Manager, Philanthropy Programs, Annual and Special Gifts Program (ALUMNI EXTERNAL REL SPEC 4)

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); Hybrid; USD 983,000 - 1,809,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Dental & vision coverage

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Parental leave & family support

Job summary

University of California, Davis is seeking a Manager of Philanthropy Programs to lead complex alumni engagement and annual giving initiatives within the ASGP. You will design programs, events, and outreach strategies to deepen relationships with alumni and external constituencies while advancing ASGP goals.

The role requires advanced expertise, autonomy, and the ability to manage high-visibility projects with measurable outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience leading engagement strategies, programs, or events that grow donor relationships.
• Experience managing complex projects or high-visibility events with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience advising leadership on alumni engagement, stewardship, or annual giving.
• Advanced project management skills for complex events with measurable objectives.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication for executive materials.
• Political acumen to navigate sensitive situations and build partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Stewardship & Annual Giving Programs Strategy (50%).
• Donor and Alumni Events & ASGP Strategic Programming (30%).
• Volunteer Engagement & Leadership Development (10%).
• Staff Leadership, Training & Operational Oversight (5%).
• Board/Committee/Council Oversight (5%).

Skills

Strategic leadership

Engagement strategy design

Event planning

Proposal & briefing writing

Stakeholder coordination

Diplomacy & political acumen

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Job Summary

The Manager of Philanthropy Programs serves as a technical and strategic leader responsible for developing and implementing complex alumni engagement and annual giving initiatives for Annual & Special Gifts Program (ASGP). Using advanced expertise and a high degree of autonomy, this position designs programs, events, and outreach strategies that strengthen relationships with alumni and external constituencies while advancing the ASGP’s goals.

The Manager of Philanthropy Programs serves as a technical and strategic leader responsible for developing and implementing complex alumni engagement and annual giving initiatives for Annual & Special Gifts Program (ASGP). Using advanced expertise and a high degree of autonomy, this position designs programs, events, and outreach strategies that strengthen relationships with alumni and external constituencies while advancing the ASGP’s goals.

Apply By Date

September 17, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of training and professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading or designing engagement strategies, programs, or events that advance organizational goals and deepen constituent relationships. Advanced knowledge of practices and procedures associated with building and maintaining effective working relationships with alumni, donors, volunteers, and internal and external constituencies.
• Experience managing complex projects or high-visibility events involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and sensitive issues with institutional reputational implications.
• Experience advising leadership or serving as a subject‑matter resource on alumni engagement, stewardship, volunteer management, or annual giving practice.
• Advanced project management skills, including planning and executing complex events or engagement initiatives with measurable objectives, evaluation methods, and continuous improvement practices.
• Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to produce polished executive‑level briefings, persuasive proposals, impact reports, board materials, and constituent‑facing communications that are tailored to target audiences.
• Political acumen and diplomacy to navigate sensitive situations, build partnerships, and represent the institution to senior leadership, volunteers, donors, and external stakeholders. Skill to recognize potential areas of constituency concern and address, resolve, and/or mitigate issues diplomatically and proactively.

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.
• Experience leading high‑visibility or complex events, campaigns, or volunteer programs.
• Experience working with boards, councils, volunteer leaders, or governance groups.
• Experience working in higher education, academic health, or other complex nonprofit institutions.

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - Stewardship & Annual Giving Programs Strategy
• 30% - Donor and Alumni Events & ASGP Strategic Programming
• 10% - Volunteer Engagement & Leadership Development
• 5% - Staff Leadership, Training & Operational Oversight
• 5% - Board/Committee/Council Oversight

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: $88,100.00 - $96,900.00/yr., commensurate with experience.
• Alumni External Rel Spec 4 Classification Full Pay Range: $88,100.00 - $162,100.00
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 23
• UC Job Title: ALUMNI EXTERNAL REL SPEC 4
• UC Job Code: 006300
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8am-5pm
• Location: Univ Conf Ctr (CONFCNTR), Davis
• 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.
• 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

• 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-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space. Must have reliable transportation to off-site events and meetings. Work hours will occasionally be outside standard 8AM-5PM schedule.

• 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

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.

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