Alumni Relations Manager Jobs
Alumni Relations Manager jobs are open across higher education, nonprofits, and healthcare systems, at every level from coordinator to director, with specializations in donor engagement, event programming, and digital outreach. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Description
Salary Range:
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
About SMU
SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.
SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.
SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.
Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.
SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.
About the Position:
This role is an on-campus, in-person position.
The Assistant Director of Volunteer Engagement leads the strategy and execution of alumni volunteer engagement initiatives, building a comprehensive volunteer ecosystem that advances alumni participation, service, advocacy, and philanthropy.
This role oversees SMU's Regional Alumni Networks, Reunion Ambassadors, class-based volunteer programs, Golden Mustangs (50+ Year Alumni), and campus volunteer initiatives to strengthen alumni connections and expand meaningful engagement opportunities.
The position is responsible for recruiting, training, supporting, and recognizing alumni volunteers while developing pathways for leadership growth, succession planning, and sustained involvement. Working collaboratively across Development and External Affairs and with campus partners, the Assistant Director leverages volunteer leadership to advance institutional priorities, strengthen alumni affinity, and drive measurable engagement outcomes informed by CASE Alumni Engagement Metrics.
Essential Functions:
Strategic Volunteer Engagement Strategy
Develop and implement a comprehensive volunteer engagement strategy that increases alumni participation through service, leadership, advocacy, mentoring, and other engagement opportunities. Establish annual goals and performance metrics for volunteer participation, leadership development, and alumni engagement. Utilize benchmark data, volunteer trends, and CASE Alumni Engagement Metrics to evaluate effectiveness and continuously improve results. Serve as the department's lead resource for volunteer best practices, governance, onboarding, succession planning, and volunteer recognition.
Regional Network Leadership & Geographic Engagement
Lead the strategy, development, and management of SMU's Regional Alumni Network program. Recruit, train, and support volunteer leaders responsible for alumni engagement activities across designated geographic regions. Partner with volunteer leaders to establish annual engagement plans, promote institutional priorities, and identify opportunities for network growth and expansion. Monitor network performance and engagement outcomes while ensuring consistency in volunteer support and high-quality constituent experience across all regions.
Reunion Engagement, Class Volunteers & Golden Mustangs
Provide strategic leadership for reunion engagement initiatives, Reunion Ambassadors, class-based volunteer programs, and Golden Mustangs activities. Develop volunteer recruitment, communication, and engagement strategies that encourage alumni participation in reunion programs and class-based initiatives. Partner with Development colleagues to support reunion fundraising goals and promote philanthropic engagement. Implement volunteer-driven outreach efforts designed to increase attendance, participation, and long-term alumni involvement.
Volunteer Recruitment, Training & Leadership Development
Design and manage a comprehensive volunteer lifecycle program that includes recruitment, onboarding, training, leadership development, mentorship, recognition, and succession planning. Identify emerging volunteer leaders and cultivate opportunities for increased responsibility within the alumni engagement and volunteer ecosystem. Develop resources and training programs that enhance volunteer effectiveness and promote consistency across the University.
Campus Volunteer Partnerships & Engagement Opportunities
Collaborate with campus partners, academic units, and Development and External Affairs colleagues to identify and expand meaningful alumni volunteer opportunities. Support mentorship programs, career initiatives, admissions activities, university events, alumni speaker opportunities, and other volunteer-driven programs that connect alumni to the University's mission. Serve as the central resource for volunteer coordination at SMU.
Data, Assessment & OperationsTrack, analyze, and report volunteer engagement metrics, participation trends, leadership pipeline development, and program effectiveness. Maintain accurate volunteer records and engagement activity within applicable systems and databases. Prepare reports and recommendations for department leadership and stakeholders while managing program budgets, timelines, and operational logistics
Other Duties as Assigned
Support special projects, University initiatives, and additional Alumni and Mustang Engagement priorities as assigned.
Position Requirements
Ability to work outside of regular business hours as needed to support events, volunteer activities, and committee meetings.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
A Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in higher education, communications, fundraising, or program management. A Master’s degree is preferred.
A minimum of two (2) years of work experience in at least one of the following areas: higher education, direct marketing, fundraising, alumni relations, volunteer management, or program management is required.
Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously, with responsibility for achieving established goals and meeting specific performance metrics is also required.
Experience managing volunteer boards or committees composed of adult professionals is preferred. Direct fundraising and personal solicitation experience is highly desired.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. A strong customer service orientation is essential.
Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning, and time management skills. Strong project management skills and a strong focus on attention to detail are essential.
Candidate must have some budget management experience. Must also have the ability to think strategically and develop actionable plans aligned with SMU's strategic priorities. Proven ability to build and manage alumni engagement, volunteer, or event programs and develop plans that support University fundraising goals is strongly preferred. Knowledge of SMU alumni constituencies and campus culture is desired.
Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. Experience with Salesforce or another customer relationship management (CRM) system is highly preferred. Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud or Canva is desired.
Experience with data visualization tools and project management platforms (e.g. Monday.com) is preferred. Experience with social media platforms and tools is desired. Experience with volunteer management systems (e.g., Gravyty and GiveCampus) is a plus.
Physical and Environmental Demands:
Physical
- Bend
- Reach above shoulders
- Carry/lift 25 lbs.
- Sit for long periods of time
- Squat
- Handle objects (dexterity)
- Kneel
- Stand
- Push/Pull
Environmental:
Drives motorized equipment
Deadline to Apply:
December 2, 2026
Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by November 18, 2026.
EEO Statement
SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or other characteristics protected by state and federal law.
Benefits:
SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.
Primary Location
: USA-TX-DallasJob
: Office and Administrative SupportOrganization
: DEA - Alumni RelationsSchedule
: RegularShift
: StaffEmployee Status
: Individual ContributorJob Type
: Full-timeJob Level
: Day JobTravel
: NoJob Posting
: Nov 11, 2026, 2:34:21 PMDescription
Salary Range:
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
About SMU
SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.
SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.
SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.
Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.
SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.
About the Position:
This role is an on-campus, in-person position.
The Assistant Director of Volunteer Engagement leads the strategy and execution of alumni volunteer engagement initiatives, building a comprehensive volunteer ecosystem that advances alumni participation, service, advocacy, and philanthropy.
This role oversees SMU's Regional Alumni Networks, Reunion Ambassadors, class-based volunteer programs, Golden Mustangs (50+ Year Alumni), and campus volunteer initiatives to strengthen alumni connections and expand meaningful engagement opportunities.
The position is responsible for recruiting, training, supporting, and recognizing alumni volunteers while developing pathways for leadership growth, succession planning, and sustained involvement. Working collaboratively across Development and External Affairs and with campus partners, the Assistant Director leverages volunteer leadership to advance institutional priorities, strengthen alumni affinity, and drive measurable engagement outcomes informed by CASE Alumni Engagement Metrics.
Essential Functions:
Strategic Volunteer Engagement Strategy
Develop and implement a comprehensive volunteer engagement strategy that increases alumni participation through service, leadership, advocacy, mentoring, and other engagement opportunities. Establish annual goals and performance metrics for volunteer participation, leadership development, and alumni engagement. Utilize benchmark data, volunteer trends, and CASE Alumni Engagement Metrics to evaluate effectiveness and continuously improve results. Serve as the department's lead resource for volunteer best practices, governance, onboarding, succession planning, and volunteer recognition.
Regional Network Leadership & Geographic Engagement
Lead the strategy, development, and management of SMU's Regional Alumni Network program. Recruit, train, and support volunteer leaders responsible for alumni engagement activities across designated geographic regions. Partner with volunteer leaders to establish annual engagement plans, promote institutional priorities, and identify opportunities for network growth and expansion. Monitor network performance and engagement outcomes while ensuring consistency in volunteer support and high-quality constituent experience across all regions.
Reunion Engagement, Class Volunteers & Golden Mustangs
Provide strategic leadership for reunion engagement initiatives, Reunion Ambassadors, class-based volunteer programs, and Golden Mustangs activities. Develop volunteer recruitment, communication, and engagement strategies that encourage alumni participation in reunion programs and class-based initiatives. Partner with Development colleagues to support reunion fundraising goals and promote philanthropic engagement. Implement volunteer-driven outreach efforts designed to increase attendance, participation, and long-term alumni involvement.
Volunteer Recruitment, Training & Leadership Development
Design and manage a comprehensive volunteer lifecycle program that includes recruitment, onboarding, training, leadership development, mentorship, recognition, and succession planning. Identify emerging volunteer leaders and cultivate opportunities for increased responsibility within the alumni engagement and volunteer ecosystem. Develop resources and training programs that enhance volunteer effectiveness and promote consistency across the University.
Campus Volunteer Partnerships & Engagement Opportunities
Collaborate with campus partners, academic units, and Development and External Affairs colleagues to identify and expand meaningful alumni volunteer opportunities. Support mentorship programs, career initiatives, admissions activities, university events, alumni speaker opportunities, and other volunteer-driven programs that connect alumni to the University's mission. Serve as the central resource for volunteer coordination at SMU.
Data, Assessment & OperationsTrack, analyze, and report volunteer engagement metrics, participation trends, leadership pipeline development, and program effectiveness. Maintain accurate volunteer records and engagement activity within applicable systems and databases. Prepare reports and recommendations for department leadership and stakeholders while managing program budgets, timelines, and operational logistics
Other Duties as Assigned
Support special projects, University initiatives, and additional Alumni and Mustang Engagement priorities as assigned.
Position Requirements
Ability to work outside of regular business hours as needed to support events, volunteer activities, and committee meetings.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
A Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in higher education, communications, fundraising, or program management. A Master’s degree is preferred.
A minimum of two (2) years of work experience in at least one of the following areas: higher education, direct marketing, fundraising, alumni relations, volunteer management, or program management is required.
Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously, with responsibility for achieving established goals and meeting specific performance metrics is also required.
Experience managing volunteer boards or committees composed of adult professionals is preferred. Direct fundraising and personal solicitation experience is highly desired.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. A strong customer service orientation is essential.
Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning, and time management skills. Strong project management skills and a strong focus on attention to detail are essential.
Candidate must have some budget management experience. Must also have the ability to think strategically and develop actionable plans aligned with SMU's strategic priorities. Proven ability to build and manage alumni engagement, volunteer, or event programs and develop plans that support University fundraising goals is strongly preferred. Knowledge of SMU alumni constituencies and campus culture is desired.
Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. Experience with Salesforce or another customer relationship management (CRM) system is highly preferred. Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud or Canva is desired.
Experience with data visualization tools and project management platforms (e.g. Monday.com) is preferred. Experience with social media platforms and tools is desired. Experience with volunteer management systems (e.g., Gravyty and GiveCampus) is a plus.
Physical and Environmental Demands:
Physical
- Bend
- Reach above shoulders
- Carry/lift 25 lbs.
- Sit for long periods of time
- Squat
- Handle objects (dexterity)
- Kneel
- Stand
- Push/Pull
Environmental:
Drives motorized equipment
Deadline to Apply:
December 2, 2026
Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by November 18, 2026.
EEO Statement
SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or other characteristics protected by state and federal law.
Benefits:
SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.
Primary Location
: USA-TX-DallasJob
: Office and Administrative SupportOrganization
: DEA - Alumni RelationsSchedule
: RegularShift
: StaffEmployee Status
: Individual ContributorJob Type
: Full-timeJob Level
: Day JobTravel
: NoJob Posting
: Nov 11, 2026, 2:34:21 PMSee All 40 Alumni Relations Manager Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Alumni Relations Manager JobsAlumni Relations Manager Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in alumni relations manager jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in communications, nonprofit management, marketing, or a related field
- Experience with alumni CRM platforms such as Raiser's Edge, Blackbaud, or Salesforce
- Demonstrated ability to plan and execute alumni events and reunion programs
- Strong written communication skills for donor correspondence and alumni newsletters
- Experience with annual fund campaigns, volunteer coordination, or donor stewardship
- Familiarity with higher education advancement operations and development best practices
Tips for Your Alumni Relations Manager Job Search
Quantify alumni engagement outcomes on your resume
Alumni relations managers are measured on participation rates, giving day results, and event attendance. Replace vague descriptions like 'managed events' with concrete outcomes: reunion attendance growth, annual fund participation increases, or volunteer recruitment numbers from previous roles.
Highlight your CRM and alumni database experience
Most postings require hands-on experience with constituent relationship management platforms like Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or Blackbaud. Name the specific systems you've used and describe the reporting, segmentation, or campaign workflows you built inside them.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists alumni relations manager openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by institution type and mission
Alumni relations work varies significantly between research universities, small liberal arts colleges, community colleges, and hospital foundations. Tailor your cover letter to reflect the institution's donor culture, alumni size, and engagement model rather than sending a generic application.
Prepare a portfolio of multi-channel campaign examples
Interviewers frequently ask for examples of alumni communications you've planned and executed. Bring or describe a specific email, event, or social campaign, including the audience segment, the channel mix, and the measurable result it produced.
Negotiate by citing regional benchmarks and scope
Offers in alumni relations often have flexibility tied to portfolio size, number of events managed annually, and whether the role includes major gift pipeline work. Come to salary discussions with specifics about the scope you've managed, not just years of experience.
Alumni Relations Manager Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most alumni relations managers?
CRISTA Ministries, Penn State University, and Virginia Tech are hiring the most alumni relations managers right now, with openings concentrated in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is especially strong at institutions with large alumni networks and active annual fund programs.
How many alumni relations manager jobs are remote?
About 55% of alumni relations manager openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with most remote flexibility found in digital communications, email marketing, and social outreach roles rather than event-heavy or on-campus positions that require in-person presence.
How do you become an alumni relations manager?
Most alumni relations managers start in entry-level advancement, annual fund, or development coordinator roles at a college, university, or nonprofit. Building hands-on experience with donor databases, event coordination, and alumni communications is essential. Moving into a manager role typically requires demonstrating ownership of a program, such as a reunion cycle or giving day, with measurable results.
Can you get hired as an alumni relations manager without direct alumni relations experience?
Yes, candidates from adjacent roles in nonprofit development, event management, higher education communications, or membership organizations are frequently hired. Hiring managers care most about CRM proficiency, event execution experience, and evidence of building engagement with a defined constituent group. Framing your existing work around those transferable outcomes makes a strong case without a direct title match.
What does the alumni relations manager interview process look like?
Most processes include an initial phone screen with HR, followed by a video or in-person interview with the advancement director and sometimes a development or communications colleague. Final rounds often include a writing sample or presentation on how you would approach a specific campaign or event. References from supervisors in a development or advancement context carry significant weight at this stage.
Where can I find and apply to alumni relations manager jobs?
You can find and apply to alumni relations manager jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that match your experience and location, then apply directly to each listing from the page.
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