Senior Alumni and External Relations Manager (ALUMNI EXTERNAL REL MGR 1)

University of California - Davis
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, long term disability, tuition reimbursement, remote work
United States, California, Davis
Apr 11, 2026
Apply for Job Job ID 85532 Location Davis Full/Part Time Full Time Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job Job Summary Job Summary The Senior Alumni and External Relations Manager in the College of Letters and Sciences manages the L&S External Relations Team. The manager establishes departmental goals and objectives, manages the accountability and stewardship of human, financial, and often physical resources in compliance with departmental and organizational goals and objectives, and ensures the team adheres to defined internal controls. This position manages systems and procedures in alignment with DEVAR policy and procedure. The manager guides, directs, manages unit(s) charged with identifying, building, nurturing and maintaining effective relationships with alumni and other key constituencies and serves as a primary or principal advocate for the institution to its various donor and alumni populations. This position receives assignments in the form of objectives and determines how to use resources to meet schedules and goals. This position collaborates with internal partners to maximize outreach, volunteer participation, and constituent connections. The incumbent works closely with the central development office to create and execute annual giving and stewardship efforts, and key engagement events, including initiatives such as Give Day, reunions, and digital campaigns. This position designs, implements, and manages the L&S alumni engagement program in alignment with institutional priorities and the strategic goals of the College and central DEVAR. The Manager provides leadership in improving business processes, recommending policy or procedural enhancements, and developing training related to alumni relations operations. This position requires good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions, and works collaboratively, and collegially as part of a large, matrix organization. Apply By Date: May 1, 2026 Initial Application Review date is April 24, 2026. Interviews and recruiting process may occur at any time. Position will remain open until filled. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of training and experience. Strong knowledge of management principles, including personnel and budget administration and advanced skill in implementing effective personnel and budget operations and practices. Demonstrated experience leading or designing engagement strategies, programs, or events that advance organizational goals and deepen constituent relationships. Experience managing complex projects or high-visibility events involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and sensitive issues with institutional reputational implications. Experience advising leadership or senior stakeholders on constituent engagement, alumni relations, or volunteer management strategies. Advanced project management skills, including planning and executing complex events or engagement initiatives with measurable objectives, evaluation methods, and continuous improvement practices. Advanced strategic planning, analytical, and critical thinking skills to assess complex issues, anticipate risks, identify opportunities, and recommend data-informed solutions. Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to produce polished executive-level briefings, persuasive proposals, impact reports, board materials, and constituent-facing communications that are tailored to target audiences. Demonstrated political acumen and diplomacy to navigate sensitive situations, build partnerships, and represent the institution to senior leadership, volunteers, donors, and external stakeholders. Skill to recognize potential areas of constituency concern and address, resolve, and/or mitigate issues diplomatically and proactively. Preferred Qualifications Proficiency with CRM/engagement platforms, donor or volunteer databases, and digital communication tools to manage data, track engagement outcomes, and support strategic outreach. Strong, thorough and in-depth knowledge of the campus and / or medical center, including short and long range strategic plans, vision, goals, objectives, infrastructure, programs, achievements and awards. Advanced knowledge of practices and procedures associated with building and maintaining effective working relationships with alumni, donors, volunteers, and internal and external constituencies. Awareness, knowledge, and skill in applying inclusion to one's work. A profound belief in the value of a safe workforce and a commitment to achieve this goal through collaboration and team building, working cooperatively with a large group of department and campus constituencies. Key Responsibilities 60% - College External Relations Programming Oversight 40% - Team Management and Strategic Planning Department Overview The College of Letters and Science at UC Davis is remarkable in it's breadth and depth across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and physical and mathematical sciences. As the largest and most comprehensive college at UC Davis, we play a vital role in the education of every student at the university. We foster collaborations that enable us to tackle society's most complex challenges and to empower students to lead meaningful, engaged, productive lives. The Development Office in the College of Letters and Science, in alignment with leadership from the Deans and central DEVAR, manages all fund raising and donor relations for the College. We engage external constituencies in major gift private philanthropy and provide leadership in the management of all private contributions and the identification, cultivation, and stewardship of donors. Development and Alumni Relations (DEVAR) provides leadership in building enduring public trust, understanding, and support for UC Davis and its mission of teaching, research, and public service. DEVAR provides leadership, coordination and support services to help the university meet its mission of research, teaching and service by building philanthropic support and executing approved fundraising programs that support the university's highest priorities and initiatives. POSITION INFORMATION Departmental Budgeted Salary Range: $115,000 - $120,000/yr., commensurate with experience. ALUMNI EXTERNAL REL MGR 1 Full Pay Scale: $102400.00 - $202400.00 Salary Frequency: Monthly Salary Grade: Grade 25 UC Job Title: ALUMNI EXTERNAL REL MGR 1 UC Job Code: 000457 Number of Positions: 1 Appointment Type: Staff: Career Percentage of Time: 100 Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8 am - 5pm Location: Davis Campus Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM) Benefits Eligible: Yes H1-B Eligible: Applicants must be permanently authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work). This position is based in Davis, CA and may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including a hybrid schedule. Benefits Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page. If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here Physical Demands Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Environmental Demands Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours Mental Demands Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Work Environment UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space. Work occasional evenings and weekends to attend fundraising events and to meet operational needs.Participation in the College of Letters and Science June Commencement exercises is required. Must have reliable transportation to travel to meetings, conferences and events. Special Requirements This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer. A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together. As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks