Director of Development and Alumni Relations Jobs
Director of Development and Alumni Relations jobs are open across higher education, nonprofits, and healthcare systems, from mid-level development officer to vice president, with specializations in major gifts, annual fund strategy, and alumni engagement programming. 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 37 Director of Development and Alumni Relations Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsDirector of Development and Alumni Relations Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in director of development and alumni relations jobs.
- Bachelor's degree required, with master's degree preferred for senior roles
- Five or more years of progressively responsible fundraising or development experience
- Demonstrated experience managing major gift portfolios and donor relationships
- Proficiency with donor management systems such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce NPSP
- Experience building and leading alumni engagement programs or annual giving campaigns
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for donor correspondence and proposals
Tips for Your Director of Development and Alumni Relations Job Search
Quantify your fundraising portfolio results
Hiring committees want dollar figures and donor counts, not vague claims about relationship-building. Pull your best campaign totals, major gift closures, and alumni participation rates from your performance reviews and use them as the backbone of every bullet on your resume.
Tailor your materials to institution type
A research university values endowment growth and planned giving experience, while a small liberal arts college prioritizes alumni engagement rates and reunion giving. Read each job posting carefully and mirror its language so your resume speaks directly to that institution's fundraising priorities.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists director of development and 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 your CRM and database skills
Most development offices run on Raiser's Edge, Salesforce NPSP, or similar donor management systems. Name the platforms you've used and describe how you pulled reports, managed prospect pipelines, or trained staff, since database fluency is screened early in applicant review.
Prepare a portfolio of alumni engagement programs
Interviewers frequently ask you to walk through a program you built from scratch. Have two or three alumni engagement initiatives ready to describe end-to-end, including goal-setting, outreach strategy, volunteer management, and measurable outcomes like attendance growth or giving conversion.
Negotiate start date and campaign cycle timing
Development offices are often mid-campaign when they hire, so your start date affects how quickly you're expected to perform. Ask where the annual fund or major campaign stands, then negotiate a start date that gives you enough ramp time before the next fiscal year close.
Director of Development and Alumni Relations Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most director of development and alumni relationss?
CRISTA Ministries, Penn State University, and Boston University are hiring the most director of development and alumni relationss right now, with openings concentrated in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Universities, hospital foundations, and large nonprofits make up the majority of active employers.
How many director of development and alumni relations jobs are remote?
About 60% of director of development and alumni relations openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though fully on-site roles remain common because donor cultivation and alumni events often require in-person presence. Alumni engagement coordination and annual fund management tend to have the most remote flexibility, while major gifts and planned giving roles typically require regular face-to-face donor meetings.
How do you become a director of development and alumni relations?
Start in an entry-level development role such as annual fund coordinator or alumni relations associate to build your donor management and event experience. Progress through roles with increasing portfolio responsibility, earning exposure to major gifts and planned giving along the way. Strengthening your CRM skills, building a track of measurable fundraising results, and earning a CFRE credential all accelerate advancement into director-level roles.
How do you get hired as a director of development and alumni relations with little experience?
Candidates with limited direct fundraising experience can transition in by highlighting transferable skills from nonprofit program management, alumni volunteer coordination, or academic advising. Demonstrating that you've managed donor relationships, organized volunteer networks, or led community engagement initiatives matters more than a fundraising title. Applying to smaller institutions or community colleges, where development teams are lean and directors wear multiple hats, lowers the experience bar compared to large research universities.
What does the director of development and alumni relations interview process look like?
The process typically runs three to four rounds. The first is a screening call with HR or a talent team member covering your background and salary expectations. The second round involves the vice president of advancement or chief development officer, focused on your fundraising philosophy and campaign experience. Finalists usually present to a panel that may include deans, faculty, or an alumni board, and are often asked to walk through a fundraising strategy or engagement plan they would bring to the role.
Where can I find and apply to director of development and alumni relations jobs?
You can find and apply to director of development and alumni relations jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from institutions and organizations across the United States. Find roles that match your background and apply directly to each listing from the page.
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