Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Jobs
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations jobs are open across universities, colleges, and nonprofit organizations, from coordinator-adjacent roles to senior director level, with specializations in donor engagement, volunteer management, and event programming. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 4 of 38+ Assistant Director of Alumni Relations jobs
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 38 Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsAssistant Director of Alumni Relations Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in assistant director of alumni relations jobs.
- Bachelor's degree required, with preference for advancement or communications experience
- Three or more years of experience in alumni relations, development, or higher education administration
- Proficiency with constituent relationship management software such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce
- Demonstrated experience planning and executing large-scale alumni events or reunion programs
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for donor and alumni outreach
- Experience managing volunteers and building engagement programs for diverse alumni populations
Tips for Your Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Job Search
Quantify alumni engagement outcomes on your resume
Hiring committees want to see reunion attendance growth, annual fund participation rates, or volunteer program expansion you drove. Replace vague responsibilities with measurable outcomes tied to alumni engagement, donor pipeline building, or event execution at your previous institution.
Tailor your cover letter to each institution's culture
A research university, a small liberal arts college, and a professional school alumni office have very different priorities. Reference the institution's strategic plan, recent campaign milestones, or alumni network size to show you understand their specific engagement model before you apply.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists assistant director of alumni relations openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Highlight cross-functional collaboration in interviews
Alumni relations roles sit at the intersection of advancement, communications, and academic departments. Be ready with specific examples of coordinating across fundraising, marketing, and faculty stakeholders, since interviewers want evidence you can manage competing institutional priorities without friction.
Prepare a portfolio of event and program examples
Bring documented examples of alumni programs you built or improved: reunion weekends, mentorship platforms, regional chapter events. Concrete program artifacts demonstrate execution ability more persuasively than a resume bullet, especially for roles at institutions expanding their alumni engagement footprint.
Negotiate scope alongside title during the offer stage
Assistant director roles vary widely in budget authority, staff oversight, and strategic responsibility. During negotiations, clarify whether you'll manage direct reports, control a programming budget, or own a specific alumni segment, so you're evaluating the actual role, not just the title.
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most assistant director of alumni relationss?
The companies hiring the most assistant director of alumni relationss right now include CRISTA Ministries, Penn State University, and Boston University, with the largest share of openings in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Universities and colleges account for the majority of active postings, with nonprofit institutions and alumni associations representing a smaller but steady share.
How many assistant director of alumni relations jobs are remote?
About 55% of assistant director of alumni relations openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with on-campus presence still expected at most institutions for event execution and stakeholder meetings. Sub-functions focused on digital alumni engagement, online community management, and regional outreach coordination tend to offer the most schedule flexibility.
How do you become a assistant director of alumni relations?
Start with a bachelor's degree and entry-level experience in alumni affairs, annual giving, or higher education administration. Build familiarity with constituent relationship management software and take on event coordination or volunteer management responsibilities. Move into an alumni relations coordinator or associate director role before stepping up, and develop a portfolio of programs you built or expanded.
How do you get hired as an assistant director of alumni relations with little experience?
Candidates with limited direct alumni relations experience can enter through adjacent roles in annual giving, student affairs, or institutional advancement. Volunteer coordination for a university's alumni chapter, internships in development offices, or event planning experience at nonprofits all translate well. Demonstrating knowledge of the institution's alumni community and showing initiative in past engagement work can offset a shorter resume.
What does the assistant director of alumni relations interview process look like?
Most institutions run a phone or video screen first, followed by a committee interview with advancement leadership and sometimes a representative from academic affairs. Candidates are often asked to present a sample alumni engagement plan or walk through a past program they led. A final round may include a campus visit and meetings with current alumni relations staff.
Where can I find and apply to assistant director of alumni relations jobs?
You can find and apply to assistant director of alumni relations jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your experience level, institution type, or preferred location, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
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