Assistant Director of Development Operations (Alumni External REL SPEC 3

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of Development Operations, School and Unit Programs serves as an experienced professional responsible for developing and implementing complex alumni and donor engagement and development initiatives for the School and Unit Programs Office. This position plans, develops and implements strategies for specific programs, events, policies, constituency groups, while advancing the School and Unit Programs Office's goals.

The Assistant Director of Operations, School and Unit Programs independently engages in day-to-day alumni and donor relations operations and participates in the creation of innovative engagement and fundraising programs. This position collaborates with internal partners to maximize outreach, volunteer and donor participation, and constituent connections. The Assistant Director works closely with the central development office and the 20 plus colleges, schools, and units being served to create and execute development efforts, and key engagement events, including initiatives such as the Development Officer Bootcamp, Faculty and Staff Education and the Philanthropic Leadership Council of the UC Davis Foundation Trustees.

This position collaborates with stakeholders and managers to design and implement comprehensive development including alumni, donor, and volunteer engagement programs in alignment with institutional priorities and the strategic goals of the School and Unit Programs Office. The Assistant Director provides leadership in improving business processes, recommending policy or procedural enhancements, and developing training related to development 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 29, 2026 at 11:59pm.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Demonstrated experience providing and managing administrative, operational, and logistical support for programs, events, projects, or senior leaders, including coordinating schedules, preparing materials, and managing competing priorities and complex logistics involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience with planning, coordinating, and executing complex programs or events in a service-oriented environment using professionalism, tact, and discretion. Experience evaluating program or event outcomes and using data, feedback, or trends to inform improvements.
• Experience building and sustaining relationships with diverse constituencies (e.g., alumni, donors, volunteers, faculty, staff, community partners, and/or internal stakeholders) using a variety of engagement methods.
• 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. Experience developing and delivering written and verbal communications for external audiences, including correspondence, event messaging, stewardship materials, or digital content.
• 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.
• Experience managing volunteers, advisory groups, or affinity groups.

• 5 5% - School & Unit Programs Operations Support/Data Analysis
• 15% - School and Unit Stewardship & Alumni &Volunteer Engagement Program Support
• 15% - School and Unit Events & Programming
• 15% - Constituent Communications & Relationship Management

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 mission of research, teaching and service by building philanthropic support and executing approved fundraising programs that support the university's highest priorities and initiatives.

• Departmental Budgeted Salary Range: $75,000 - $80,000/yr., commensurate with experience.
• ALUMNI…