External Relations Specialist, Annual And Special Gifts Program; Alumni External REL SPEC

Job Summary

The External Relations Specialist serves as an experienced professional responsible for developing and implementing complex alumni engagement and annual giving initiatives for the Annual & Special Gifts Program (ASGP). This position plans, develops and implements strategies for specific programs, events, and college/school/unit groups, while advancing the Annual & Special Gifts Program goals.

The External Relations Specialist independently engages in day-to-day alumni relations operations and participates in the creation of innovative engagement and fundraising programs and initiative. This position collaborates with internal partners to maximize outreach, execute annual giving outreach initiatives, and constituent connections. The External Relations Specialist works closely with the central development office to create and execute annual giving and stewardship efforts, and key engagement events, including initiatives such as Give Day, Crowdfund UC Davis, and digital campaigns.

This position collaborates with fundraising staff and managers to design and implement a comprehensive alumni engagement and solicitation program in alignment with institutional priorities and the strategic goals of the Annual & Special Gifts Program. The Specialist 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.

August 16, 2026 at 11:59pm.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Demonstrated experience providing and managing administrative and logistical support for programs, events, or projects and executing programs or events with multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and complex logistics. Experience evaluating program or event outcomes and using data, feedback, or trends to inform improvements.
• Experience with planning, coordinating, and executing complex programs or events in a service-oriented environment using professionalism, tact, and discretion. Ability to independently manage complex events or initiatives, anticipate issues, and resolve problems diplomatically and effectively.
• Experience developing and delivering written and verbal communications for external audiences, including correspondence, digital content, event messaging, or stewardship materials.
• Demonstrated research, analytical, and critical thinking skills, including the ability to assess complex situations, identify risks or opportunities, and recommend effective solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to translate constituent interests, motivations, and institutional priorities into effective engagement, stewardship, and communication strategies.
• Demonstrated skill in project management, including planning, organizing, prioritizing, and executing programs or events while meeting deadlines and maintaining attention to detail.

• Awareness, knowledge, and skill in applying inclusion to one’s work. A profound belief in the value of a safe workforce and a commitment to achieve this goal through collaboration and team building, working cooperatively with a large group of department and campus constituencies.
• Familiarity with industry best practices in alumni relations, annual giving, constituent engagement, or stewardship.
• Experience developing multichannel communications, including email, web, social media, and/or print.
• Experience using CRM platforms, analytics tools, or digital engagement systems to inform strategy.

• 50% - Annual Giving & stewardship Program Support
• 40% - Constituent Communications & Relationship Management
• 10% - ASGP Programing

Development & Alumni Relations (DEVAR) provides leadership in building enduring public trust, understanding, and support for UC Davis and its mission of teaching, research, and public service. DEVAR provides leadership, coordination and support services to help the university meet its…