Senior Director of Alumni Relations

University of Georgia; Kentucky; On-site; USD 82,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks aSenior Director of Alumni Relations to lead the Alumni Chapters program and guide major alumni engagement initiatives. You will work with campus partners, supervise staff, and shape programming that strengthens volunteer leadership and philanthropic support.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of professional experience, including supervisory responsibilities, and excellence in communications, fundraising, and event planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent plus 10 years of professional experience to include 3 years of supervisory experience

Responsibilities

• Lead the Alumni Chapters program and oversee volunteer leadership across chapters.
• Develop opportunities to engage alumni, families, and donors and support lifelong engagement.
• Collaborate with campus partners to advance alumni engagement and philanthropic support.
• Plan and execute high-level Alumni Relations events and programs.
• Supervise the Engagement Coordinator and coordinate DAR events and engagement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Fundraising

Event planning

Communications

Relationship building

Strategic planning

Team collaboration

Confidential information handling

Budget management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Word

TEAMS

Social media platforms

Job description

Senior Director of Alumni Relations

Posting Details Posting Number S15736P Working Title Senior Director of Alumni Relations Department DAR-Office of Alumni Relations

About the University of Georgia Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department Division of Development and Alumni Relations The Division of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Georgia advances the goals, objectives, and priorities of the university by generating private financial support, building, and maintaining relationships with alumni and donors, and assisting students with career development opportunities.

Office of Alumni Relations The UGA Alumni Relations advances the academic excellence, interests, and traditions of Georgia’s flagship university by inspiring engagement through relevant programming, enhanced connections, and effective communications.

College/Unit/Department website https://give.uga.edu/ and https://dar.uga.edu/ and https://alumni.uga.edu/about-uga-alumni-association/

Posting Type External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information 8:00am–5:00pm; Flexibility to work evenings and weekends will be necessary to meet business needs

Advertised Salary $82,000+ Commensurate qualifications and experience

Posting Date 09/10/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 11/01/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

• This position is structured as a permanent position within the Division of Development & Alumni Relations. We are unable to sponsor a work visa for this position.

Location of Vacancy Athens Area

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status.

Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office.

Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect.

These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards.

More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Position Information Classification Title Alumni Relations Manager FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent plus 10 years of professional experience to include 3 years of supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications

• At least eight (8) years of work in development, advancement, engagement, alumni relations, sales, service, or other experience in a philanthropic setting
• Supervisory and management experience related to holding teams accountable to goals
• Budget management experience
• Volunteer management experience
• Event planning experience
• Sales and marketing experience
• Communications experience
• Development/Advancement and Alumni Relations/Engagement experience
• Program Development experience
• Program management experience
• Fluent experience creating and working with spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel)
• Ability to establish the trust of colleagues and build strong relationships with key faculty/staff
• Exhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the University of Georgia

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Alumni Relations serves as a senior member of the Alumni Relations leadership team, providing strategic direction and oversight for key alumni engagement programs and initiatives. The position has primary responsibility for the Alumni Chapters program and leads efforts to strengthen, expand, and enhance chapter engagement and volunteer leadership. The Senior Director will also identify and develop new opportunities to engage alumni, families, and friends and provide strategic leadership for the continued growth of the alumni tours and travel program. The position serves as the primary staff partner to the Executive Director of Alumni Relations in supporting the Alumni Board of Directors and its activities. The Senior Director supervises the Engagement Coordinator and provide direction for the coordination of Development and Alumni Relations ( DAR ) events and engagement initiatives. The role also includes collaboration across campus with schools, colleges, and campus partners to advance alumni engagement and philanthropic support. In addition, the position plans and executes select high-level Alumni Relations events and cultivates relationships with key alumni and engagement prospects, with an emphasis on building pathways that support future philanthropic involvement. Success in this role requires strong strategic leadership, relationship-building, program development, volunteer management, and the ability to translate Alumni Relations priorities into meaningful opportunities for lifelong engagement and future philanthropic support.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Management and supervisory abilities that motivate, coach, and lead groups and individuals
• Experience in volunteer management and event planning.
• Critical thinking, strategic planning, and ability to execute tasks at a high level.
• Experience with fundraising or advancement.
• Excellent time management and the ability to prioritize multiple competing priorities.
• Exemplary communications skills (both written and verbal).
• Commitment to outstanding customer service.
• Collaborative style combined with the ability and desire to work in a team-based environment
• Creative thinker with ability to receive constructive feedback on ideas.
• Demonstrated computer competency and knowledgeable of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, TEAMS , and social media outlets.
• Quick learner, self-starter, and can adapt to a fast paced, multi-faceted, and dynamic organization.
• Ability to articulate a proposal clearly and concisely for a new strategy or solution to a problem so that others can quickly and easily understand.
• Ability to maintain high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to university business and confidential donor and prospect information.
• Communicates and employs interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct.

Additional Division Expectations

• Through open, honest, and respectful communication, all staff, supervisors, and colleagues of the Division of Development & Alumni Relations are expected to interact with fairness, compassion, and decency. All employees will be held accountable for meeting the expectation of promoting a stable, productive, and healthy work environment.
• Adherence to CASE standards and commonly accepted industry standards relating to fundraising and engagement reporting are expected of all professionals. All professionals will be held accountable for meeting this expectation.

Physical Demands

• Sit for extended periods while working at a computer workstation and during travel as required by job responsibilities
• Hold a valid driver’s license
• Driving as needed to perform job duties
• Travel in and out of state
• Work evenings and weekends, as necessary
• Sit and work at a computer workstation for an extended amount of time
• Work using electronic mail, telephone, face-to-face discussions, paper form correspondence
• Communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listening
• Organize and establish priorities; Remember detail; multi-task
• Lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
• Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes

Credit and P-Card policy Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Percentage of time: 15

Chapter and Program Management

• Responsible for developing a strategic plan for the Chapters program to ensure the Division of Development & Alumni Relations’ ( DAR ) priority markets and future markets are effective chapters and strong volunteer leaders in place for each chapter.
• Manage a team of Chapters staff, fostering an environment of collaboration with Regional Development and other DAR partners to increase productivity of Chapters.
• Lead staff in areas of interpersonal communication, professional development, and problem solving.
• Regularly communicate with the Director of Alumni Relations to ensure the vision and plans for Chapters are being executed properly.
• Responsible for the oversight of an annual budget for the chapters program.
• Build internal relationships with campus colleagues to improve the Chapter experience.
• Enhance pre- and post-event engagement strategies and best practices for entire Alumni Relations team to follow.

Percentage of time: 30

Alumni Board Engagement and Campus Partner Collaboration

• Provide support to the UGA Alumni Relations Board.
• Serves as primary liaison to board members as directed by Executive Director
• Responsible for assisting the Alumni Board President with meeting planning (3 annual meetings, exec retreat, and orientation), accountability for board members, goal tracking for reporting.
• Oversee the board nomination process as directed by the Executive Director
• Supervise Engagement Coordinator and their responsibilities with 40 Under 40, Bulldog 100, and Alumni Awards processes.
• Responsible for planning and executing monthly or bi-monthly campus partner meetings.
• Responsible for developing a campus liaison structure to promote strong collaboration and to send/collect volunteer referrals.
• Serve as the primary liaison to DAR divisions, including the Regional Development, Career Center, Business Engagement, and Constituent Relations teams, for events and programs as needed.

Percentage of time: 30

Engagement Programming and Events

• Research, plan, and execute new engagement programming.
• Further develop and promote alumni tours program to generate additional scholarship support for experiential learning.
• Benchmark with peer and aspirational peers to strategically launch new engagement programs and enhance current programs