External Relations Specialist (ALUMNI EXTERNAL REL SPEC 3 CX)

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits

Hybrid work arrangement

Paid holidays

Professional development

Job summary

The External Relations Specialist at the University of California, Davis develops and implements complex alumni engagement and annual giving initiatives for the ASGP. This role plans programs, events, and college/unit outreach, advancing ASGP goals through collaboration with internal partners and a matrix organization.

It requires independent day-to-day engagement in alumni relations operations, creation of outreach and fundraising programs, and leadership in improving processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience providing and managing administrative and logistical support for programs, events, or projects and executing programs or events with multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and complex logistics.
• Experience planning, coordinating, and executing complex programs or events in a service-oriented environment using professionalism, tact, and discretion.
• Experience developing and delivering written and verbal communications for external audiences, including correspondence, event messaging, stewardship materials, or digital content.
• 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.
• Demonstrated skill in project management, including planning, organizing, prioritizing, and executing programs or events while meeting deadlines and maintaining attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• 40% - Annual Giving & Stewardship Program Support
• 40% - Alumni Events & ASGP Programming
• 10% - Operations/Gift Data Support
• 10% - Constituent Communications & Relationship Management

Skills

Administrative support

Event coordination

External communications

Analytical thinking

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Job Summary

The External Relations Specialist serves as an experienced professional responsible for developing and implementing complex alumni engagement and annual giving initiatives for the Annual & Special Gifts Program (ASGP). This position plans, develops and implements strategies for specific programs, events, and college/school/unit groups, while advancing the Annual & Special Gifts Program goals.

Job Summary

The External Relations Specialist serves as an experienced professional responsible for developing and implementing complex alumni engagement and annual giving initiatives for the Annual & Special Gifts Program (ASGP). This position plans, develops and implements strategies for specific programs, events, and college/school/unit groups, while advancing the Annual & Special Gifts Program goals. This External Relations Specialist independently engages in day-to-day alumni relations operations and participates in the creation of innovative engagement and fundraising programs and initiative. This position collaborates with internal partners to maximize outreach, execute annual giving outreach initiatives, and constituent connections. The External Relations Specialist works closely with the central development office to create and execute annual giving and stewardship efforts, and key engagement events, including initiatives such as Give Day, Crowdfund UC Davis, and digital campaigns. This position collaborates with fundraising staff and managers to design and implement a comprehensive alumni engagement and solicitation program in alignment with institutional priorities and the strategic goals of the Annual & Special Gifts Program. The External Relations Specialist provides leadership in improving business processes, recommending policy or procedural enhancements, and developing training related to alumni relations 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

November 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Demonstrated experience providing and managing administrative and logistical support for programs, events, or projects and executing programs or events with multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and complex logistics.
• Experience with planning, coordinating, and executing complex programs or events in a service-oriented environment using professionalism, tact, and discretion.
• Experience developing and delivering written and verbal communications for external audiences, including correspondence, event messaging, stewardship materials, or digital content.
• 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.
• 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 managing volunteers, advisory groups, or affinity groups.
• Experience working within a large, matrixed, or decentralized organization.

Key Responsibilities

• 40% - Annual Giving & Stewardship Program Support
• 40% - Alumni Events & ASGP Programming
• 10% - Operations/Gift Data Support
• 10% - Constituent Communications & Relationship Management

Department Overview

The Annual and Special Gifts Program (ASGP) serves the university by raising annual or regular gifts for UC Davis. The ASGP is the foundation of the university's development effort, generating a crucial source of revenues by creating an accessible entry point for large numbers of donors: alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff and friends of UC Davis. Many of these individuals will begin a lifetime of giving to UC Davis through ASGP programs, and with appropriate engagement and stewardship, will make increased gifts to benefit the university in the years ahead.

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: $72,000.00 - $80,000.00/yr., commensurate with experience.
• ALUMNI EXTERNAL REL SPEC 3 CX Classification Full Salary Range: $71,600.00 - $127,800.00/yr.
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: ALUMNI EXTERNAL REL SPEC 3 CX
• UC Job Code: 005487
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F 8am-5pm
• Location: Univ Conf Ctr (CONFCNTR)
• Union Representation: CX-Clerical/Admin
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

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
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 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 is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e.g., cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Work occasional evenings and weekends to attend fundraising events and to meet operational needs. Must have access to reliable transportation. Occasional work hours outside standard 8AM-5PM schedule.

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

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

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks