Alumni Relations Officer Jobs
Alumni Relations Officer 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 annual giving. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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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 39 Alumni Relations Officer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Alumni Relations Officer JobsAlumni Relations Officer Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in alumni relations officer jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field
- Experience with constituent relationship management or alumni database platforms
- Demonstrated ability to plan and execute large-scale events or programs
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for donor and alumni outreach
- Familiarity with annual giving campaigns and volunteer management strategies
- Ability to analyze engagement data and report on program outcomes
Tips for Your Alumni Relations Officer Job Search
Quantify your engagement outcomes on resumes
Alumni relations hiring managers want to see numbers behind your outreach work. Replace vague phrases like 'grew the alumni network' with specific results: event attendance increases, reunion participation rates, or volunteer recruitment totals you personally drove.
Tailor applications to the institution type
A research university, a small liberal arts college, and a hospital foundation each expect a different alumni relations approach. Read the job posting carefully and mirror the language around their constituent base, giving priorities, and engagement model in your cover letter.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists alumni relations officer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match your background and apply directly to each listing without hunting across multiple sources.
Highlight your CRM and database experience clearly
Many alumni relations postings screen for experience with constituent relationship management systems. Name the specific platforms you've used in a dedicated skills section so your application clears initial filters before a human ever reads your resume.
Prepare a portfolio of event and campaign examples
Alumni relations interviews often involve a practical exercise or presentation. Bring documented examples of programs you've planned, communications you've written, or reunion events you've coordinated, with clear context on your individual role in each.
Negotiate start date around the academic calendar
Most alumni relations teams hit their busiest periods around homecoming, reunions, and fiscal-year giving deadlines. If you're negotiating your offer, propose a start date that lets you onboard before a major event cycle rather than landing mid-push.
Alumni Relations Officer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most alumni relations officers?
The most active employers for alumni relations officers right now are CRISTA Ministries, Penn State University, and Boston University, and the most openings are in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Universities and healthcare systems tend to post the most consistently throughout the year.
How many alumni relations officer jobs are remote?
About 55% of alumni relations officer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though the share varies by function. Roles focused on digital communications, annual fund outreach, and email engagement programs tend to be the most remote-friendly, while positions tied to on-campus events or in-person donor meetings typically require a physical presence.
How do you become an alumni relations officer?
Start by earning a bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field. Build experience through roles in event coordination, nonprofit development, or university advancement offices, even in an administrative or assistant capacity. Learn to work inside a constituent relationship management system, build a record of running programs or campaigns, and move into an alumni relations role directly from advancement or a donor engagement team.
How do you get hired as an alumni relations officer with little experience?
Focus on adjacent roles inside a university or nonprofit first, such as annual fund caller, event coordinator, or advancement services assistant. Volunteer to staff reunion weekends or alumni chapter events so you have concrete examples to discuss. Emphasize transferable skills like constituent communication, donor stewardship, and database management, and apply to coordinator-level postings explicitly open to candidates building their advancement careers.
What does the alumni relations officer interview process look like?
Most interviews involve a phone or video screen with HR, followed by a panel interview with the alumni relations team and sometimes advancement leadership. Candidates are often asked to present a sample program concept or communication plan as a take-home exercise. Expect questions about managing competing priorities during reunion season, stewarding a lapsed donor, and how you've used data to improve engagement outcomes in past roles.
Where can I find and apply to alumni relations officer jobs?
You can find and apply to alumni relations officer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from institutions and organizations across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that fit your experience level and specialization, then apply directly to each one that matches.
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