Assistant Director of Development Operations (ALUMNI EXTERNAL REL SPEC 3)

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); Hybrid; USD 837,000 - 893,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Davis is seeking an experienced Assistant Director of Development Operations for the School and Unit Programs Office. The role focuses on developing and implementing alumni and donor engagement initiatives, coordinating programs, events, policies, and stakeholder groups to advance institutional goals.

This position provides leadership in day-to-day operations, innovates engagement and fundraising programs, and collaborates with internal partners to maximize outreach and donor participation

Qualifications

• The position requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience providing and managing administrative, operational, and logistical support for programs and events.
• Experience planning and executing complex programs or events with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse constituencies using various engagement methods.
• Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking skills to assess risks and opportunities.
• Ability to translate constituent interests into effective engagement and communications.
• Proven project management skills with deadlines and detail orientation.

Responsibilities

• Provide operations support and data analysis for School & Unit Programs.
• Support stewardship, alumni, and volunteer engagement programs.
• Assist in events and programming planning and execution.
• Support constituent communications and relationship management.

Skills

Administrative support

Scheduling coordination

Logistics management

Relationship building

Data analysis

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM platforms

Analytics tools

Digital engagement systems

Job description

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of Development Operations, School and Unit Programs serves as an experienced professional responsible for developing and implementing complex alumni and donor engagement and development initiatives for the School and Unit Programs Office. This position plans, develops and implements strategies for specific programs, events, policies, constituency groups, while advancing the School and Unit Programs Office’s goals.

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of Development Operations, School and Unit Programs serves as an experienced professional responsible for developing and implementing complex alumni and donor engagement and development initiatives for the School and Unit Programs Office. This position plans, develops and implements strategies for specific programs, events, policies, constituency groups, while advancing the School and Unit Programs Office’s goals. The Assistant Director of Operations, School and Unit Programs independently engages in day-to-day alumni and donor relations operations and participates in the creation of innovative engagement and fundraising programs. This position collaborates with internal partners to maximize outreach, volunteer and donor participation, and constituent connections. The Assistant Director works closely with the central development office and the 20 plus colleges, schools, and units being served to create and execute development efforts, and key engagement events, including initiatives such as the Development Officer Bootcamp, Faculty and Staff Education and the Philanthropic Leadership Council of the UC Davis Foundation Trustees. This position collaborates with stakeholders and managers to design and implement comprehensive development including alumni, donor, and volunteer engagement programs in alignment with institutional priorities and the strategic goals of the School and Unit Programs Office. The Assistant Director provides leadership in improving business processes, recommending policy or procedural enhancements, and developing training related to development operations. This position requires good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions, and works collaboratively, and collegially as part of a large, matrix organization.

Apply By Date

August 29, 2026 at 11:59pm.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Demonstrated experience providing and managing administrative, operational, and logistical support for programs, events, projects, or senior leaders, including coordinating schedules, preparing materials, and managing competing priorities and complex logistics involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience with planning, coordinating, and executing complex programs or events in a service-oriented environment using professionalism, tact, and discretion. Experience evaluating program or event outcomes and using data, feedback, or trends to inform improvements.
• Experience building and sustaining relationships with diverse constituencies (e.g., alumni, donors, volunteers, faculty, staff, community partners, and/or internal stakeholders) using a variety of engagement methods.
• Demonstrated research, analytical, and critical thinking skills, including the ability to assess complex situations, identify risks or opportunities, and recommend effective solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to translate constituent interests, motivations, and institutional priorities into effective engagement, stewardship, and communication strategies. Experience developing and delivering written and verbal communications for external audiences, including correspondence, event messaging, stewardship materials, or digital content.
• Demonstrated skill in project management, including planning, organizing, prioritizing, and executing programs or events while meeting deadlines and maintaining attention to detail.

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.
• Familiarity with industry best practices in alumni relations, annual giving, constituent engagement, or stewardship.
• Experience developing multichannel communications, including email, web, social media, and/or print. Experience using CRM platforms, analytics tools, or digital engagement systems to inform strategy.
• Experience managing volunteers, advisory groups, or affinity groups.

Key Responsibilities

• 55% - School & Unit Programs Operations Support/Data Analysis
• 15% - School and Unit Stewardship & Alumni &Volunteer Engagement Program Support
• 15% - School and Unit Events & Programming
• 15% - Constituent Communications & Relationship Management

Department Overview

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: $75,000 - $80,000/yr., commensurate with experience.
• ALUMNI EXTERNAL REL SPEC 3 Classification Full Pay Range: $71,600 - $127,800
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: 21
• UC Job Title: Assistant Director of Development Operations
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift Hours: M-F 8am-5pm
• Location: UC Davis Conference Center, 2nd Floor
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• 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.
• Hybrid/Remote/Onsite: 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.

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
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Frequent 3 to 6 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 Development and Alumni Relations (DEVAR) embraces and values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We are committed to employing and retaining a diverse workforce and have programs and policies in place to ensure all employees can succeed regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender expression, gender identity, gender transition status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship or service in the uniformed services, including protected veterans. In acknowledgment of historical and current injustices faced by marginalized members of our global UC Davis community, we are firmly committed to supporting our Principles of Community and applying tenets of diversity, equity, and inclusion into every aspect of our everyday work and organizational culture.

Special Requirements

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon successful completion of background check(s), including but not limited to criminal record history background check(s).
• The duties or functions of this position include the handling of cash (or cash equivalents).
• 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.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California’s Affinity Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

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

Because we want you to be seen, our recruiting process at UC Davis fosters authenticity, diversity, and inclusion. Studies have shown that some people may not apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Each unique role at UC Davis has a set of requirements and you could be perfect for this role, or you could be perfect for the next role! Don’t meet all the requirements? We still encourage you to apply! #YouBelongHere