Senior Alumni and External Relations Manager (ALUMNI EXTERNAL REL MGR 1)
University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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, oversees human, financial, and physical resources in compliance with departmental and organizational objectives, and ensures the team adheres to internal controls. This position manages systems and procedures in alignment with DEVAR policy and procedure. The manager guides and directs unit(s) charged with identifying, building, nurturing, and maintaining effective relationships with alumni and other key constituencies and serves as a primary advocate for the institution to its donor and alumni populations. The incumbent works closely with the central development office to create and execute annual giving, stewardship efforts, and key engagement events, including initiatives such as Give Day, reunions, and digital campaigns. 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.
Key Responsibilities
60% – College External Relations Programming Oversight
40% – Team Management and Strategic Planning
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 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.
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, with a profound belief in the value of a safe workforce and a commitment to achieving this goal through collaboration and team building.
Department Overview The College of Letters and Science at UC Davis is the largest and most comprehensive college on campus, offering programs across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and physical and mathematical sciences. The Development Office in the College, in alignment with leadership from the Deans and central DEVAR, manages all fundraising and donor relations for the College. Development and Alumni Relations (DEVAR) provides leadership in building enduring public trust and support for UC Davis and its mission of teaching, research, and public service.
Position Information
Departmental Budgeted Salary Range: $115,000 - $120,000/yr., commensurate with experience.
Number of Positions: 1
Appointment Type: Staff: Career
Percentage of Time: 100%
Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Davis Campus
Union Representation: Non‑Represented (PPSM)
Benefits Eligible: Yes
H1‑B Eligible: Applicants must have permanent authorization to work for any employer in the U.S.; UC Davis does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
Position is hybrid (mix of on‑site and remote work).
Benefits Outstanding benefits and perks are available, including medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance options; paid holidays, PTO, and sick leave; continuing education allowance; access to professional development courses; wellness programs; employee assistance program; and retirement benefit options. Further details are available on the UC Davis benefits summary for employees.
High‑quality, low‑cost medical plans to fit family needs
UC pays for dental and vision insurance premiums for employees and families
Extensive leave benefits including pregnancy and parental leave, and family & medical leave
Paid holidays annually as stipulated in UC Davis policies or collective bargaining agreement
Paid time off/vacation/sick time as stipulated in UC Davis policies or collective bargaining agreement
Continuing education allowance and education reimbursement program
Training and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
WorkLife and wellness programs and resources
On‑site employee assistance program including free mental health services
Supplemental insurance offered, including life, short/long‑term disability, pet insurance, and legal coverage
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
Retirement benefit options for eligible roles, including pension and other retirement saving plans
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
Keyboard use/repetitive motion – Frequent 3 to 6 hours
Other physical activities as described above
Environmental Demands
Chemicals, dust, gases or fumes – None
Loud noise levels – None
Marked changes in humidity or temperature – None
Microwave/Radiation – None
Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment – None
Extreme temperatures – None
Uneven surfaces or elevations – None
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. Work may require occasional evenings or weekends to attend fundraising events and operational needs. Participation in the College of Letters and Science June Commencement exercises is required. Reliable transportation is necessary for meetings, conferences, and events.
Special Requirements
This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, requiring clearance of a criminal background check, drug screening, medical evaluation clearance, and functional capacity assessment.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement Final candidates who accept a conditional offer must disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years regarding misconduct, allegations, investigations, or appeals as required by UC Davis policy.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging UC Davis is committed to solving urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer; all qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.
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Key Responsibilities
60% – College External Relations Programming Oversight
40% – Team Management and Strategic Planning
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 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.
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, with a profound belief in the value of a safe workforce and a commitment to achieving this goal through collaboration and team building.
Department Overview The College of Letters and Science at UC Davis is the largest and most comprehensive college on campus, offering programs across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and physical and mathematical sciences. The Development Office in the College, in alignment with leadership from the Deans and central DEVAR, manages all fundraising and donor relations for the College. Development and Alumni Relations (DEVAR) provides leadership in building enduring public trust and support for UC Davis and its mission of teaching, research, and public service.
Position Information
Departmental Budgeted Salary Range: $115,000 - $120,000/yr., commensurate with experience.
Number of Positions: 1
Appointment Type: Staff: Career
Percentage of Time: 100%
Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Davis Campus
Union Representation: Non‑Represented (PPSM)
Benefits Eligible: Yes
H1‑B Eligible: Applicants must have permanent authorization to work for any employer in the U.S.; UC Davis does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
Position is hybrid (mix of on‑site and remote work).
Benefits Outstanding benefits and perks are available, including medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance options; paid holidays, PTO, and sick leave; continuing education allowance; access to professional development courses; wellness programs; employee assistance program; and retirement benefit options. Further details are available on the UC Davis benefits summary for employees.
High‑quality, low‑cost medical plans to fit family needs
UC pays for dental and vision insurance premiums for employees and families
Extensive leave benefits including pregnancy and parental leave, and family & medical leave
Paid holidays annually as stipulated in UC Davis policies or collective bargaining agreement
Paid time off/vacation/sick time as stipulated in UC Davis policies or collective bargaining agreement
Continuing education allowance and education reimbursement program
Training and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
WorkLife and wellness programs and resources
On‑site employee assistance program including free mental health services
Supplemental insurance offered, including life, short/long‑term disability, pet insurance, and legal coverage
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
Retirement benefit options for eligible roles, including pension and other retirement saving plans
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
Keyboard use/repetitive motion – Frequent 3 to 6 hours
Other physical activities as described above
Environmental Demands
Chemicals, dust, gases or fumes – None
Loud noise levels – None
Marked changes in humidity or temperature – None
Microwave/Radiation – None
Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment – None
Extreme temperatures – None
Uneven surfaces or elevations – None
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. Work may require occasional evenings or weekends to attend fundraising events and operational needs. Participation in the College of Letters and Science June Commencement exercises is required. Reliable transportation is necessary for meetings, conferences, and events.
Special Requirements
This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, requiring clearance of a criminal background check, drug screening, medical evaluation clearance, and functional capacity assessment.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement Final candidates who accept a conditional offer must disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years regarding misconduct, allegations, investigations, or appeals as required by UC Davis policy.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging UC Davis is committed to solving urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer; all qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.
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