Assistant Director, Alumni Engagement (Signature Experiences)

University of Denver; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Tuition benefit

ECO pass

Job summary

The University of Denver is seeking an Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement, Signature Experiences, to advance DU’s alumni programs and reunion initiatives. This centrally-based role collaborates with colleagues across Advancement, planning memorable events and meaningful alumni experiences that connect graduates with the university’s mission.

Reporting to the Director, the role oversees large-scale traditions, student-to-alumni transitions, and volunteer programs, while refining offerings to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• 3 years of professional experience including at least 1 year in alumni, donor, constituent relations or relationship-based sales.
• Preferred experience in volunteer management, alumni engagement, and/or fundraising in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Execute a wide range of alumni programs and signature experiences within reunions and life-stage events.
• Lead alumni discovery and volunteer engagement, mentoring volunteers and coordinating hosts and committees.
• Maintain CRM records, track progress toward goals, and manage projects in alignment with university policies.
• Represent the Advancement division at events and foster an inclusive, values-driven alumni community.

Skills

Alumni engagement

Volunteer management

Relationship building

Event planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the University of Denver

The University of Denver (DU) is the oldest independent private university in the Rocky Mountain region, serving approximately 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students. DU is classified as an R1: Doctoral University, a designation recognizing the highest level of research activity among U.S. institutions.

At DU, we approach higher education with the confident optimism and pragmatic independence that define the Rocky Mountain West. It sets us apart. We’re preparing students to become the solutions in their own stories, empowering them to face uncertainty with confidence and uncommon sense.

We’re fiercely ambitious and forward‑thinking, surpassing all expectations to redefine success and how to achieve it. As a top‑tier private R-1 institution, we are dedicated to making the world a better place –contributing to our communities and making positive change in the world.

About DU Advancement

DU Advancement drives meaningful connections and partnerships to support DU’s mission of advancing the public good. By championing philanthropy, engaging alumni, and fostering collaborative initiatives, we empower innovation, inspire transformation, and showcase what DU can do to create positive change in the world.

This spirit is at the heart of The Denver Difference campaign. As DU’s most ambitious campaign yet, we are reimagining what the university experience can and should be. By preparing students for success in all aspects of life, DU is setting a new standard for higher education.

DU Advancement reflects the excellence and innovation of the university itself. Through alumni engagement, development, operations, and communications leadership, we are fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy to support our bold vision for the future.

About the Development & Alumni Engagement Team

Rooted in service to the mission of the University, DU’s development & alumni engagement team is dedicated to driving results in engagement and philanthropy that unleash the University of Denver's bold aspirations to their fullest effect. DU’s development and alumni engagement team is core to the success of The Denver Difference campaign, building connections with constituents who find purpose and meaning in their support, affinity and engagement with the University of Denver.

Within this team, dedicated alumni engagement professionals collaborate frequently with advancement colleagues, faculty and staff partners, and alumni volunteer leaders to align efforts, maximize impact, and ensure alumni have multiple avenues to remain involved with DU. This includes a suite of engagement programming including signature experiences such as Homecoming, life-stage and reunion programs, networks that gather alumni and friends of the university based on regional, interest and professional commonalities, volunteerism initiatives, and individual relationship-building efforts. With an unwavering focus on fostering a vibrant alumni network that supports DU and the next generation of students, DU’s centrally- and academic-unit-based alumni engagement officers blend hospitality, strategic vision, and heartfelt relationship-building to create unforgettable experiences and enduring connections —welcoming alumni home while shaping the future of DU’s alumni network.

About the Opportunity

The University of Denver is seeking a driven and passionate professional to join our Advancement team as the Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement, Signature Experiences. This centrally-based role is a unique opportunity for a skilled professional to join a dynamic, purposeful enterprise united around a compelling vision charted by Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. The incumbent will be part of the university-wide advancement team and will work with a community of talented professionals advancing the mission of the University of Denver and representing the bold ideas of our faculty to inspire engagement and philanthropy.

Reporting to the Director of Alumni Engagement, Signature Experiences, the Assistant Director will execute a wide range of alumni programs, creating meaningful opportunities for graduates to celebrate, reconnect, and deepen their lifelong relationship with the institution. This role will play a role in large-scale annual traditions, and will be directly responsible for executing individual events and programs as part of the university’s reunion program, life-stage engagement initiatives and volunteerism strategy, as outlined in the university’s alumni engagement strategic plan.

The Assistant Director implements experiences that connect alumni to the university and one another through shared traditions, community celebrations, and experiences that add value to alumni across their lives. Specific initiatives led by this role include the University Alumni Council Programming Committee’s Meet@ event series, student-to‑alumni transition and recent graduate initiatives, Dear Student volunteer program, and the department’s volunteer partnership with undergraduate admissions.

The Assistant Director will have the opportunity to refine existing offerings and play a key role in developing and executing new programs in a highly collaborative environment, ensuring that signature components of DU’s alumni engagement program remain vibrant, inclusive, aligned with institutional priorities, and responsive to the evolving interests of a multifaceted alumni population.

Essential Functions

Signature Events, Experiences and Programs

• Implement a portfolio of alumni engagement programs that create meaningful opportunities for graduates to celebrate, reconnect, and deepen their lifelong relationship with the university. Execute key initiatives within the university's signature experiences strategy, including reunion programming, life-stage engagement efforts, the Meet@ event series, student-to‑alumni transition programs, recent graduate initiatives, and volunteerism initiatives outlined in the alumni engagement strategic plan. Support planning and execution of large-scale annual traditions, including Homecoming and other university-wide celebrations, in partnership with colleagues across Advancement and campus. Establish program goals, assessment measures, and evaluation plans to track participation, volunteer involvement, constituent feedback, and overall impact. Collaborate closely with colleagues in Advancement and across campus to deliver high-quality programs that advance institutional priorities. Identify opportunities to enhance existing programs and develop new experiences that respond to alumni interests and evolving engagement trends.

Alumni Discovery and Volunteer Engagement

• Conduct one‑on‑one outreach and relationship‑building with alumni to identify interests and connect constituents with meaningful engagement opportunities. Recruit, onboard, support, and recognize alumni volunteers who serve as event hosts, mentors, advocates, committee members, Dear Student volunteers, admissions volunteers, and other engagement roles. Partner with individual members of the Programming Committee of the University Alumni Council, supporting events and experiences that expand alumni engagement. Build and maintain strong relationships with volunteers through regular communication, training, stewardship, and recognition. Foster a culture of volunteerism that strengthens alumni affinity, pride, and connection to the university. Encourage alumni to deepen their engagement through progressively meaningful volunteer experiences and philanthropic participation, including 1DAY4DU. Meet assigned goals related to alumni discovery visits, volunteer engagement, and event participation.

Operations and Data Management

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of alumni interactions and contact reports in the CRM system. Track and report on progress to individual goals. Manage projects and initiatives in alignment with University policies and advancement best practices.

University Citizenship

• Serve as an engaged and collaborative member of the Alumni Engagement team, contributing to the successful execution of the university's alumni engagement strategy. Represent the Advancement division and university at alumni, campus, and community events with professionalism and commitment to DU's mission and values. Collaborate with colleagues across Advancement and campus to support alumni engagement, volunteerism, student success, and institutional priorities. Promote an inclusive culture where all community members feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to participate, while demonstrating ongoing learning, self‑awareness, and appreciation for diverse perspectives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of alumni engagement and volunteer management principles and tactics
• Ability to build rapport with established and new volunteers and align toward shared goals
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong commitment to quality, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, adapt to changing needs, and meet deadlines across overlapping projects and timelines.
• Advanced interpersonal and communication skills, including clear, professional written and verbal communication with alumni, volunteers, students, vendors, and campus partners.
• Sound judgment, with the ability to handle complex or escalated situations with professionalism, discretion, and tact.
• Demonstrated initiative and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to identify process improvements, anticipate needs, and resolve issues proactively.
• Ability to exercise discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism while managing sensitive information, budgets, and institutional relationships.
• Ability to adjust to shifting priorities and incorporate feedback.
• Ability to work closely with a supervisor to develop effective individual relationship development strategies
• Understanding of the institution’s mission, programs and priorities.
• Ability to serve as a positive ambassador for the team and Advancement.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite
• Experience with accurately entering, updating and managing constituent and program data in a CRM or other database

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience (Veterans with equivalent combination of military certification/education and experience may substitute for this qualification).
• 3 years of professional experience including at least 1 year of alumni, donor, constituent relations or relationship‑based sales experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in volunteer management, alumni engagement, and/or fundraising in higher education or a similarly complex non‑profit organization

Working Environment

• Standard open office environment
• Noise level is quiet to moderate
• Eligible for hybrid work
• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends as required for events
• Occasional out‑of‑state travel for university events and constituent engagement

Physical Activities

• Ability to use a computer for an extended period
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs. with assistance

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Application Deadline

For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) October 19, 2026.

Salary Grade Number:

The salary grade for the position is 10.

Salary Range:

The salary range for this position is $62,000-$72,000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:

• The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass.

The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, and local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver’s Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are based upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history and National Sex Offender Registry background check.