"Director of Alumni Relations and Engagement"

Position Summary

The Director of Alumni Relations and Engagement will lead the overall vision, strategic planning, management, and execution of an alumni engagement program focused on developing and strengthening short and long-term meaningful relationships with Adams State University alumni. This position will be expected to work closely with development colleagues in the Adams State Foundation Office, and to collaborate with various departments and areas of the institution, including: marketing and communications, special events, faculty, and other key internal partners to contribute to the success of the school and the program. This person reports directly to the Vice President for Advancement.

This role will introduce a new, energetic, and creative approach to alumni engagement, both in-person and virtually. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing innovative programming and outreach, with a key focus on marketing and promotion to our alumni. This will involve using compelling content to highlight events and campus news, and proactively capturing and sharing the Adams State story. Through this powerful combination of programming and storytelling, this individual will significantly deepen the connection and relationship between our university and its alumni.

Key activities under the direction of the Office of Alumni Relations include overseeing Homecoming Weekend, steering the Alumni Board, Denver Alumni Chapter, and other volunteer leaders, directing ad hoc events and engagement opportunities for various constituencies, alumni communications, and alumni events.

The key goal of alumni relations is to cultivate engagement through active participation of alumni in University events, to create an esprit de corps of all graduates and friends of Adams State University, and to create a culture of the importance of philanthropic support of Adams State University.

Specific Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Drives alumni communications and outreach efforts, working closely with the University's Marketing and Public Relations department. Regularly disseminates information to alumni, implements creative ways to communicate with alumni, connect alumni to one another and to the University [through events and other planning initiatives], and links alumni with current students for networking, mentoring, and employment. Serves as a contributing partner to the Adams State University alumni magazine and suggests content, editing, and-or writing content for alumni-specific pages.
• Database Management: Oversee the maintenance and integrity of the alumni database, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information on alumni contact details, professional achievements, and engagement history.
• Ensures a successful and active Alumni Volunteer Club, supports creation of Student Alumni ambassador program, works to ensure alumni have educational opportunities and travel program opportunities
• Oversees functions of the Alumni Association Board and its committees, working closely with the board, chapters, and committee chairs. Recruits, onboards, and manages board members; guides committee assignments and tasks; and assists the board and alumni chapters in setting clear and measurable goals. Ensure 100% giving by members of the board.
• Oversees online content on social media platforms directed to alumni.
• Works with the School of Education on Adams State Teacher Education Hall of Fame inductions.
• Creates new and innovative ways to capture and update alumni contact, career information, academic and professional success of alumni via surveys, email, projects, correspondence, online forms, etc.
• Ensures the alumni database is current and safeguarded in coordination with the Manager of Operations and Prospect Research.
• Prepares, monitors, and administers the budget for the functional area.
• Supervises Assistant Director of Alumni Relations.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree with 4-6 years of successful experience in higher education alumni relations (experience in event planning, public relations, or a related field in which the candidate can demonstrate a successful track record may be substituted);
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience;
• Ability to handle extensive travel, work a flexible schedule, attend evening and/or weekend activities, meetings, events, and conferences;
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and well-developed public speaking skills;
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to mentor and motivate a team.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with successful team-building experience both within the team and with campus partners;
• Demonstrated ability in motivating volunteers;
• Ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of varied cultures or backgrounds;
• Able to meet physical demands such as lifting and carrying materials up to 70 pounds, standing up to eight hours each day, and working in various weather conditions.
• Ability to treat others with respect, civility, and courtesy, and to work honestly, effectively, and collegially with employees, students, and the community. This includes the ability to use appropriate conflict management skills to effectively manage any disagreement that might arise or to bring the disagreement to management for assistance in productive resolution when the situation requires.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree;
• Spanish-language proficiency;
• Knowledge of Adams State University, the San Luis Valley, and their histories;
• Working knowledge of higher education processes and procedures;
• Proficiency in Google and Workday environments, and the ability to effectively utilize a broader range of technology, systems, and packages.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $61,860-$70,368. In addition to salary, Adams State University offers a competitive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. For detailed benefits information please visit our Human Resources Benefits Page.

How to Apply

All interested candidates must submit application materials electronically through Adams State University’s Workday application portal. No other format of application material will be accepted. Completed applications include the following: Cover letter, Resume, Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts will be necessary at the time of appointment), Three professional references, including phone number and email for each. For full consideration, applications should be received by 10/13/2025. Review of applications will begin immediately after this date. The position will remain open until filled. Applications received after the priority deadline may be reviewed at the discretion of the search committee. Questions about the position may be directed to Jake Rissler at jrissler@adams.edu.