University of Minnesota
Associate Director of Student and Recent Alumni Engagement
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400
Associate Director of Student and Recent Alumni Engagement
Position overview: The University of Minnesota Alumni Association is seeking a creative and strategic leader to shape and expand student and recent alumni engagement efforts, with a focus on bridging the transition from campus to lifelong alumni connection. The role involves designing and delivering programs, events, and communications that spark belonging, support career aspirations, and establish a foundation for lifelong engagement with the University. Collaboration with campus partners, alumni volunteers, and colleagues will strengthen traditions, celebrate milestones, and launch strategies to keep alumni connected in the first decade after graduation.
Position Details The Director of Student & Recent Alumni Engagement will lead initiatives that inspire students and recent graduates to stay connected to each other and to the University, cultivating the next generation of alumni leaders and advocates. This role, reporting to the Associate Vice President of Alumni Engagement, will craft and implement strategies to expand UMAA membership among students and recent graduates, elevate career and mentorship opportunities, and ensure a meaningful connection to the University.
This position reports to the Associate Vice President of Engagement. The University of Minnesota Alumni Association offers flexible remote-working options; specifics 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, UMAA’s online platform for career-advice, networking, and mentorship, and the micro-internship program embedded within the network.
Develop and execute career and professional development opportunities that connect students and 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 UMAA (25%).
Develop and implement engagement programs to deepen ties among students and foster lifelong connection with the U.
Collaborate with Marketing to grow student membership and lead engagement experiences for students nearing graduation (e.g., Grad Fest, Send Off).
Partner with campus teams to increase belonging and affinity through events, communications, and shared resources (including UMAA’s presence during Orientation, Welcome Week, and Family Weekend).
Develop communications to all students reinforcing community, traditions, pride, and opportunities for alumni support.
Support and reinforce campus traditions; develop new ones as appropriate.
Grow breadth and depth of recent alumni engagement (25%).
Design and execute a recent alumni engagement strategy delivering relevant programs, services, and communications for the first decade after graduation.
Collaborate with Marketing to grow recent graduate membership and enhance existing programming with UMAA colleagues.
Develop communications to new graduates to introduce UMAA and its support for alumni.
Manage and support the strategic direction of the Student and Recent Alumni Council of the UMAA Board of Directors (5%).
Serve as primary staff liaison to the Student and Recent Alumni Council and coordinate meeting schedules and strategic direction with council directors.
Coordinate logistics for council meetings throughout the year.
Manage overall student and recent alumni engagement efforts for UMAA (5%).
Manage budgets related to student and recent alumni engagement; participate in staff meetings, planning, and reporting.
Represent UMAA on University committees as assigned; staff UMAA events including evenings and weekends; pursue ongoing professional development.
Employer retains the right to assign other duties as needed.
Qualifications 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; ability to work across teams and with external partners.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects with 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 non-profit programming.
Ability to manage budgets effectively and allocate resources strategically.
Experience with virtual and in-person event planning.
Proven ability to build partnerships across departments or organizations.
Proficiency with digital marketing tools, event platforms, project management software, and related technologies.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
About The Department The University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) fosters a lifelong spirit of belonging by connecting alumni, students, and friends to the University. UMAA offers flexible working options with a remote-work philosophy; specifics will be discussed during the interview stage. The Engagement Department engages alumni, students, and friends through virtual and physical programs and services relevant to alumni and meaningful to the University.
Pay And Benefits Pay Range: $57,000-65,000 (depending on education/qualifications/experience)
Time Appointment Category: 75%-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
Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
Professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by Regents Tuition Benefit
Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Flexible spending accounts and HSA contributions
Disability and employer-paid life insurance
Employee wellbeing programs and strong retirement plans
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
Employee Assistance Program with counseling
Transit benefits
How To Apply The priority application deadline is October 13, 2025. Applications received after this date will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Submit:
A cover letter addressing your interest and qualifications
A resume
A list of 3 references
Diversity The University recognizes and values diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience and supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University provides equal access and opportunity 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.
Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Prospective employees are expected to be eligible to work. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About The U Of M The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) is among the largest public research universities, offering a wide range of study and research opportunities. Located in a vibrant metropolitan area, the campus benefits from extensive partnerships across health centers, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors. The university has been recognized as a top workplace by various publications.
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Position Details The Director of Student & Recent Alumni Engagement will lead initiatives that inspire students and recent graduates to stay connected to each other and to the University, cultivating the next generation of alumni leaders and advocates. This role, reporting to the Associate Vice President of Alumni Engagement, will craft and implement strategies to expand UMAA membership among students and recent graduates, elevate career and mentorship opportunities, and ensure a meaningful connection to the University.
This position reports to the Associate Vice President of Engagement. The University of Minnesota Alumni Association offers flexible remote-working options; specifics 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, UMAA’s online platform for career-advice, networking, and mentorship, and the micro-internship program embedded within the network.
Develop and execute career and professional development opportunities that connect students and 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 UMAA (25%).
Develop and implement engagement programs to deepen ties among students and foster lifelong connection with the U.
Collaborate with Marketing to grow student membership and lead engagement experiences for students nearing graduation (e.g., Grad Fest, Send Off).
Partner with campus teams to increase belonging and affinity through events, communications, and shared resources (including UMAA’s presence during Orientation, Welcome Week, and Family Weekend).
Develop communications to all students reinforcing community, traditions, pride, and opportunities for alumni support.
Support and reinforce campus traditions; develop new ones as appropriate.
Grow breadth and depth of recent alumni engagement (25%).
Design and execute a recent alumni engagement strategy delivering relevant programs, services, and communications for the first decade after graduation.
Collaborate with Marketing to grow recent graduate membership and enhance existing programming with UMAA colleagues.
Develop communications to new graduates to introduce UMAA and its support for alumni.
Manage and support the strategic direction of the Student and Recent Alumni Council of the UMAA Board of Directors (5%).
Serve as primary staff liaison to the Student and Recent Alumni Council and coordinate meeting schedules and strategic direction with council directors.
Coordinate logistics for council meetings throughout the year.
Manage overall student and recent alumni engagement efforts for UMAA (5%).
Manage budgets related to student and recent alumni engagement; participate in staff meetings, planning, and reporting.
Represent UMAA on University committees as assigned; staff UMAA events including evenings and weekends; pursue ongoing professional development.
Employer retains the right to assign other duties as needed.
Qualifications 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; ability to work across teams and with external partners.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects with 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 non-profit programming.
Ability to manage budgets effectively and allocate resources strategically.
Experience with virtual and in-person event planning.
Proven ability to build partnerships across departments or organizations.
Proficiency with digital marketing tools, event platforms, project management software, and related technologies.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
About The Department The University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) fosters a lifelong spirit of belonging by connecting alumni, students, and friends to the University. UMAA offers flexible working options with a remote-work philosophy; specifics will be discussed during the interview stage. The Engagement Department engages alumni, students, and friends through virtual and physical programs and services relevant to alumni and meaningful to the University.
Pay And Benefits Pay Range: $57,000-65,000 (depending on education/qualifications/experience)
Time Appointment Category: 75%-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
Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
Professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by Regents Tuition Benefit
Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Flexible spending accounts and HSA contributions
Disability and employer-paid life insurance
Employee wellbeing programs and strong retirement plans
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
Employee Assistance Program with counseling
Transit benefits
How To Apply The priority application deadline is October 13, 2025. Applications received after this date will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Submit:
A cover letter addressing your interest and qualifications
A resume
A list of 3 references
Diversity The University recognizes and values diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience and supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University provides equal access and opportunity 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.
Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Prospective employees are expected to be eligible to work. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About The U Of M The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) is among the largest public research universities, offering a wide range of study and research opportunities. Located in a vibrant metropolitan area, the campus benefits from extensive partnerships across health centers, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors. The university has been recognized as a top workplace by various publications.
#J-18808-Ljbffr