Director of National Engagement

About the Job

POSITION OVERVIEW

If you're passionate about building meaningful connections and representing the University of Minnesota on a national stage, this is the opportunity for you. As Director of National Engagement, you'll lead dynamic alumni engagement efforts across the country, including planning signature events like U of M Days, partnering with campus units on presidential travel, and spotlighting alumni impact through exclusive Behind the Scenes experiences.

You'll collaborate with passionate volunteer leaders, shape national engagement strategy, and help alumni stay connected to the U and each other-no matter where they live. With exciting national travel and a collaborative team environment, this role is a unique chance to make a lasting impact in alumni relations. The Director of National Engagement will lead efforts to strengthen alumni engagement around the United States.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Engagement, this results-oriented individual will develop and implement innovative approaches to increase the breadth and depth of engaged alumni who have a meaningful connection to each other and the U. This position serves as the primary liaison to national alumni networks and UMAA housing partners. This role coordinates U of M Days programs for the UMAA, and liaises with campus partners, such as the Office of Admissions, Gopher Athletics, University of Minnesota Foundation, and the President's Office, on national engagement opportunities.

This role also provides the primary staff support for the Alumni Network Council.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the primary staff liaison for UMAA's national alumni networks.
• Coordinate recruitment, training and development, and recognition for alumni network volunteer leaders, with a focus on national alumni networks
• Develop and implement programs to engage national alumni in ways that are both relevant to them and meaningful to the University.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with potential, current, and former alumni network volunteer leaders to strengthen a pipeline of engaged alumni and future volunteers.
• Provide network leaders with support and training materials, ongoing communication to enhance their knowledge and understanding of how to be effective in their roles, training opportunities, and recognition of their efforts.
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Alumni Network Council.
• Collaborate with the Alumni Network Council directors from UMAA's Board of Directors to set the meeting schedule, agenda, and strategic direction of the Council.
• Coordinate logistics for Alumni Network Council meetings throughout the year
• Plan and execute UMAA National Behind the Scenes events, providing exclusive access to unique venues and workplaces nationwide that highlight U of M alumni achievements and impact.
• Coordinate UMAA's involvement in presidential travel to key regions across the country.
• Partner with the Office of Admissions to engage national alumni in supporting the University's recruitment and enrollment efforts.
• Oversee planning and operations for national athletic engagement opportunities throughout the year, including 'Sota Socials, Bowl Game, and network-led Game Watch Parties.
• Collaborate with the UMAA team to strategically enhance existing programs for national alumni (e.g. Maroon and Gold Network, Day of Service)
• Position will require travel to throughout the United States, averaging 4-6 trips per year (~15-20 travel days/year)

Lead U of M Days Events (10%)

• Plan and execute U of M Days at key athletic, cultural, and community venues, creating high-impact alumni experiences that celebrate school spirit and foster pride.
• Collaborate with campus and external partners to coordinate logistics, marketing, and programming that enhance visibility and participation across the University's five campuses.
• Identify new opportunities to expand U of M Days to additional locations and audiences, strengthening alumni engagement and connection to the University.

Develop and Manage Housing Partner Engagement Programs (10%)

• Design and implement engagement opportunities in collaboration with UMAA housing partners,…