Assistant Director of Alumni Relations

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia in Athens, GA seeks an Assistant Director of Alumni Relations to lead young alumni engagement, oversee the Young Alumni Council, and collaborate with DAR and campus partners to grow philanthropic involvement.

You will coordinate volunteer training, manage programs and events, and guide outreach to alumni and potential donors, ensuring alignment with university priorities and confidentiality in donor information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.
• Experience in volunteering and alumni relations preferred.
• Strong communication and outreach skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategy and annual goals for targeted alumni engagement initiatives.
• Plan and implement Young Alumni Council membership and training.
• Coordinate volunteer recruitment and staff support for alumni boards.
• Collaborate on events, communications, and donor stewardship.

Skills

Volunteer management

Event planning

Relationship building

Communications

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Social media

Job description

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director, the Assistant Director of Alumni Relations manages the Office of Alumni Relations’ young alumni engagement efforts, oversees the Young Alumni Council, and partners with the Division of Development & Alumni Relations (DAR) and campus colleagues to increase young alumni philanthropic engagement. The role includes volunteer training and recruitment, marketing collaborations with university departments, and stewardship of young alumni donors.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Volunteer management experience.
• Sales and marketing experience.
• Communications experience.
• Experience working in fundraising and nonprofit setting.
• Familiarity with the university setting.
• Ability to establish the trust of colleagues and build strong relationships with key faculty/staff.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality regarding university business and donor information.
• Exhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the University of Georgia.

Responsibilities

Volunteer Engagement and Management

• Develop strategy and annual goals for targeted young alumni engagement initiatives, overseeing the management, planning, implementation, and follow‑up of alumni volunteer needs, specifically for the Young Alumni Council.
• Plan and implement Young Alumni Council membership efforts to ensure member readiness as peer‑to‑peer ambassadors and support Alumni Relations engagement goals.
• Responsible for training and coaching council leaders; oversee quarterly council sessions.
• Participate in volunteer recruitment, utilizing established protocols to identify, qualify, and engage alumni volunteers, advocates, and prospective donors through relationship‑building and strategic outreach with a focus on in‑person visits.
• Provide staff support to identified volunteers on the University of Georgia Alumni Board of Directors and committees; assist with board activities as assigned.

Experiential Engagement and Programming

• Plan and execute one signature event and one signature program to increase young alumni engagement, strategically managing communications, partnerships, and event follow‑up with attendees.
• Partner with Regional Development and other Development team members to increase young alumni participation post‑event.
• Ensure young alumni communication efforts are aligned with DAR and university mission and values; oversee the development and execution of social media communications with DAR Communications.
• Operate within DAR best practices and frameworks for successful event execution and collaboration.

Philanthropic Engagement

• Manage strategy to increase philanthropic engagement among young alumni to the Young Alumni Finish the Drill Scholarship, partnering with DAR colleagues, Alumni Relations team members, and campus departments to identify and implement pathways to increase engagement.
• Use data to drive decision making and identify targets for young alumni participation and engagement.
• Assist division colleagues in meeting key metrics for young alumni participation and involve the young alumni council in university‑wide fundraising efforts.
• Create and maintain engagement plans for council volunteers with potential as major‑gift donors, leadership annual gift donors, or board pipeline prospects.

Strategy and Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with DAR and campus colleagues to identify young alumni for department and/or division‑sponsored opportunities; support and attend DAR and campus events for young alumni.
• In partnership with DAR colleagues, school and college contacts, other alumni relations staff, and the University of Georgia Division of Student Affairs, implement targeted outreach strategies to student leaders about young alumni engagement opportunities.
• Proactively communicate with alumni directors in schools and colleges about young alumni initiatives hosted by Alumni Relations.
• Support DAR, Alumni Relations, and other campus events as needed.

Program Administration

• Meet established performance metrics, regularly updating the Giving and Alumni Information Link (GAIL) system with meetings, interactions, and notes regarding alumni contact.
• Assist in budget oversight by managing assigned event and program budgets.
• Support hiring, training, supervision, and development of student assistants.

Department Collaboration

• Other projects and duties as assigned by the Senior Director and Executive Director.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Volunteer management and event planning experience.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize competing priorities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to outstanding customer service.
• Ability to motivate, coach, and lead groups and individuals.
• Collaborative, team‑based work style.
• Creative thinker who receives constructive feedback.
• Computer competency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and social media outlets.
• Quick learner, self‑starter, adaptable to a fast‑paced, multi‑faced, dynamic organization.
• Ability to articulate proposals clearly and concisely.
• Model professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct.

Physical Demands

• Work in a standard office environment or vehicle for extended periods.
• Hold a valid driver’s license and drive as needed for job duties.
• Travel in and out of state.
• Work nights and weekends as necessary.
• Use electronic mail, telephone, face‑to‑face discussions, paper correspondence.
• Communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listening.
• Organize and prioritize; remember details; multi‑task.
• Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Walk, stand, stoop, kneel, climb.

Position Requirements

• Driving is a responsibility of this position.
• Position is a position of trust.
• Position has operation, access, or control of financial resources.
• Position does not require a P‑Card, and having a P‑Card is not essential.
• Position does not involve direct interaction or care of children under 18 or direct patient care.
• Position requires security access.

Background Check and Credit Investigation

• A credit check will be required for positions with financial responsibilities.
• Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a criminal background check and verification of credentials and employment history.
• Additional drug testing may be required for high‑risk responsibilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).