Alumni Engagement Manager

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least four years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated experience in relationship building, serving as a lead in project management or event planning

Preferred Qualifications

• 5-8 years of development, alumni relations, project management, event management, communications, marketing or other transferrable experience
• Background in and/or knowledge of and interest in the biological sciences, alumni relations, and community engagement
• Experience working with managing a budget and using event-related applications (formstack and DMS event module)
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with excellent judgment and attention to detail but also collaboratively in a team environment.
• Exceptional organization, planning, and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of higher education and familiarity with University systems/structure

As a member of the College of Biological Sciences’ (CBS) advancement team, the Alumni Engagement Manager works to increase alumni engagement by building affinity with the college through strategic programs, events, and initiatives. CBS introduced an alumni relations position as part of the Advancement team in 2023. Since then, regional and national events, an alumni survey, and internal partnerships have contributed to the foundation of strategic alumni engagement work within the college. The person in this role will drive the development of a comprehensive alumni engagement plan and collaborate with units and departments within the College to ensure alumni efforts are coordinated and strategic. They will serve as the College’s liaison with other colleges’ alumni efforts and the University’s Alumni Association.

Work Arrangements: This position is expected to operate as part of a hybrid team with a mostly on-campus presence. The University of Minnesota endorses “ Work. With Flexibility ,” and we offer a flexible work environment that meets the needs of our students, faculty, staff, and partners we serve. Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends (1-2x a month). Onsite location: Snyder Hall, St. Paul Campus. Ability to travel to regional and national locations.

The College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota is dedicated to advancing knowledge of the living world and using those insights to contribute to a healthier planet and people. The College delivers an exceptional student experience with a strong emphasis on active learning and research, and a deep commitment to identifying and implementing the best approaches to biology education. Home to five academic departments – two shared with the University of Minnesota Medical School – a research institute, two field stations, and a plant conservatory, the College serves as the connective tissue across disciplines from medicine to agriculture.

Strategic Alumni Engagement (60%)

• Work with CBS collegiate leadership to develop and execute a holistic plan for engaging alumni along the continuum from recent graduates to retired individuals.
• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of the CBS graduate and undergraduate student experience (e.g., undergraduate programs, signature events, and milestones, points of pride) to fully maximize the alumni and student experience.
• Develop and partner with CBS units on programming designed to engage alumni at current student activities and events including mentoring programs, speaking engagements, and professional networking opportunities.
• Build positive relationships with members of the internal CBS community (faculty, staff, students) through event attendance, speaking opportunities, and involvement in college activities that instill the concept of “alumni” in the student experience.
• Build connections and develop relationships with alumni across key industries and leverage relationships for current students, the broader alumni-base, and philanthropic opportunities.
• Utilize recent alumni survey data to create unique experiences for CBS alumni in a variety of life stages in order to strengthen affinity towards the College and grow the philanthropic pipeline.
• Collaborate with CBS Communications to lead and shape alumni-related messaging, by providing strategic input, content expertise, and feedback to ensure effective and engaging communications.
• Develop strategic partnerships with other University units on meaningful collaborations that advance the College's and University's alumni engagement goals.
• Leverage and analyze data to evaluate return on investment performance metrics for alumni programs and events.
• Represent the College of Biological Sciences at University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) and University meetings.
• Serve as a member of the CBS Advancement team, ensuring that alumni engagement efforts align with and contribute to the College's advancement strategy.

Event planning and management (35%)

• Plan, manage, and execute alumni and other advancement events.
• Partner with CBS departments and units to create unique in-person and virtual alumni engagement experiences via existing programming or by creating new opportunities.
• Partner with UMF MEvents team on event-related communications, invite lists, and attendee management.

Administrative Duties (5%)

• Manage and track alumni relations budget.
• Record alumni engagement (e.g., event attendance and volunteering) in the University’s donor management system (DMS).

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.

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).