Senior Director of Alumni & External Engagement

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 and programming, partnering with leadership to elevate the Law School’s profile and deepen connections with alumni, bench and bar, and other stakeholders.

The role oversees marquee engagement programs, a 30‑person Board of Advisors, and the Dean’s Elite Mentorship Program, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, fundraising growth, and strategic outreach.

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead Strategic Engagement Programming: oversee marquee engagement programs and volunteer leadership to deepen loyalty, elevate the Law School’s profile, and drive philanthropic support from high-profile alumni and leaders.
• Oversee the Law School’s 30-person Board of Advisors and liaison for Board subcommittees.
• Manage the Dean’s Elite Mentorship Program pairing students with alumni leaders.
• Recruit, manage, and staff Reunion Committees guiding alumni outreach and fundraising.
• Develop and execute engagement programming to deepen stakeholder alignment with the Law School’s mission.
• Lead Key Stakeholder Engagement: cultivate relationships among high-profile alumni, bench and bar leaders, and other stakeholders.
• Manage 80–100 key alumni and stakeholders and coordinate outreach with Law Communications, Career Center, and Dean’s Office.
• Ensure messaging about law school news, events, and communications to key stakeholders, including during Dean’s regional travel.
• Oversee participation in legal community events and sponsorships to boost brand visibility and reputation.
• Partner across Development, Admissions, Career Services, Student Affairs, Communications, and Dean’s Office to identify engagement opportunities.
• Manage nominations for prestigious University and bench/bar awards.

Skills

External engagement

Alumni relations

Strategic communication

Program management

Diplomacy

Collaboration

Metrics & evaluation

Education

BA/BS degree

J.D. degree

Job description

University of Minnesota Law School is seeking an Associate Director of External Engagement to lead external engagement strategy and programming, partnering with leadership to elevate the Law School’s profile and deepen connections with alumni, bench and bar, and other stakeholders.

The role oversees marquee engagement programs, a 30‑person Board of Advisors, and the Dean’s Elite Mentorship Program, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, fundraising growth, and strategic outreach.