Alumni Relations Specialist

About the Job

Location: University of Minnesota Rochester, Rochester, MN

This position works in-person in Rochester, MN. This role is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship.

Position Overview

The Alumni Engagement and Community Relations Coordinator at the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) is responsible for strengthening lifelong relationships between the university, its alumni and the broader Rochester community. This position leads strategic alumni engagement and community relations that advance UMR’s mission and enhance institutional pride, visibility, and connection.

Working closely with the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, the Alumni Engagement and Community Relations Coordinator designs and delivers meaningful engagement opportunities throughout the alumni lifecycle—from recent graduates to established professionals and retirees. This role also serves as a key connector between alumni, community stakeholders, university leadership, faculty, staff, and student leaders, fostering collaboration and shared investment in UMR’s success.

This individual is expected to participate in departmental planning, staff meetings, CommUnity Dialogues and relevant committees.

Key Responsibilities

Alumni Relations & Engagement (Primary Focus) - 40%

• Develop, implement, and lead a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy that fosters lifelong connection to UMR.
• Plan and execute a wide range of alumni programs and events, including reunions, networking opportunities, professional development, mentoring initiatives, lifelong learning programs and recognition activities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for UMR alumni, responding to inquiries and providing information about university initiatives, opportunities and events.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni across a variety of industries and career stages, leveraging those connections to support students and alumni engagement.
• Develop and manage an alumni volunteer network, including recruitment, training, stewardship, and recognition of volunteers.
• Collaborate with University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) partners and represent UMR at relevant systemwide alumni meetings and initiatives.
• Stay informed of University of Minnesota Alumni Association initiatives and communicate relevant opportunities to UMR alumni in alignment with engagement goals.
• Manage and track the alumni relations budget.
• Maintain accurate records of alumni contact information, engagement, event attendance, volunteer activity and interactions using the university’s CRM and data systems.
• Analyze engagement data and prepare reports to support planning, assessment, and decision-making.

Event Planning & Management for Alumni - 20%

• Plan, manage and execute alumni engagement events.
• Collaborate with internal partners on event strategy, logistics, communications, invitation lists and attendee management.
• Collaborate with the Office of Student Life to coordinate Parent and Family Weekend to incorporate Alumni or an Alumni weekend.
• Ensure events are inclusive, engaging and aligned with UMR’s strategic priorities.
• Evaluate event participation and feedback to continuously enhance future programming.
• Engage, participate and represent select community events.

Community, Government, and Campus Relations - 20%

• Build and sustain positive relationships with local and regional community partners, organizations and stakeholders.
• Support government and civic engagement efforts by working collaboratively with university leadership and external partners as appropriate.
• Serve as the UMR liaison for U of M Day at the Capital planning.
• Attend bi-weekly system Government Relations meetings.
• Develop, manage and enhance the Chancellor’s Student Leaders program.
• Promote UMR’s mission, programs, and impact through active participation in community events and collaborations.
• Represent UMR at community and government relations events and meetings.

Communications & Strategy - 15%

• Lead and contribute to alumni-focused communications, including the UMR alumni magazine, The Kettle, emails, social media content, print, alumni stories, newsletters and digital content, in partnership with communications and marketing colleagues.
• Shape alumni messaging to ensure it is engaging, mission-aligned and reflective of the diverse alumni community.
• Utilize alumni data, surveys and engagement metrics to inform program design, assess impact and improve outcomes.

Other Duties as Assigned - 5%

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Nonprofit Management, Higher Education, or a related field.
• At least four years of professional experience in alumni relations, community engagement, volunteer management, event planning, or a related field (higher education experience preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse audiences.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience working with CRM or engagement tracking systems.
• Demonstrated high energy and enthusiasm in a fast‑paced environment.
• Visible and engaged contributor.
• Creative thinker who brings new ideas and innovative approaches
• Proven self‑starter with the ability to work independently and drive engagement.

Preferred

• Master’s degree.
• Experience planning and executing personalized, creative and complex events.
• Familiarity with higher education institutional structures and alumni engagement best practices.
• Knowledge of the Rochester community and regional alumni networks.
• Strong analytical skills and comfort using data to inform strategy and programming.

Work Schedule and Location

Full-time, 40 hours per week. Position is primarily in-person at the UMR campus, with some flexibility for remote work as approved. Evening and weekend work required to support events and alumni activities. Occasional local and regional travel may be required for alumni, community engagement, or professional development activities.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $58,000 - $68,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff