Senior Director of External Relations Programs and Events

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff. As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice.

Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value. We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities.

Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

University Development and Alumni Relations increases support for and enhances knowledge of UC Berkeley through communications, public outreach, and fundraising. The department is responsible for centralized fundraising and donor engagement and works to strengthen unit development offices by consulting and partnering with campus fundraisers. University Development and Alumni Relations also handles a range of central activities and services encompassing events, communications, stewardship, prospect development, gift management, database management, and more.

This position works closely with the Chancellor, top-level administrators, public figures, top-level donors, the Regents, faculty, alumni, and visiting national and international dignitaries in the development and implementation of special events and strategic programs for the University. Manages campus special events, programs, and ceremonies; advises on and oversees visits by heads of state and other dignitaries, acts as campus protocol expert, and administers the Chancellor’s campus awards programs, which includes the highest campus honor.

Manages and directs five professionals engaged in programmatic implementation for development and external relations programs, including Alumni and Parents Weekend at Homecoming, Discover Cal, Haas International, and Public Service Awards, Alumni Relations, and May and December Commencements.

• Leads a team of campus external relations experts in the administration and oversees the administration and management of the university’s highest awards (Berkeley Medal, Berkeley Citation, Chancellor’s Citation, Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award), Volunteer Awards, Achievement Awards, Elise and Walter
  
  A. Haas International Award, and Peter
  
  E. Haas Public Service Award.
• Serves as a liaison to and provides support services through a team of highly technical external relations specialists and support staff for national alumni groups and key alumni leaders (i.e., the UC Berkeley Foundation Board of Trustees, Founders Pledge Alumni, and California Alumni Association). Serves as a primary point of contact for many of the university’s principal gift donors (gifts ranging from $500,000 to $+) on matters relating to attendance and participation at events and meetings.
• Leads the External Relations team in partnering with UDAR’s marketing communications team in ERMC to create, develop, and implement strategic, integrated marketing and communications programs in support of UDAR’s strategic goals. These programs are designed to ensure optimum participation and support from key alumni, donors, and constituents in support for UDAR and UC Berkeley priorities and initiatives.
• Consults with and advises senior…