Senior Director of Alumni Networks

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 81,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) seeks a Senior Director of Alumni Networks to shape engagement across affinity, corporate, and entrepreneur networks, acting as strategic architect within UMAA’s broader network footprint.

This high-impact leader will oversee National and International Engagement directors, drive unified metrics, develop innovative programs, and ensure an alumni-first approach throughout the organization.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree with at least six years of full-time work experience.
• Minimum five years of relationship-building with diverse groups and event coordination.
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, diversity and belonging.
• Experience successfully managing multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead affinity and corporate engagement programs and staff.
• Develop inclusive engagement strategy with campus partners across the system.
• Cultivate volunteers and oversee succession planning for long-term sustainability.
• Oversee entrepreneurship programming and MN Alumni Market growth initiatives.
• Represent UMAA on boards and at events; liaise with diversity and inclusion committees.

Skills

Relationship management

Event coordination

Diversity & Inclusion

Project management

Communication skills

Education

BA/BS degree

Job description

About the Job

The Senior Director of Alumni Networks plays a critical role on the Strategic Engagement Team focused on driving engagement through affinity, corporate, and entrepreneur networks while serving as the strategic architect for the networks within the UMAA's broader network engagement footprint.

This position is a high-impact "player-coach"-a modern leader who functions through a broad, organizational lens rather than a localized one, overseeing a portfolio with significant institutional impact and visibility.

This strategic leader ensures that national, international, and affinity networks operate with unified operational norms, shared success metrics, and a seamless, alumni-first focus. The role will oversee the Director of National Engagement and the Director of International Alumni & Travel.

Salary range for this position is $81,000 - $93,000, based on qualifications and years of experience.

This position reports to the AVP of Engagement at the Alumni Association.

Lead Affinity and Corporate Engagement (40%):

• Inclusive Engagement Strategy: Work in partnership with Associate VP of Engagement and alumni relations staff across the system to design and execute strategies that increase the breadth and depth of annual engagement for the diverse alumni population.
• Innovative Framework: Incorporate new and innovative approaches for engaging alumni through affinity and corporate networks, aligned with national best practices and the mission and strategic direction of the UMAA and University of Minnesota.
• Volunteer Cultivation & Succession: Nurture high-value relationships with alumni volunteer leaders across recognized affinity and corporate groups; lead volunteers through strategic activity planning, robust recruitment, and deliberate succession planning to ensure long-term network sustainability.
• Programmatic Leverage: Guide and support affinity and corporate network leaders in the creation and implementation of programming and events with a special emphasis on leveraging UMAA programming and events.
• Impact Assessment: Continuously audit and evaluate network programming, implementing data-driven enhancements or introducing new networks based on alumni interest and organizational capacity.

Lead Entrepreneur Engagement (40%):

• MN Alumni Market Growth & Engagement:
  • Drive measurable year-over-year growth and retention of alumni-owned businesses participating in the MN Alumni Market in partnership with the Director of the MN Alumni Market.
  • Create and execute high-value programming, networking opportunities, and signature experiences specifically tailored to the unique needs of alumni entrepreneurs.
• Campus Collaboration: Collaborate with campus partners (e.g., Holmes Center, UMF Corporate Engagement Center, Technology Commercialization) to position the UMAA as the resource for alumni business owners and elevate University resources to alumni business owners.
• Excellence Recognition: Manage the recruitment and submission of a robust candidate pool for the UMAA's Entrepreneurial Spirit Award

Leadership & Network Strategy (15%):

• Network Strategy: Partner with team members to create and scale consistent engagement frameworks, ensuring all alumni networks operate with shared goals and tools.
• People Culture & Leadership: Supervise and lead two members of the network pod to deliver on annual goals.
• Operational Execution: Drive initiatives through creative, scalable solutions to maximize operational capacity, including incorporating AI and building accessible systems.
• Financial Stewardship: Manage & oversee budgets related to portfolio and team pod.
• UMAA Ambassador: Represent the UMAA across campus units, volunteer boards, and to high-profile alumni stakeholders. Attend UMAA events as needed.

Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging committee of the UMAA Board of Directors (5%):

• Serve as the staff liaison to the Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging Committee of the UMAA Board of Directors, and manage all aspects including the meeting schedule, logistics, agendas, minutes, and follow up items.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least six years of relevant full-time work experience.
• At least five years of experience developing and managing relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and identities, as well as experience coordinating events and programs.
• Experience working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, interests, and cultures.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, diversity, and belonging.
• Experience successfully managing multiple projects.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to leverage data-informed insights for strategic planning.
• Experience developing, planning, and implementing events in a multi-stakeholder environment.
• Experience supervising, coaching, or managing team members.
• Experience motivating and leading volunteers.
• Experience creating and managing budgets.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Interest working in a non-profit organization with a passion for connecting and helping people.
• Strong initiative, ability to learn quickly, and work independently.
• Strong digital, organizational, and problem-solving skills, and exemplary attention to detail.

About the Department

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) fosters a lifelong spirit of belonging and pride by connecting alumni, students, and friends to the University of Minnesota and each other. The Association advocates for the University and its alumni with a credible, independent, and collaborative voice.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $81,000-$93,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100%-time 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