceeding $350 million. Guided by the five supporting Principles of Community: Inclusion, Integrity, Respect, Service, and Social Justice, the University constantly pursues its mission and vision of access, research, teaching, service, and engagement.

Within CSU , the Division of University Advancement is integral to achieving and sustaining the University's institutional excellence through fundraising and engagement efforts. Our purpose is to connect our alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations to raise the financial support necessary to advance the University's mission and vision. With one of the leading development teams in the country, the Division most recently reached its $1 billion fundraising campaign goal 19 months ahead of schedule.

The CSU Alumni Associationis part of the Division of University Advancement and facilitates meaningful relationships between its 250,000 living alumni and the University. Using a combination of proven alumni engagement strategies and new, innovative approaches, the Alumni Association strives to celebrate the success of our alumni, build an emotional connection back to the CSU , and help alumni to identify connections that are meaningful to them. In addition, the Association also utilizes the Iris & Michael Smith Alumni Center to serve as a place of pride and home base for alumni when they return to campus as well as a gathering space for alumni and student programs and events.

Position Summary

The CSU Alumni Associationis part of the Division of University Advancement and facilitates meaningful relationships between its 269,000 living alumni and the University. Using a combination of proven alumni engagement strategies and new, innovative approaches, the Alumni Association strives to celebrate the success of our alumni, build an emotional connection back to the CSU , and help alumni to identify connections that are meaningful to them. In addition, the Association also utilizes the Iris & Michael Smith Alumni Center to serve as a place of pride and home base for alumni when they return to campus as well as a gathering space for alumni and student programs and events.

The Volunteer Engagement Specialist is responsible for creating and managing meaningful volunteer opportunities for alumni locally, regionally, and nationally.

This position is responsible for providing expert guidance and strategy for utilizing volunteering in a variety of forms as an alumni and donor engagement tool. This position will work to advance an existing, comprehensive volunteer program while maintaining positive relationships with internal and external partners. This position will create and manage meaningful volunteer opportunities for alumni, ranging from events and community service to national alumni chapters that serve to strengthen the relationships alumni have with CSU . This position will oversee select signature events and work with other Alumni Association team members on the planning and execution of year- round engagement activities, events, and programs.

Required Job Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university by employment start date

Two years of full-time professional experience that includes volunteer recruitment and/or volunteer management responsibilities

Professional experience in event and/or program management

Demonstrated ability to engage and effectively communicate with diverse audiences and alumni

Ability to travel and work non-standard hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends

Ability to lift 25 pounds with or without assistance of equipment (i.e. cart)

Must have a valid driver's license or the ability to obtain a driver's license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.

Preferred Job Qualifications

Experience working with volunteers in the production/support of events and programs

Experience working with volunteer-led groups/chapters, locally and nationally

Experience building constituent engagement through events and programs

Experience working with constituent databases and analyzing data

Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and quality in work produced

Strong interpersonal communication skills and an ability to manage demanding work situations

Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team and to thrive in a creative, fast-paced environment

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and strong information technology skills

Experience in alumni relations, non-profit associations, or higher education

Knowledge of Colorado State University

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryAlumni Volunteer Opportunities, Engagement, Relationships

Duty/Responsibility

Develops and directs the overall volunteer strategy to engage local and national alumni volunteers with the intention of strengthening their connection to CSU .

Collaborates with team members to expand and strengthen Ram Networks (alumni chapters) in Colorado as well as nationwide

Offers expert program and volunteer management guidance and establishes benchmarks to measure success. Directs Alumni Association staff and their teams in proper implementation of volunteer strategy as well as integrating volunteerism within other alumni engagement efforts.

Provides leadership of volunteer-driven opportunities to maximize success and create a meaningful experience for alumni, volunteers, and participants.

Develops and implements a broad cross-section of meaningful volunteer engagement for alumni locally, regionally, and nationally.

Identifies, cultivates, and maintains key campus partnerships to identify and create volunteer opportunities to support a robust volunteer program, and increase alumni involvement and support of CSU through volunteering.

Creates & implements volunteer stewardship strategies and initiatives, as well as alumni engagement opportunities. Builds relationships with alumni volunteers and works to ensure positive volunteer experiences.

Considers an array of experiences and develops relationships with volunteers to ensure alumni with different backgrounds and interests might find meaningful ways to participate in programming opportunities.

Responsible for managing volunteer data including but not limited to tracking volunteer hours, coding volunteer names and projects, creating and running reports regarding volunteer metrics, and using data to identify prospective volunteers.

Percentage Of Time50%

Job Duty CategoryEvent/Program Development and Production

Duty/Responsibility

Develop, design, and direct all event planning details including but not limited to: independently negotiating terms and contracts with vendors for services related to an event, invitation and guest list management, communications and marketing, menus, audio visual and facility requirements, event set-up, design and décor, and executing contracts and agreements in accordance with University and State regulations.

Work alongside Alumni Association team to create, plan, and strategize alumni engagement opportunities, events, and programs locally, regionally, and nationally.

Participation in alumni programming locally, regionally, and nationally.

Responsible for risk management assessment in relation to each event to ensure safety and comfort of alumni volunteers and event/program guests.

Manage on-site event production, including directing team members and alumni volunteers involved in the production of each event or program.

Ensure that events, programming, and communications are customer-service oriented and are welcoming and inclusive of various backgrounds and interests.

Percentage Of Time40%

Job Duty CategoryOperations, Campus Involvement

Duty/Responsibility

Manage a $20,000 program budget and comply with university financial policies. Recommend avenues to increase revenue streams and how funds are directed and facilitate requests for additional funds when needed.

Serve as Alumni Association representative and liaison to division and university committees.

Exercise initiative, sound judgment, creativity and discretion in performing work assigned, anticipating and addressing concerns, responding to requests for information, and organizing and maintaining confidential files and records.

Contribute to the total effectiveness of the department, communicating openly, solving problems proactively, offering creative ideas and working as a positive, engaged team member.

Understand and utilize University Advancement alumni database in a variety of facets, including analysis of demographic data, program/event management, and volunteer tracking. Monitor trends to increase alumni engagement and make recommendations to staff and senior leadership for enhancement or changes.

Percentage Of Time10%

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver's License, Travel

Search ContactRay Beresford, ray.beresford@colostate.edu

EEO

Colorado State University ( CSU ) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested3

Maximum Requested3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Will you have a completed bachelor's degree by the desired start date of this position?

Yes

No

Do you have two years of experience that includes volunteer recruitment and/or volunteer management responsibilities, including internship and part time experience

Yes

No

Do you have professional experience in event and/or program management?

Yes

No

Do you have a demonstrated ability to engage and effectively communicate with diverse audiences and alumni?

Yes

No

Do you have the ability to travel and work non-standard hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends with a valid driver's license and reliable transportation or access to a driver?

Yes

No

Do you have the ability to lift 25 pounds with or without assistance

Yes

No

Do you have a valid driver's license or the ability to obtain a driver's license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.

Yes

No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Cover Letter

Resume

Optional Documents