Assistant Director, Student​/Young Alumni Engagement; HR Alumni Relations Officer II

Assistant Director, Student/Young Alumni Engagement

This role is an on-campus, in-person position. This role leads the strategy and execution of engagement and fundraising efforts for undergraduate students, recent graduates (0–10 years), and next-generation alumni (11–20 years), building a strong pipeline of future donors. This role fosters lifelong philanthropic relationships through intentional cultivation, solicitation and meaningful engagement opportunities. The position manages key volunteer groups, including the Student Philanthropy Council and Young Alumni Board, to drive participation and annual giving.

It also maintains a targeted portfolio of leadership-level prospects, executing personalized strategies to advance engagement and philanthropic support. Working collaboratively, the role develops high-impact programs that connect constituents to the institution and its mission. The role leverages data-driven insights and multi-channel strategies to increase donor participation, volunteerism and early philanthropic behaviors.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree is required. Master's preferred. Degree in Higher Education, communications, fundraising, program management, highly preferred. A minimum of two years of professional work experience in one or more of the following is required: higher education, direct marketing, fundraising, alumni relations, volunteer management or program management. Professional work experience that requires written communication skills and production of mass marketing elements for large audiences, also required.

Experience managing volunteer boards and/or committees of adult professionals, preferred. Experience managing multiple projects with the goal of delivering on specific metrics, required. Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

A strong customer service orientation is essential. Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills. Budget management experience, required. Proven ability in building and managing alumni, volunteer or event activity and plans that support fundraising goals of the department and university is strongly preferred.

Knowledge of SMU alumni constituencies and campus culture, is a plus. Direct fundraising/personal solicitation experience, highly desired. Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Experience with data visualization, preferred. Experience with social media platforms and tools, highly preferred. Experience with  or other project management tools, required. Experience with Gravyty or Give Campus platform (or other volunteer management system,) is a plus.

Experience with Salesforce or another CRM, highly preferred. Adobe Creative Cloud or Canva, preferred.