Summary:
The Assistant Director of Events and Alumni Relations is part of a team at the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) that plans and implements donor and alumni relations activities, engagement, and outreach for the college.

Key Responsibilities:

Alumni and Donor Event and Program Management (65%)

• In conjunction with External Relations Event Director and Director of Alumni Relations, develop and execute approximately 20-30 alumni and donor events per year including, but not limited to, receptions, reunions, luncheons, dinners, facility tours, lectures, and webinars
• Work with Director of Alumni Relations to implement, manage, and assess various alumni programs, activities, and volunteer opportunities
• Plan and execute CSE mentor program. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, promotion, recruitment, training, and engaging the program’s approximately 220 pairs via communications and activities.
• Conduct activities and programs to support fundraising goals. Responsibilities may include work for major campaigns.
• Direct and facilitate all activities for CSE suite at Gopher home football games, including invitations, ticket distribution, and catering
• Oversee logistics including venues, catering, décor, layouts, programs, and audiovisual
• Establish and execute work plans, timelines, reports, and other required documentation, as appropriate
• Provide general event support, including registration, nametags, mailings, preparation of collateral, and day of logistics
• Monitor budgets, pay invoices, and manage vendor relationships for assigned events
• Assign, supervise, and direct student worker projects

Volunteer and Relationship Management (15%)

• Represent the University to external constituencies as an informed ambassador
• Build and maintain relationships between external constituents and the University to enrich the lives of alumni and donors, support student success, and advance the University
• Work with alumni and donor volunteers through programs such as reunions, mentorship, geographic outreach, alumni recognition, speakers, etc.
• Serve as staff liaison to select College of Science and Engineering Alumni Society Board committees
• Recruit, train, and manage internal and external volunteers, committees, and project teams for specific events and programs
• Track alumni and donor engagement (event attendance, volunteer participation, 1:1 interactions, etc.) in University’s Donor Management System and use engagement data to guide future programming
• Help provide guidance to CSE departments and centers regarding alumni relations and event best practices
• Collaborate with CSE senior leaders, faculty, departments, centers, and other internal partners

Communications (15%)

• Develop strategic communications to inspire alumni and donors to serve as ambassadors and advocates for the University and to inform them of engagement opportunities
• Collaborate with Communications staff to develop invitations, registration/payment pages, and miscellaneous collateral
• Build and send email messages on behalf of CSE using Salesforce Marketing Cloud
• Field calls and e-mails from donors and prospects with a focus on excellent customer service

Other duties (5%)

• Execute information requests and queries in the University’s Donor Management System and maintain accurate records for CSE constituents
• Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of the vision and philanthropic priorities of CSE and the University

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year institution
• Minimum of 4 years of experience planning and executing events and programs (or related experience)
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as Google applications (calendar, email, etc.)
• Evidence of excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to work with volunteers, donors, and vendors
• Strong attention to detail 
• Strong commitment to customer service
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work independently and productively under pressure 
• Flexibility and initiative in managing change
• Demonstrated problem solving and research skills, with proven critical thinking ability
• On event days: ability to spend 10+ hours engaging in physical activity, including lifting and moving boxes and items (up to approx. 35 pounds) from storage to venue; setting up registration tables, displays and signage; greeting and assisting guests at registration; disassembling and packing event materials; and other tasks as assigned
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including occasional weekends and evenings. Currently, External Relations team members work from campus a minimum of three days per week (including Mondays and Thursdays). The ability to work from home may vary week-to-week, based on the nature of projects or events underway. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations or related field
• Experience in an academic, fundraising, marketing, or nonprofit environment
• Experience using digital marketing and engagement tools such as Zoom, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Qualtrics, and/or comparable platforms
• Experience collaborating with multiple staff in a fast-paced environment

About University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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