Assistant Director, Alumni Engagement

Reporting to the Director, Alumni Engagement, this role leads and directs operational activities, programs, and communications strategies to increase alumni engagement with UMSL. The position collaborates with the Alumni Engagement team, campus partners, and UMSL Alumni Association volunteers to implement key programs supporting the university’s strategic goals.

Responsibilities

• Alumni Engagement & Relationship Development (35%)
  • Develop and execute strategically aligned alumni engagement plans using data analysis and university priorities.
  • Collaborate with Advancement colleagues, faculty, and staff to create and maintain alumni engagement and affinity programs within identified colleges and departments.
  • Identify alumni for program participation and event attendance, coordinating follow-up with the Alumni Engagement Officer.
  • Refer alumni and friends to appropriate giving programs: annual giving, mid-level giving, major and planned gifts; may solicit alumni directly in some cases.
  • Source and apply new and emerging best practices and industry standards to achieve personal and team goals.
• Alumni Event and Program Management (35%)
  • Plan events and activities connecting alumni to the university and each other, aligned with Campaign and Strategic Plan priorities.
  • Lead Alumni Volunteer programming, identifying impactful volunteer opportunities and recruiting interested alumni.
  • Optimize and manage a defined budget for events and programs, adhering to UM System, UMSL, and Advancement purchasing policies.
  • Track expenditures, submit and pay invoices accurately and timely.
  • Serve as liaison and lead assigned UMSL Alumni Association committees, including setting agendas, preparing meeting materials, writing minutes, and facilitating action items.
• Planning, Performance & Execution (30%)
  • Participate in university leadership-level meetings and Alumni Association board meetings, representing the Office of Alumni Engagement and UMSL Alumni Association.
  • Prepare and deliver presentations to internal and external groups; articulate messages and ideas effectively in written and verbal communications.
  • Enter contact reports and other data into CRM accurately and timely.
  • Evaluate data critically and generate reports for decision-making.
  • Travel locally and regionally for alumni meetings and activities.
  • Update project plans with status updates and escalate blocks as needed.
  • Achieve annual performance goals in collaboration with the supervisor, demonstrating progress toward strategic engagement and advancement objectives.
  • Perform other job-related responsibilities as needed to support departmental and campus-wide needs.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 4 years of relevant experience.
• Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• High level of initiative, ability to work independently, attention to detail, and strong time-management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality around sensitive and private data.
• Ability to take direction and work collaboratively within a team and university setting.
• Travel, evenings, and weekends required; ability to maintain professionalism in potentially stressful situations.

Benefits

This position is eligible for a comprehensive University benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement benefits.
• Paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, and paid caregiver leave.
• Educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.

Pay

$61,000–$68,000 annually.

Schedule

40 hours per week, Monday–Friday; some nights and weekends required.