SR DIR, Alumni Relations

Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and six years of appropriate experience in alumni relations or related field; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and eight years of appropriate experience in alumni relations or related field.

The Senior Director of Alumni Engagement serves as a strategic leader within the Alumni Relations team at UF Advancement, reporting directly to the Executive Director of Alumni Relations and the UF Alumni Association. This role is responsible for shaping and executing engagement strategies that align with the University of Florida’s advancement priorities, with a focus on cultivating meaningful alumni experiences, driving membership, and supporting philanthropic growth.

This position provides high-level oversight and direction across key areas including alumni volunteer engagement, signature events and programming, data strategy, and board relations. The Senior Director will lead efforts to design and implement innovative programs that resonate with diverse alumni populations, while also managing the UF Alumni Association Board of Directors to ensure effective governance, volunteer impact, and institutional alignment.

Working in close partnership with the Executive Director, the Senior Director will develop and refine processes that support the execution of the Alumni Relations Strategic Plan. This includes leveraging data to inform engagement strategies, fostering collaboration across units, and enhancing the visibility and value of alumni involvement throughout the university community.

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a senior member of the Alumni Relations leadership team, contributing to department-wide strategic planning and performance execution.
• Oversee daily operations of the Alumni Volunteer Engagement Team, offering guidance, goal-setting, and support for Gator Clubs® and Affiliate Groups.
• Collaborate with alumni leadership in team-wide strategies to promote coordination across engagement, communications, programming, and volunteer efforts.
• Support the Executive Director with the advancement of priority projects and alignment with institutional development goals.
• Cultivate a culture of innovation, accountability, and team development that reinforces alumni relations as a central pillar of the advancement strategy.
• Build collaborative, productive relationships with stakeholders.
• Assist in future development of strategy and vision through integrated training with all areas of Alumni Relations including but not limited to: Annual Giving, Gator Clubs; Communications and Campus/Unit Partnerships.
• Serve as back-up to the Executive Director by training, coaching, and resolving employee relations issues.
• Research industry standards, trends, breakthroughs and best practices.
• Implement changes accordingly to maintain competitiveness among peers and to meet goals and objectives as determined by strategic plan and goals.

Alumni Engagement Programs Oversight

• Oversee the organization and coordination university-wide special events and reunions that are consistent with the strategic focus and image of the University of Florida, the Office of Alumni Relations, including the Affiliate Groups and Gator Clubs. This includes special programs and varied off-site and on-campus programs designed to promote both academic and non-academic activities within the University.
• Develop strategy and vision for UFAA signature events including, but not limited to, Gator Nation Tailgates, Grand Guard, Gator 100, 40 Under 40, Alumni Weekend and overall alumni relations programs. 
• Oversee all event logistics including date and venue selection, theme development, invitation list development, correspondence/invitations, budget supervision, seating assignments, guest research, security and transportation arrangements, catering, décor, and other elements crucial to a successful event.
• Partner with appropriate stakeholders and internal team members to communicate, coordinate, and support all events.
• Create projected budget expenses and work within established budgetary guidelines for each event; ensure budget management by tracking events progress to frequently assess and analyze financial expectations.

 UF Alumni Association Board Management

• Plan, coordinate and execute three Alumni Board meetings in conjunction with the Executive Director.
• Ensure board nomination messaging is effectively communicated to Advancement and external constituents.
• Provide support to boards and committees by identifying, nominating, qualifying, cultivating, evaluating and recruiting prospective members, focusing on board growth, composition, leadership succession planning; assess the current composition of each board and committee.
• Implement strategies to achieve goals and objectives; prepare and complete action plans; implement standards, resolve problems, identify trends, determine system improvements and assist in implementing change.
• Manage the planning process to establish timelines and conceptualize goals.
• Provide thorough assistance with follow-up action and communication items to ensure everything is accomplished.
• Disseminate information to campus stakeholders regarding board meetings and volunteer-related event to facilitate their involvement, participation, and attendance.
• Work with legal to distribute and track response for annual conflict of interest disclosure statements and to ensure effective and efficient governance.
• Maintain familiarity with board bylaws to ensure compliance with Advancement policies and with best practices in board governance.
• Liaise with Board officers to manage their UFAA board responsibilities; communicate frequently to ensure strategic goals are met and/or modified as priorities change.
• In conjunction with Strategic Communications, Marketing & Engagement, create materials and messages that align with Advancement and university branding and communications strategies.
• Address board feedback to improve meetings, policies and practices where relevant through post-meeting surveys.

$110,000-$120,000; commensurate with education and experience.

Exceptional Benefits We Offer

• Affordable State Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Comprehensive Coverage: Life and Disability Insurance
• Secure Retirement Options: Generous plans to safeguard your future
• Inclusive Paid Time Off: Including 11 paid holidays, as well as family, sick, and vacation leave
• Professional and Personal Growth: Opportunities through UF Training & Organization Development, leadership development, LinkedIn learning, and more
• Tuition Assistance: Benefit from the UF Employee Education Program
• PSLF Eligibility: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer

The University of Florida offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn more. 

Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and six years of appropriate experience in alumni relations or related field; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and eight years of appropriate experience in alumni relations or related field.

Valid driver's license required. 

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in alumni relations, advancement, volunteer management, and higher education, including event management.
• A history of successful higher education program leadership in alumni relations, development, or marketing/communications is strongly preferred.
• Experience with alumni volunteer networks, board relations, and donor strategy integration.
• Leadership experience in complex organizations and matrixed environments.
• Proven success in building engagement strategies, and managing high-impact programs.
• Data fluency and strong understanding of engagement performance measurement.
• High-level project management and relationship-building capabilities.
• A successful track record in a related profession – such as marketing, communications, non-profit management, special events, student affairs, enrollment management – combined with a strong affinity for the University of Florida and the Gator Nation also will be given consideration.
• The ability to work strategically, develop and implement constituency programs and activities, along with a talent for motivating volunteers.
• Ability to work collaboratively and a team player.
• Competency in problem solving.
• Accuracy, attention to detail and a customer service-oriented attitude are essential for success in this position.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and the capacity to engage effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of individuals are essential.
• A commitment to and support for workplace inclusion in all its forms; demonstrated success collaborating with stakeholders; experience in a data-driven environment; excellent organizational abilities; and the capacity to lead, influence, and inspire others are essential.
• Proficient in the following areas: Windows operating systems, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access, as well as internet browsers and email platforms. Familiarity with donor databases, contact management systems, and tracking systems is also highly preferred.

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume and three references.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.