Associate Director of External Engagement, Law School

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Minnesota Law School is seeking an Associate Director of External Engagement to lead external engagement strategy, programming, and relationship building with alumni, bench and bar leaders, and other key stakeholders. The role focuses on deepening the Law School’s profile and advancing philanthropy through strategic engagement programs and partnerships.

The position is full-time with in-person work and some remote flexibility, reporting to the Executive Director of Alumni and

Qualifications

• BA/BS Degree and at least 6 years of work in external engagement, alumni relations, fundraising, strategic communications, the legal profession, or closely related fields.
• Superb written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Creativity in developing strategic outreach opportunities and communication.
• Ability to proactively, effectively, and efficiently manage a program portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic engagement programming and oversee marquee engagement programs and volunteer leadership bodies to deepen loyalty, elevate the Law School’s profile, and drive philanthropic support.
• Manage the Dean’s Elite Mentorship Program and recruit staff for Reunion Committees to engage alumni and donors.
• Oversee gift stewardship activities and align messaging with senior leadership and development professionals.

Skills

Alumni relations

Strategic communications

Program management

Stakeholder engagement

Team collaboration

Diplomacy skills

Education

BA/BS Degree

J.D.

Job description

About The Job

The Associate Director of External Engagement is a key member of the Alumni and External Engagement team whose primary role is to lead external engagement strategy, programming, and relationship building with the goal of elevating the Law School’s profile and deepening external connections to the Law School. Reporting to the Executive Director of the Alumni and External Engagement team, the Associate Director of External Engagement engages with key stakeholders within and outside of the law school, including senior leadership, faculty, high-profile alumni, the local and national bench and bar, business and law firm leaders, and other key stakeholders.

This is a full-time, 100%, annually renewable, academic professional position with the majority of the work being in-person with some remote flexibility.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Job Description

(40%) Lead Strategic Engagement Programming

• Provide strategic and creative leadership, execution, and oversight for marquee engagement programs and premier volunteer leadership bodies designed to deepen constituent loyalty, elevate the Law School's profile, and drive philanthropic support among high-profile alumni, bench and bar leaders, and other key stakeholders.
• Oversee and coordinate the Law School’s 30-person Board of Advisors, ensuring the Board delivers on its strategic goals and provides meaningful volunteer leadership to the school. Also serve as the primary liaison for several Board subcommittees.
• Manage the Dean’s Elite Mentorship Program, strategically matching students with alumni leaders and working to maintain strong mentor relationships throughout the academic year and after graduation.
• Recruit, manage, and staff several designated Reunion Committees each year, guiding alumni volunteers through the peer-to-peer outreach and fundraising process to achieve class attendance and philanthropic goals.
• Develop and execute additional meaningful engagement programming that deepens key stakeholder alignment with the Law School's mission.

(45%) Lead Key Stakeholder Engagement

• Cultivate and maintain key relationships among high-profile alumni, bench and bar leaders, and other key stakeholders to advance the Law School's strategic growth, reputation, and long-term success.
• Manage a dedicated group of 80–100 key alumni and stakeholders for whom an engaged relationship with the Law School is essential.
• Oversee, in collaboration with Law Communications, the Career Center, and the Dean’s Office, the distribution of consistent specialized outreach to high-profile alumni, bench and bar leaders, and other key stakeholders, with the goal of elevating the Law School’s profile and strengthening ties to the institution.
• Ensure that bench and bar leaders and other key stakeholders receive messaging about the Law School’s news, events, and other communications, including during Dean’s regional travel.
• Oversee the Law School’s participation in legal community events and organizations to strategically enhance brand visibility and reputation, including managing sponsorships and attendance at events.
• Partner with internal and external colleagues across Development, Admissions, Career Services, Student Affairs, and the Communications teams, and the Dean’s Office, to identify meaningful engagement opportunities, and to seek opportunities for engagement for high-profile alumni and other key stakeholders.
• Manage nominations for prestigious University and bench and bar awards, showcasing the achievements of alumni to enhance the Law School’s reputation.

(15%) Oversee Gift Stewardship Work

• Supervise and manage the Associate Director of Donor Relations in providing ongoing recognition to donors concerning the impact of their giving. Provide direction of day-to-day work, priorities, and planning and execution of stewardship events and initiatives.
• Coordinate with the Associate Director of Stewardship to enhance the Lockhart Club, the Law School’s primary vehicle for recognition of annual giving, to ensure it remains innovative, meaningful, and effective at driving donor loyalty.
• Direct and guide the Associate Director of Stewardship in aligning strategy and messaging with the Dean’s Office, Alumni and External Relations colleagues, Law Communications, and development professionals at the University of Minnesota Foundation.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS Degree and at least 6 years of work in external engagement, alumni relations, fundraising, strategic communications, the legal profession, or closely related fields.
• Superb written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Creativity in developing strategic outreach opportunities and communication.
• Ability to proactively, effectively, and efficiently manage a program portfolio.
• Excellent diplomatic skills and emotional intelligence to work tactfully with a diverse group of internal and external constituents.
• A highly collaborative mindset with demonstrated success working in a team setting.
• Commitment to developing, communicating, and executing strategies with clear metrics of success.

Preferred Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA‑accredited law school.
• Experience working in higher education or in the legal profession.
• Experience interacting with senior‑level lawyers and professionals,

About The Department

About the University of Minnesota Law School

One of the country’s top public law schools, the University of Minnesota Law School is a leader in preparing students to solve the complex social, economic, and ethical issues of our time. Our exceptional faculty, innovative curriculum, and unmatched clinical and experiential learning opportunities equip students for the demands of the 21st century. The Law School attracts a talented and diverse student body from every part of the United States and numerous countries.

About The Alumni And External Engagement Team

The Alumni and External Engagement Team builds deep, purposeful relationships with alumni, stakeholders, and leaders in the legal community throughout the state, nation, and world. The team champions the Law School's mission through a coordinated focus on annual philanthropy, alumni engagement, and service. In partnership with colleagues across the University, the team enhances existing programs and develops new strategies that support Minnesota Law’s core mission while extending the school’s famously collegial sense of community to its more than 14,000 living graduates and enhancing the Law School’s reputation in the bench and bar.

Pay And Benefits

Pay Range: $80,000 to $90,000 annually ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University Offers a Comprehensive Benefits Package That Includes

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer‑paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University Of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022‑2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work‑life flexibility.