Alumni and External Relations Manager (ALUMNI EXTERNAL REL SPEC 4 CX)

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 156,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Comprehensive benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

University of California, Davis is seeking an Alumni and External Relations Manager to lead strategic alumni engagement and annual giving initiatives for Graduate Studies. The role designs programs, events, and outreach to strengthen relationships with alumni and external constituencies, aligning with Graduate Studies' goals.

The position oversees day-to-day alumni relations, collaborates with internal partners, and partners with the central development office on annual giving and stewardship,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training and professional experience.
• Experience leading engagement strategies, programs, or events that advance organizational goals.
• Experience managing complex projects or high-visibility events with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience advising leadership on alumni engagement, stewardship, or annual giving.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement complex alumni engagement and annual giving initiatives.
• Lead day-to-day alumni relations operations and oversee engagement programs.
• Collaborate with internal partners and central development to maximize outreach and donor participation.
• Design and execute events and digital campaigns, including Give Day and reunions.

Skills

Engagement strategy design

Alumni relations leadership

Project management

Stakeholder communication

Diplomacy & relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training and professional experience

Job description

Job Summary

The Alumni and External Relations Manager serves as a technical and strategic leader responsible for developing and implementing complex alumni engagement and annual giving initiatives for Graduate Studies. Using advanced expertise and a high degree of autonomy, this position designs programs, events, and outreach strategies that strengthen relationships with alumni and external constituencies while advancing Graduate Studies' goals.

Job Summary

The Alumni and External Relations Manager serves as a technical and strategic leader responsible for developing and implementing complex alumni engagement and annual giving initiatives for Graduate Studies. Using advanced expertise and a high degree of autonomy, this position designs programs, events, and outreach strategies that strengthen relationships with alumni and external constituencies while advancing Graduate Studies' goals.

The Alumni and External Relations Manager oversees day-to-day alumni relations operations and leads the creation of innovative engagement and fundraising programs. This position collaborates with internal partners to maximize outreach, volunteer participation, and constituent connections. The Alumni and External Relations Manager works closely with the central development office to create and execute annual giving and stewardship efforts, and key engagement events, including initiatives such as Give Day, reunions, and digital campaigns. This position has the authority and latitude to design and implement a comprehensive alumni engagement program in alignment with institutional priorities and the strategic goals of Graduate Studies. The Alumni and External Relations Manager provides leadership in improving business processes, recommending policy or procedural enhancements, and developing training related to alumni relations operations.

Apply By Date

December 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training and professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading or designing engagement strategies, programs, or events that advance organizational goals and deepen constituent relationships.
• Experience managing complex projects or high-visibility events involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and sensitive issues with institutional reputational implications.
• Experience advising leadership or serving as a subject-matter resource on alumni engagement, stewardship, volunteer management, or annual giving practice.
• Advanced project management skills, including planning and executing complex events or engagement initiatives with measurable objectives, evaluation methods, and continuous improvement practices.
• Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to produce polished executive-level briefings, persuasive proposals, impact reports, board materials, and constituent-facing communications that are tailored to target audiences.
• Advanced knowledge and interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective working relationships with alumni, donors, volunteers, and internal and external constituencies. Political acumen and diplomacy to navigate sensitive situations, build partnerships, and represent the institution to senior leadership, volunteers, donors, and external stakeholders. Skill to recognize potential areas of constituency concern and address, resolve, and/or mitigate issues diplomatically and proactively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Awareness, knowledge, and skill in applying inclusion to one’s work. A profound belief in the value of a safe workforce and a commitment to achieve this goal through collaboration and team building, working cooperatively with a large group of department and campus constituencies.
• Proficiency with CRM/engagement platforms, donor or volunteer databases, and digital communication tools to manage data, track engagement outcomes, and support strategic outreach.
• Experience working in higher education, academic health, or other complex nonprofit institutions, and/or advanced understanding of higher education environments and constituent dynamics.
• Experience working with boards, councils, volunteer leaders, or governance groups.

Key Responsibilities

• 40% - Stewardship & Annual Giving Strategy
• 25% - Graduate Studies Advisory Board Oversight
• 20% - Constituent Communications & Relationship Management
• 15% - Alumni Events & Strategic Programming

Department Overview

Graduate Studies advocates on behalf of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, supports the faculty and staff engaged in delivering graduate education, and administers academic and administrative policies affecting graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in ways that foster a culturally and intellectually diverse environment characterized by high academic standards. Graduate Studies at UC Davis includes more than 100 dynamic degree programs, and a diverse and interactive student body from around the world.

Development & Alumni Relations (DEVAR) provides leadership in building enduring public trust, understanding, and support for UC Davis and its mission of teaching, research, and public service. DEVAR provides leadership, coordination and support services to help the university meet its mission of research, teaching and service by building philanthropic support and executing approved fundraising programs that support the university's highest priorities and initiatives.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Departmental Budgeted Salary Range: $90,000.00-$95,000.00/yr., commensurate with experience.
• ALUMNI EXTERNAL REL SPEC 4 CX Classification Full Salary Range: $88,100.00 - $162,100.00/yr.
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: ALUMNI EXTERNAL REL SPEC 4 CX
• UC Job Code: 005488
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F 8am-5pm
• Location: Walker (WALKER)
• Union Representation: CX-Clerical/Admin
• Shift Hours: M-F 8am-5pm
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• H1-B Eligible: Applicants must be permanently authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work). This position is based in Davis, CA and may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including a hybrid schedule.

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 HoursPushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Must provide own transportation to off-site events and meetings. Work an occasional flexible schedule. Work occasional overtime including evenings, nights and weekends. May be required to work in a busy, open and/or shared office environment with multiple and constant interruptions, traffic, and noise from computers, printers, ringing telephones, and conversations.

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here.

The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks