Assistant Director of Alumni Relations

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Georgia is seeking an Assistant Director of Alumni Relations to lead alumni engagement programs and volunteer leadership initiatives. Reporting to the Senior Director of Alumni Relations, the role manages alumni volunteer programs, supports the Alumni Board, and coordinates engagement with schools, colleges, and campus units.

The position oversees the Bulldog Travel Program, advises on engagement strategies, and helps advance the university’s philanthropic and community-building

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent
• Experience in volunteer management and event planning preferred
• Strong communications and relationship-building skills
• Fundraising and nonprofit experience is highly desirable
• Familiarity with university settings and confidentiality expectations

Responsibilities

• Manages Alumni Board operations, including planning, governance, and leadership engagement.
• Develops volunteer engagement, stewardship, and leadership development strategies.
• Leads recruitment, onboarding, and succession planning for volunteers.
• Creates communications and training materials for volunteers to act as ambassadors for the university.
• Oversees Bulldog Adventures travel program and engagement activities across campuses.
• Coordinates engagement with schools, colleges, and units to strengthen alumni participation.
• Supports planning and execution of DAR signature events and special initiatives.

Skills

Volunteer management

Sales & marketing

Communications

Fundraising

Relationship building

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Social media tools

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number S16067P

Working Title Assistant Director of Alumni Relations

Department DAR-Office of Alumni Relations

About the University of Georgia Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,200 faculty and more than 7,900 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 44,000 students including over 33,000 undergraduates and over 11,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 20 schools and colleges, including the newly established School of Medicine and the Victoria Kay Investor School of Nursing.

About the College/Unit/Department Division of Development and Alumni Relations The Division of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Georgia advances the goals, objectives, and priorities of the university by generating private financial support, building, and maintaining relationships with alumni and donors, and assisting students with career development opportunities. Office of Alumni Relations The UGA Alumni Relations advances the academic excellence, interests, and traditions of Georgia's flagship university by inspiring engagement through relevant programming, enhanced connections, and effective communications.

College/Unit/Department website https://give.uga.edu/ and https://dar.uga.edu/ and https://alumni.uga.edu/about-uga-alumni-association/

Posting Type External

Retirement Plan TRS or ORP

Employment Type Employee

Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time Full Time

Additional Schedule Information 8:00am-5:00pm; Flexibility to work evenings and weekends may be necessary to meet business needs.

Advertised Salary $55,000+ commensurate with qualifications and experience

Posting Date 11/13/2026

Open until filled Yes

Proposed Starting Date 01/01/2027

Special Instructions to Applicants

• This position is structured as a permanent position within the Division of Development & Alumni Relations. We are unable to sponsor a work visa for this position.

Location of Vacancy Athens Area

EEO Policy 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, or 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]).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title Alumni Relations Officer I

FLSA Exempt

FTE 1.00

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 high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to university business and confidential donor and prospect information.
• Exhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the University of Georgia.
• Ability to maintain high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to university business and confidential donor and prospect information.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Alumni Relations serves a critical role in advancing alumni engagement and volunteer leadership initiatives for the University.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Alumni Relations, this position executes the vision and strategy for alumni and volunteer engagement and is responsible for managing alumni volunteer programs, supporting the Alumni Board, overseeing alumni travel opportunities, coordinating engagement efforts with schools, colleges, and units across campus, and assisting with strategic alumni relations events.

The Assistant Director works collaboratively with colleagues throughout Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) and campus partners to strengthen alumni participation, cultivate meaningful volunteer experiences, and support the university's engagement and philanthropic goals.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Critical thinking, strategic planning, and ability to execute tasks at a high level.
• Excellent time management and the ability to prioritize multiple competing priorities.
• Experience in volunteer management and event planning.
• Demonstrates excellent time management and the ability to prioritize multiple competing priorities.
• Demonstrated experience in volunteer management and event planning.
• Exemplary communications skills (both written and verbal).
• Demonstrates a commitment to outstanding customer service.
• Collaborative style combined with the ability and desire to work in a team-based environment
• Creative thinker with ability to receive constructive feedback on ideas.
• Demonstrated computer competency and knowledgeable of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and social media outlets.
• Quick learner, self-starter, and can adapt to a fast paced, multi-faceted, and dynamic organization.
• Ability to articulate a proposal clearly and concisely for a new strategy or solution to a problem so that others can quickly and easily understand.
• Communicates and employs interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct.

Additional Division Expectations

• Through open, honest, and respectful communication, all staff, supervisors, and colleagues of the Division of Development & Alumni Relations are expected to interact with fairness, compassion, and decency. All employees will be held accountable for meeting the expectation of promoting a stable, productive, and healthy work environment.
• Adherence to CASE standards and commonly accepted industry standards relating to fundraising reporting are expected of all fundraisers. All fundraisers will be held accountable for meeting this expectation.

Physical Demands

• Sit for extended periods while working at a computer workstation and during travel as required by job responsibilities
• Hold a valid driver's license
• Driving as needed to perform job duties
• Travel in and out of state as needed to perform job duties
• Work evenings and weekends as needed to perform job duties
• Work using electronic mail, telephone, face-to-face discussions, paper form correspondence
• Communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listening
• Organize and establish priorities; Remember detail; multi-task
• Lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
• Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)? Yes

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties and Responsibilities

Alumni Board and Volunteer Engagement

• Manages Alumni Board operations, including annual planning, board and committee activities, leadership engagement, governance support, and execution of board priorities.
• Develops and implements volunteer engagement, stewardship, recognition, and leadership development strategies that strengthen volunteer effectiveness and participation.
• Leads volunteer recruitment, onboarding, and succession planning efforts to build and sustain a strong leadership pipeline.
• Develops communications, resources, and training materials that prepare volunteers to serve as informed ambassadors and advocates for the University of Georgia.
• Evaluates volunteer engagement trends and recommends strategies, leadership opportunities, and program enhancements to advance alumni engagement goals.

Percentage of time: 35

Bulldog Travel Program Management

• Manages the Bulldog Adventures travel program, including relationships with travel vendors and strategic oversight of participant engagement activities.
• Develops and implements communications, stewardship plans, and engagement strategies that enhance the participant experience and strengthen alumni connections to UGA.
• Determines promotional approaches and engagement opportunities that support program participation and growth.
• Identifies highly engaged alumni and recommends opportunities for volunteer leadership, alumni involvement, and philanthropic engagement.
• Analyzes participation trends and recommends program improvements and growth strategies.

Percentage of time: 20

SCUD Engagement and Alumni Relations Events

• Serves as the primary Office of Alumni Relations liaison for Schools, Colleges, and Units (SCUDs), advancing collaboration and alignment of alumni engagement efforts across campus.
• Develops and delivers training, communications, resources, and best practices that strengthen alumni engagement programs and volunteer management efforts.
• Leads Alumni Director meetings and facilitates collaboration among advancement professionals to identify opportunities, address challenges, and enhance constituent engagement.
• Manages the development and implementation of engagement resources through Advancing the Arch.
• Recommends and implements strategies that strengthen partnerships and increase the effectiveness of alumni engagement activities across the university.
• Leads planning and execution of designated Alumni Relations signature engagement programs, including the Past Presidents Dinner, Bulldog 100 Past Honoree Reception, and other strategic initiatives.

Percentage of time: 25

DAR Signature Event Collaboration

• Collaborates with campus partners and DAR units on engagement strategies that enhance constituent participation and experience and determining alumni engagement approaches, stewardship activities, and follow-up plans associated with major DAR events.
• Represents Alumni Relations on planning committees and provides recommendations that support divisional engagement objectives.

Percentage of time: 10

Special Projects and Departmental Collaboration

• Implements strategic initiatives and priority projects that advance the goals of Alumni Relations and the Division of Development and Alumni Relations.
• Evaluates engagement data, participation metrics, and program outcomes to develop recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Collaborates with campus and DAR partners on cross-functional initiatives that support alumni engagement, volunteer leadership, and constituent relations.
• Performs related duties and special projects as assigned that support the mission and goals of the department and the University.

Percentage of time: 10