Director of Alumni Relations

POSITION SUMMARY:

Date application must be received for priority consideration by:
October 9, 2026
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date:
October 26, 2026
Closing Date or if blank, Open Until Filled:
Job Family Group:
Administrative and Professional
Division/Department:
University Advancement
Compensation Range (commensurate with experience): $79,283.10-$84,504.83 annually
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Appointment Basis: 12-month
Time Type:
Full-time
Benefits Eligible:
Yes
Renewable/Non-renewable/Grants/Limited Duration:
Renewable
This position must possess and maintain a current, valid Driver License:
Yes
This position is designated as a critical, security-sensitive or safety-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal Background Check:
Yes
Remote Work Type:
On Campus

Work Hours:

M-F (8:00a – 5:00p) Hours are subject to change with notice.

The Director of Alumni Relations provides strategic leadership for the design, implementation, and implementation of the university's comprehensive alumni engagement program. Operating with a small unit, this role balances high-level vision with direct, hands‑on execution to connect a diverse alumni base with Southern Oregon University. Reporting to the Vice President of University Advancement and Director of the SOU Foundation, the Director is responsible for building lifelong affinity, increasing volunteerism, managing community traditions, and generating active support for the university.

This position requires a highly energetic, organized, and collaborative professional capable of working in tandem with the SOU Alumni Association and the Assistant Director of Engagement to integrate alumni engagement initiatives directly into broader university advancement and development goals.

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• At least four years of progressive, professional experience in alumni relations, higher education administration, admissions, public relations, fundraising, or nonprofit management.
• Demonstrated ability to build programs, manage complex projects independently, and execute major public events with minimal administrative support.
• Exceptional public speaking, presentation, writing, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Flexibility and willingness to work evenings and weekends for campus events, regional programs, and professional travel.
• Must possess and maintain a current, valid Driver License.
• Proficiency in managing social media platforms as well as in standard Microsoft 365 software.

• Master's degree in higher education administration, communications, business administration, or a related field.
• Supervisory experience.
• Direct experience working within a university environment.
• Proficient working knowledge of advancement databases and donor management software (such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce).

Duties - The following examples are typical work activities that are meant to illustrate the general range of work functions and are not meant to be all-inclusive or restrictive:

• Plan and execute an annual strategic alumni engagement operating plan aligned with University Advancement objectives.
• Plan, develop, and exercise budget authority over the Alumni Relations operational budget to maximize program return on investment.
• Utilize data analytics and assessment tools to evaluate the effectiveness of programming, develop and maintain alumni tracking metrics, and report trends to leadership.
• Partner with development staff to align alumni activity with the university's ongoing major giving priorities and philanthropic pipeline.
• Provide executive staffing and logistical support to the SOUAA Board of Directors; partner directly with the Board Development & Nominating Committee to manage board recruitment, facilitate regular elections, coordinate the orientation program for newly elected board members, and maintain oversight of bylaws and governing policies

• Serve as chair and logistical lead for major high-visibility campus milestones, working alongside the SOUAA Alumni Engagement & Programming Committee to coordinate Homecoming, reunions, and family weekends.
• Identify, recruit, and guide volunteer leadership to develop and approve official charters for regional alumni chapters and industry-specific affinity networks across the state and country.
• Establish engagement opportunities…