Director of National Engagement

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $75,000-$85,000 DOQ

Priority Application Deadline: January 28, 2026

POSITION OVERVIEW

If you're passionate about building meaningful connections and representing the University of Minnesota on a national stage, this is the opportunity for you. As Director of National Engagement, you'll lead dynamic alumni engagement efforts across the country, including planning signature events like U of M Days, partnering with campus units on presidential travel, and spotlighting alumni impact through exclusive Behind the Scenes experiences. You'll collaborate with passionate volunteer leaders, shape national engagement strategy, and help alumni stay connected to the U and each other-no matter where they live. With exciting national travel and a collaborative team environment, this role is a unique chance to make a lasting impact in alumni relations.

The Director of National Engagement will lead efforts to strengthen alumni engagement around the United States. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Engagement, this results-oriented individual will develop and implement innovative approaches to increase the breadth and depth of engaged alumni who have a meaningful connection to each other and the U.

This position serves as the primary liaison to national alumni networks and UMAA housing partners. This role coordinates U of M Days programs for the UMAA, and liaises with campus partners, such as the Office of Admissions, Gopher Athletics, University of Minnesota Foundation, and the President's Office, on national engagement opportunities. This role also provides the primary staff support for the Alumni Network Council.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

75% Develop and Implement Engagement Opportunities to Strengthen the Breadth and Depth of Engagement for Alumni Living Across the United States:

• Serve as the primary staff liaison for UMAA's national alumni networks.
• Coordinate recruitment, training, and development, and recognition for alumni network volunteer leaders, with a focus on national alumni networks.
• Develop and implement programs to engage national alumni in ways that are both relevant to them and meaningful to the University.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with potential, current, and former alumni network volunteer leaders to strengthen a pipeline of engaged alumni and future volunteers.
• Provide network leaders with support, training materials, and ongoing communication to enhance their knowledge and understanding of how to be effective in their roles.
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Alumni Network Council.
• Collaborate with the Alumni Network Council directors from UMAA's Board of Directors to set the meeting schedule, agenda, and strategic direction of the Council.
• Coordinate logistics for Alumni Network Council meetings throughout the year.
• Plan and execute UMAA National Behind the Scenes events, providing exclusive access to unique venues and workplaces nationwide that highlight U of M alumni achievements and impact.
• Coordinate UMAA's involvement in presidential travel to key regions across the country.
• Partner with the Office of Admissions to engage national alumni in supporting the University's recruitment and enrollment efforts.
• Oversee planning and operations for national athletic engagement opportunities throughout the year, including 'Sota Socials, Bowl Game, and network-led Game Watch Parties.
• Collaborate with the UMAA team to strategically enhance existing programs for national alumni (e.g., Maroon and Gold Network, Day of Service).
• Travel throughout the United States, averaging 4-6 trips per year (~15-20 travel days/year).

10% Lead U of M Days Events:

• Plan and execute U of M Days at key athletic, cultural, and community venues, creating high-impact alumni experiences that celebrate school spirit and foster pride.
• Collaborate with campus and external partners to coordinate logistics, marketing, and programming that enhance visibility and participation across the University's five campuses.
• Identify new opportunities to expand U of M Days to additional locations and audiences, strengthening alumni engagement and connection to the University.

10% Develop and Manage Housing Partner Engagement Programs:

• Design and implement engagement opportunities in collaboration with UMAA housing partners, fostering connections between residents, alumni, and the University.
• Coordinate events and initiatives that support connection, school pride, and sense of belonging within residential communities.
• Maintain strong relationships with housing staff and campus partners.

5% Support Overall UMAA Engagement Efforts:

• Participate in staff/team meetings, quarterly and annual planning, and reporting.
• Represent the UMAA on University committees as assigned.
• Staff UMAA events as assigned, including events on evenings and weekends.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance skills, knowledge, and effectiveness in alumni engagement work.

The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree
• At least two years of experience developing and managing programs, events, volunteers, or engagement initiatives.
• Demonstrated success in volunteer management and relationship-building.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external partners.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong attention to detail, deadlines, and outcomes.
• Willingness and ability to travel nationally (approximately 4-6 trips per year, 15-20 travel days total per year) and to staff occasional evening and weekend events locally.
• Comfort navigating travel planning and logistics and representing the organization at in-person events across the country

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least six years of experience developing and managing programs, events, volunteers, or engagement initiatives.
• Passion for the University of Minnesota and its mission.
• Experience engaging diverse populations and promoting inclusive practices in program design and volunteer management.
• Familiarity with alumni relations, higher education, and/or nonprofit programming.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets effectively and allocate resources strategically.
• Experience with virtual and in-person event planning.
• Proficiency with digital marketing tools, event platforms, project management software, and other technologies.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently, collaboratively, and flexibly in a fast-paced environment.

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association 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.

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association offers flexible working options with a "go where the work is" philosophy to remote work. Specifics will be discussed during the interview stage.

Pay Range: The salary range for this position is $75,000-$85,000 ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: This position is a 100%-time appointment (40 hours/week)

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

Application Instructions: Applications must be submitted online.

Timeline: The priority deadline to apply is Wednesday, January 28, 2025. The search committee will begin reviewing applications received by this date, at this time. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.

Make sure to submit:

1. A cover letter which specifically addresses your interest in and qualifications for this position
2. A resume
3. A list of 3 professional references

You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).