Director of Alumni Relations

sou; Oregon; On-site; USD 79,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Southern Oregon University is seeking a Director of Alumni Relations to provide strategic leadership for designing and implementing a comprehensive alumni engagement program. Operating with a small unit, this role balances high-level vision with direct, hands‑on execution to connect a diverse alumni base with Southern Oregon University.

This position requires energy, organization, and collaboration with the SOU Alumni Association and the Assistant Director of Engagement to integrate alumni

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• At least four years of progressive, professional experience in alumni relations, higher education administration, admissions, public relations, fundraising, or nonprofit management.
• Demonstrated ability to build programs, manage complex projects independently, and execute major public events with minimal administrative support.
• Exceptional public speaking, presentation, writing, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Flexibility and willingness to work evenings and weekends for campus events, regional programs, and professional travel.
• Must possess and maintain a current, valid Driver License.
• Proficiency in managing social media platforms as well as in standard Microsoft 365 software.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Administration: plan and execute an annual alumni engagement operating plan.
• Plan, develop, and exercise budget authority over the Alumni Relations budget to maximize ROI.
• Utilize data analytics and assessment tools to evaluate programming effectiveness and track alumni metrics.
• Partner with development staff to align alumni activity with major giving priorities and philanthropic pipeline.
• Provide executive staffing and logistical support to the SOUAA Board of Directors; coordinate with the Alumni Association.

Skills

Public speaking

Writing

Interpersonal comms

Event planning

Social media

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Salesforce

Microsoft 365

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

• Date application must be received for priority consideration by: October 9, 2026
• Anticipated Appointment Begin Date: October 26, 2026
• Closing Date or if blank, Open Until Filled:
• Job Family Group: Administrative and Professional
• Division/Department: University Advancement
• Compensation Range (commensurate with experience): $79,283.10-$84,504.83 annually
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Appointment Basis: 12-month
• Time Type: Full-time
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• Renewable/Non-renewable/Grants/Limited Duration: Renewable
• This position must possess and maintain a current, valid Driver License: Yes
• This position is designated as a critical, security-sensitive or safety-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal Background Check: Yes
• Remote Work Type: On Campus
• Work Hours: M-F (8:00a - 5:00p) Hours are subject to change with notice.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Each applicant is required to provide (1) a letter providing some detail of the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position; and (2) current resume/CV.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Director of Alumni Relations provides strategic leadership for the design, implementation, and implementation of the university's comprehensive alumni engagement program. Operating with a small unit, this role balances high-level vision with direct, hands‑on execution to connect a diverse alumni base with Southern Oregon University. Reporting to the Vice President of University Advancement and Director of the SOU Foundation, the Director is responsible for building lifelong affinity, increasing volunteerism, managing community traditions, and generating active support for the university.

This position requires a highly energetic, organized, and collaborative professional capable of working in tandem with the SOU Alumni Association and the Assistant Director of Engagement to integrate alumni engagement initiatives directly into broader university advancement and development goals.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• At least four years of progressive, professional experience in alumni relations, higher education administration, admissions, public relations, fundraising, or nonprofit management.
• Demonstrated ability to build programs, manage complex projects independently, and execute major public events with minimal administrative support.
• Exceptional public speaking, presentation, writing, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Flexibility and willingness to work evenings and weekends for campus events, regional programs, and professional travel.
• Must possess and maintain a current, valid Driver License.
• Proficiency in managing social media platforms as well as in standard Microsoft 365 software.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• Master's degree in higher education administration, communications, business administration, or a related field.
• Supervisory experience.
• Direct experience working within a university environment.
• Proficient working knowledge of advancement databases and donor management software (such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Duties - The following examples are typical work activities that are meant to illustrate the general range of work functions and are not meant to be all-inclusive or restrictive:

(35%) Strategic Leadership and Administration

• Plan and execute an annual strategic alumni engagement operating plan aligned with University Advancement objectives.
• Plan, develop, and exercise budget authority over the Alumni Relations operational budget to maximize program return on investment.
• Utilize data analytics and assessment tools to evaluate the effectiveness of programming, develop and maintain alumni tracking metrics, and report trends to leadership.
• Partner with development staff to align alumni activity with the university's ongoing major giving priorities and philanthropic pipeline.
• Provide executive staffing and logistical support to the SOUAA Board of Directors; partner directly w

RESOURCES & BENEFITS

To view SOU's very generous benefits and pension programs available to eligible positions, please visit https://inside.sou.edu/assets/hrs/Benefits/Benefit_Flyer/2024_Prospective_Candidate_Benefit_Overview_012024.pdf

Our benefits package is an important complement to the offered salary and our Total Compensation Calculator, https://inside.sou.edu/hrs/comp-calc.html, demonstrates our value and commitment to our employees.

For inquiries and additional information, please contact Human Resource Services via email at [e-mail] or by phone at [phone].