About the University of Denver

The University of Denver (DU) is the oldest independent private university in the Rocky Mountain region, serving approximately 12,000 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 campaign leadership, we are fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy to support our bold vision for the future.

About the 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 volunteer leaders to align efforts, maximize impact, and ensure alumni have multiple avenues to remain involved with DU. This includes a full suite of engagement activities including local, regional and topical programming, volunteer programs, individual relationships and signature experiences such as Homecoming. 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.

Position Summary

The University of Denver is seeking a driven and passionate professional to join our Advancement team as the Director of Alumni Engagement – Denver Network and 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 university-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 directly to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Engagement, Campus Initiatives, the Director of Alumni Engagement will strategically build engagement among DU alumni in the Denver metro area through a combination of strategies. This role will play a leadership role in designated signature experiences for alumni, advance one-on-one relationships with key alumni in the Denver metro area, and partner on the design and execution of other identified strategies.  

The 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. This role will work in tandem with colleagues focused on regional engagement, volunteerism, and unit-based engagement to drive broad-scale engagement throughout the DU alumni community. 

Essential Functions

Denver Network: Build and manage a comprehensive suite of engagement experiences designed to maximize the affinity and impact of DU alumni living in the Denver metro area.  This will include one-on-one relationship building with key alumni leaders and volunteers, partnership with Career and Professional Development to activate the alumni network within target industries and companies, and other opportunities to engage alumni with the university. 

Signature Events, Experiences and Programs: Partner closely with the Assistant Vice Chancellor in setting the vision for annual signature engagement programs such as Homecoming and the university’s emerging reunions program, including direct responsibility for execution of key elements of these programs. Liaise with the Programming Committee of the University Alumni Council in support of their efforts to deepen alumni engagement. Partner with colleagues to develop a suite of life-stage, professional and intellectual programming that drive engagement and add value to the lives of DU alumni. Collaborate closely alongside the Advancement Events and Communications teams, as well as other Advancement and campus partners, for design and execution of all experiences. 

Discovery & Day of Giving: In partnership with development colleagues, perform discovery activities related to strengthening the pipeline of philanthropic and volunteer support and engage actively with alumni to maximize DU’s annual day of giving (1Day4DU) and other initiatives supporting campaign efforts.  

Other programs: Partner with the Assistant Vice Chancellor and other colleagues to refine and maximize the potential of other engagement activities, such as the alumni benefits program, student-alumni connections, and alumni-owned business directory. Engage in cross-functional and collaborative opportunities with unit-based alumni engagement colleagues to encourage alumni engagement within DU’s academic schools and colleges as appropriate. 

Metrics: Meet assigned targets for individual metrics which may include but are not limited to one-on-one visits with alumni, overall alumni engagement targets, and other metrics as assigned.  

Leadership, Partnership and University Citizenship: As a key member of the alumni engagement team, this role serves as a content-area expert in developing and implementing strategies for signature events and experiences that strengthen alumni connections. It involves active collaboration with advancement colleagues, institutional partners, and campus stakeholders to foster strategic and effective engagement practices. The position contributes to Advancement’s goal-setting processes for both individual and team objectives, while responsibly managing budgets and resources to advance the University of Denver. A commitment to inclusivity is essential—creating a workplace where all community members feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to participate fully. This includes intentionally understanding diverse perspectives, engaging in ongoing learning, and cultivating self-awareness to build strong relationships and a positive, welcoming environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven track record of ability to identify and execute strategic, creative programmatic efforts that expand engagement and deepen affinity 
• Demonstrated success in driving programs and initiatives forward in a highly complex, collaborative environment 
• Demonstrated success in external constituent management to desired ends 
• Highly organized and detail oriented; Strong project management and event planning skills 
• Initiative, including direct constituent work and active relationship management 
• Approaches work with curiosity, resourcefulness and a drive to make things better. Takes initiative, including proactive steps to solve problems, follow through on ideas, and take on new challenges. 
• Demonstrated ability to practice and adhere to organizational values, ability to communicate effectively within the university and with external constituents 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite 
• Demonstrated proficiency in using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to accurately enter, update, and manage data, recognizing the importance of data integrity and maintaining high standards 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience (Veterans with equivalent combination of military certification/education and experience may substitute for this qualification)
• 5 years of alumni, membership, or other constituent relations experience 

Preferred Qualifications

• Constituent relations or development experience in higher education or a similarly complex non-profit organization 
• Working knowledge of the University of Denver and/or Denver metro area professional, cultural, and civic organizations and networks 

Working Environment

• Standard open office environment
• Noise level is quiet to moderate
• Some nights and weekend event attendance
• Regular local and very limited out-of-state travel responsibilities to meet with constituents
• Eligible for hybrid work

Physical Activities

• Ability to use a computer for an extended period
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs. with assistance

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; some night and weekend event attendance 

Application Deadline

For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) December 12, 2025.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number

The salary grade for the position is 14.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $95,000- $110,000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.