Assistant Director, Alumni Engagement (Signature Experiences)

Assistant Director, Alumni Engagement (Signature Experiences) Job No: 499051 Work Type: Staff Full-Time Location: Denver, CO Categories: Alumni / Development / Fundraising, Business Operations / Services, Advancement About the University of Denver The University of Denver (DU) is the oldest independent private university in the Rocky Mountain region, serving approximately 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students. DU is classified as an R1: Doctoral University, a designation recognizing the highest level of research activity among U.S. institutions. At DU, we approach higher education with the confident optimism and pragmatic independence that define the Rocky Mountain West. It sets us apart. We're preparing students to become the solutions in their own stories, empowering them to face uncertainty with confidence and uncommon sense. We're fiercely ambitious and forward-thinking, surpassing all expectations to redefine success and how to achieve it. As a top-tier private R-1 institution, we are dedicated to making the world a better place -contributing to our communities and making positive change in the world. About DU Advancement DU Advancement drives meaningful connections and partnerships to support DU's mission of advancing the public good. By championing philanthropy, engaging alumni, and fostering collaborative initiatives, we empower innovation, inspire transformation, and showcase what DU can do to create positive change in the world. This spirit is at the heart of The Denver Difference campaign. As DU's most ambitious campaign yet, we are reimagining what the university experience can and should be. By preparing students for success in all aspects of life, DU is setting a new standard for higher education. DU Advancement reflects the excellence and innovation of the university itself. Through alumni engagement, development, operations, and communications leadership, we are fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy to support our bold vision for the future. About the Development & Alumni Engagement Team Rooted in service to the mission of the University, DU's development & alumni engagement team is dedicated to driving results in engagement and philanthropy that unleash the University of Denver's bold aspirations to their fullest effect. DU's development and alumni engagement team is core to the success of The Denver Difference campaign, building connections with constituents who find purpose and meaning in their support, affinity and engagement with the University of Denver. Within this team, dedicated alumni engagement professionals collaborate frequently with advancement colleagues, faculty and staff partners, and alumni volunteer leaders to align efforts, maximize impact, and ensure alumni have multiple avenues to remain involved with DU. This includes a suite of engagement programming including signature experiences such as Homecoming, life-stage and reunion programs, networks that gather alumni and friends of the university based on regional, interest and professional commonalities, volunteerism initiatives, and individual relationship-building efforts. With an unwavering focus on fostering a vibrant alumni network that supports DU and the next generation of students, DU's centrally- and academic-unit-based alumni engagement officers blend hospitality, strategic vision, and heartfelt relationship-building to create unforgettable experiences and enduring connections -welcoming alumni home while shaping the future of DU's alumni network. About the Opportunity The University of Denver is seeking a driven and passionate professional to join our Advancement team as the Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement, Signature Experiences. This centrally-based role is a unique opportunity for a skilled professional to join a dynamic, purposeful enterprise united around a compelling vision charted by Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. The incumbent will be part of the niversity-wide advancement team and will work with a community of talented professionals advancing the mission of the University of Denver and representing the bold ideas of our faculty to inspire engagement and philanthropy. Reporting to the Director of Alumni Engagement, Signature Experiences, the Assistant Director will execute a wide range of alumni programs, creating meaningful opportunities for graduates to celebrate, reconnect, and deepen their lifelong relationship with the institution. This role will play a role in large-scale annual traditions, and will be directly responsible for executing individual events and programs as part of the university's reunion program, life-stage engagement initiatives and volunteerism strategy, as outlined in the university's alumni engagement strategic plan. The Assistant Director implements experiences that connect alumni to the university and one another through shared traditions, community celebrations, and experiences that add value to alumni across their lives. Specific initiatives led by this role include the University Alumni Council Programming Committee's Meet@ event series, student-to-alumni transition and recent graduate initiatives, Dear Student volunteer program, and the department's volunteer partnership with undergraduate admissions. The Assistant Director will have the opportunity to refine existing offerings and play a key role in developing and executing new programs in a highly collaborative environment, ensuring that signature components of DU's alumni engagement program remain vibrant, inclusive, aligned with institutional priorities, and responsive to the evolving interests of a multifaceted alumni population. Essential Functions Signature Events, Experiences and Programs - Implement a portfolio of alumni engagement programs that create meaningful opportunities for graduates to celebrate, reconnect, and deepen their lifelong relationship with the university. Execute key initiatives within the university's signature experiences strategy, including reunion programming, life-stage engagement efforts, the Meet@ event series, student-to-alumni transition programs, recent graduate initiatives, and volunteerism initiatives outlined in the alumni engagement strategic plan. Support planning and execution of large-scale annual traditions, including Homecoming and other university-wide celebrations, in partnership with colleagues across Advancement and campus. Establish program goals, assessment measures, and evaluation plans to track participation, volunteer involvement, constituent feedback, and overall impact. Collaborate closely with colleagues in Advancement and across campus to deliver high-quality programs that advance institutional priorities. Identify opportunities to enhance existing programs and develop new experiences that respond to alumni interests and evolving engagement trends. Alumni Discovery and Volunteer Engagement - Conduct one-on-one outreach and relationship-building with alumni to identify interests and connect constituents with meaningful engagement opportunities. Recruit, onboard, support, and recognize alumni volunteers who serve as event hosts, mentors, advocates, committee members, Dear Student volunteers, admissions volunteers, and other engagement roles. Partner with individual members of the Programming Committee of the University Alumni Council, supporting events and experiences that expand alumni engagement. Build and maintain strong relationships with volunteers through regular communication, training, stewardship, and recognition. Foster a culture of volunteerism that strengthens alumni affinity, pride, and connection to the university. Encourage alumni to deepen their engagement through progressively meaningful volunteer experiences and philanthropic participation, including 1DAY4DU. Meet assigned goals related to alumni discovery visits, volunteer engagement, and event participation. Operations and Data Manage