Associate Director of Alumni & Industry Relations

University of Georgia; Kentucky; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia's Odum School of Ecology seeks an Associate Director of Alumni & Industry Relations to advance development through alumni ties, corporate partnerships, and donor engagement. This role oversees a stewardship portfolio and manages key events to broaden partnerships and visibility.

Based in Athens, GA, the position collaborates with the Director of Development and central advancement teams, requires strong coordination, strategic outreach, and the ability to travel locally

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience.
• Ability to manage multiple programs and events with discretion and effectiveness.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills for external audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an engagement strategy for corporate and organizational partners.
• Build and sustain partnerships supporting research, student paths and sponsorships.
• Coordinate meetings between prospects and School leadership and fundraising staff.
• Lead initiatives like Industry Partner Program to connect employers with academics.
• Manage alumni/donor portfolio and contribute to stewardship activities.

Skills

Alumni relations

Donor engagement

Event management

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM systems

Database management

Microsoft Office / Word processing

Job description

Associate Director of Alumni & Industry Relations

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Posting Details

Posting Number: S15512P

Working Title: Associate Director of Alumni & Industry Relations

Department: Ecology-Odum School of Ecology

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 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Posting Type: External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible Full/Part time

Full Time Work Schedule: M – F, 8 AM – 5 PM and some after hour and weekend work may be needed.

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date: 07/28/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Closing Date: Proposed Starting Date 09/01/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants: Location of Vacancy Athens Area

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 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 II FLSA Exempt FTE 1.0

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Position Summary

This position is based in the UGA Odum School of Ecology and reports directly to the Director of Development. The Associate Director of Alumni & Industry Relations promotes development through alumni relations, corporate and donor engagement, and event management, connecting stakeholders to the school’s priorities. The Associate Director will independently manage various special projects to expand partnerships, build relationships and increase school visibility. This position will also manage a stewardship portfolio of alumni and corporate donors with the goal of expanding development functions and institutional impact.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Exhibits strong self-initiative; exceptional attention to detail and organization; professionalism; emotional intelligence; and well-developed listening skills.
• Experience managing multiple programs and events simultaneously.
• Ability to articulate the university’s mission and fundraising needs effectively to external audiences.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion.
• Ability to be a part of the larger development efforts of the University of Georgia.
• Ability to have flexibility to work some nights and weekends.
• Skill in Word processing; database management; and email skills are important.
• Speak and listen effectively via telephone and in-person.
• Operate a motor vehicle for frequent local travel.
• Remember, organize, and consistently focus on a large amount of detail and come to appropriate conclusions.
• Consistently manage multiple priorities and adapt to change requests.
• Lift and carry up to 20 pounds, both assisted and unassisted.

Physical Demands

• Normal office environment.
• Speak and listen effectively via telephone and in-person.
• Operate a motor vehicle for frequent local travel.
• Remember, organize, and consistently focus on a large amount of detail and come to appropriate conclusions.
• Consistently manage multiple priorities and adapt to change requests.
• Lift and carry up to 20 pounds, both assisted and unassisted.

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/Responsibilities

Industry Relations

• Develop and implement an engagement strategy for corporate and organizational partners, including identification, qualification, and cultivation.
• Build and sustain internal and community partnerships that support external outcomes, such as research collaboration, student career pathways, and fulfillment/recognition of sponsorships.
• Coordinate meetings between prospects and School leadership, including the Dean, Director of Development, faculty and central advancement staff.
• Lead and expand initiatives such as Industry Partner Program and Eco-Employer of the Day to connect employers and sponsors to research and academics.

Percentage of time 25

Alumni Engagement

• Provide strategic oversight and management of Alumni Board operations, including agenda development, meeting logistics, nominations, onboarding/offboarding, and alignment with School priorities. Plan and coordinate the annual fall meeting in Athens.
• Collaborate with Ecology Communications to develop alumni features, social engagement, e-news and the LinkedIn Eco-Network platform.
• Partner with alumni leaders to develop and execute regional engagement opportunities.

Percentage of time 25

Event Management

• Design and implement a portfolio of programs that engage diverse external audiences, including academic symposia, research showcases, board meetings, speaker engagements, and alumni opportunities. Define priorities, timelines, and outcomes while collaborating with the Ecology Events Coordinator to execute logistical elements.
• Ensure events strategically support development goals, elevate the School’s profile, and foster meaningful connections with stakeholders.
• Assist with personalized donor-facing activities, such as memorials, dedications and special occasions.

Percentage of time 30

Donor Stewardship & Relationship Management

• Manage a stewardship portfolio of 50+ alumni and industry partners that lead to future philanthropic support.
• Develop and deliver up to five donor impact direct marketing emails annually and collaborate with the Development team to produce appropriate acknowledgement and stewardship for gifts.
• Track interactions and outcomes using the University’s advancement systems; ensure accurate and timely documentation.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of academic programs, research initiatives, and outreach efforts to identify opportunities for partnership, visibility, and engagement.
• Serve as a strategic liaison between the Odum School and central units, including UGA Business Engagement, UGA Alumni Relations, and UGA Donor Engagement, ensuring alignment with university-wide advancement goals.
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven environment that supports innovation and excellence.

Percentage of time 20

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact Name Melissa Lee

Recruitment Contact Email [e-mail]

Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* Do you have a valid Driver's license?

• YES
• NO

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents