Associate Director of Alumni Engagement, STEM
Job No: 498706
Work Type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Denver, CO
Categories: Alumni / Development / Fundraising, Business Operations / Services, Admin / Executive / Office Support, Advancement
About the University of Denver
The University of Denver (DU), a private university, is the oldest independent university in the Rocky Mountain region, with approximately 12,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. DU is classified as an R1: Doctoral University.
At the University of Denver, we're doing higher education our way: authentic to the Rocky Mountain Wests confident optimism and pragmatic independence. It sets us apart. We're preparing young people to be the solutions in their own stories, empowering them to face uncertainty with confidence and uncommon sense.
We're fiercely ambitious and forward-thinking, surpassing all expectations to redefine success and how to achieve it. And we're true to our mission as a top-tier private R-1 institution dedicated to making the world a better place - contributing to our communities and making positive change in the world.
About DU Advancement
The Denver Difference campaign is our most ambitious campaign yet. It marks a dramatic shift in conventional thinking about what the university experience can and should be. DU is setting the bar with our approach to higher education, developing and preparing students to be successful in life in every way. The University of Denver is building an advancement enterprise that mirrors the excellence and innovation of our great institution. Inclusive of alumni engagement, development, operations, and campaign leadership, DU Advancement is building and fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy in support of our bold vision.
About the Team
Reporting to the Executive Director of Development and Alumni Engagement for STEM, the Associate Director of Alumni Engagement advances the University of Denver's mission within the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics by fostering meaningful, lifelong relationships with alumni and friends. While leading the implementation of unit-based alumni engagement strategies with a high degree of independence, this work is guided by and aligned with a broader campus-wide alumni engagement strategic plan in concert with the Executive Director's leadership. The role focuses on building meaningful relationships with alumni and volunteers through targeted programming, volunteer management, and collaboration with development and campus partners. Working closely with unit leadership, including the deans, the position strengthens community, increases participation, and supports philanthropic outcomes while ensuring alignment with both unit priorities and university-wide strategy.
Position Summary
The Associate Director of Alumni Engagement role focuses on building relationships with alumni and volunteers, delivering programs and events, and partnering with development colleagues to strengthen the pipeline for philanthropic support. Success is measured through alumni participation, volunteer engagement, and contribution to philanthropic outcomes. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, detail-oriented professional with five years of professional experience including three years of experience in alumni relations, event planning, or constituent engagement, preferably in higher education or a similarly complex non-profit environment. Additionally, they would bring demonstrated experience building relationships to meet engagement objectives and managing competing priorities.
The position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with approval and requires periodic (e.g. 1-2 times per year) travel as well as attendance at evening and weekend events.
Essential Functions
Alumni Relationship Building: Develop and maintain relationships with targeted groups of alumni through individual outreach, communications, events, and programs. Focus on initiatives that strengthen affinity, connect alumni to the university's mission and priorities, and prepare alumni for deeper engagement through philanthropy and/or volunteerism.
Conduct Discovery Visits: Meet 1:1 with alumni to assess areas of interest, including support of campaign philanthropic and volunteerism goals, and contribute to campaign-related activities.,
Event Planning and Program Execution: Plan and execute a focused portfolio of alumni events and programs, including campus-based, regional, and virtual experiences. Manage logistics, communications, and follow-up to ensure high-quality, broadly appealing engagement opportunities.
Volunteer Management: Identify, cultivate, and support alumni volunteers for career, instance-based opportunities, advisory groups, including councils and committees. Coordinate volunteer opportunities, communications, meetings, and engagement strategies to enhance volunteer effectiveness and satisfaction.
Project Management and Operations: Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timeliness, budgets, and deliverables are met. Track engagement metrics and maintain accurate records in CRM systems.
University Citizenship and Team Contribution: Actively contribute to a collaborative and inclusive team culture. Participate in division-wide initiatives and support shared goals across Advancement and the University.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills with a variety of audiences
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to plan, execute, and evaluate events and programs
Strong organizational and project management skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems
Collaborative mindset with ability to work across teams
Analytical skills to assess engagement data and outcomes.
Required Qualifications
Relevant professional experience can be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis (e.g., one year of experience equals one year of education).
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience
Five (5) years of professional experience including 3 years of alumni engagement, event planning, or constituent engagement experience
Demonstrated experience building relationships to meet engagement objectives
Demonstrated experience managing competing priorities
Preferred Qualifications
Constituent engagement experience in a higher education or similarly complex non-profit environment
Working Environment
Standard open office environment
Noise level is quiet to moderate
Non-essential role. Note: essential employees are those individuals who must report to work, be "on call" to report to work, and/or work remotely if required in order to maintain the critical functions of the University during scheduled closures or an unscheduled suspension of normal operations due to emergencies, events, or other situations.
Physical Activities
Ability to use a computer for an extended period
Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs. with assistance
This role is not required to operate an Automobile, Passenger Van, UTV/ATV, or golf cart
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., some nights and weekends as required. The position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with approval and requires periodic (e.g. 1-2 times per year) travel as well as attendance at evening and weekend events.
Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) May 8, 2026.
Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through https://jobs.du.edu/en-us/listing/ to be considered. Only applications su
