Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving (ALUMNI EXTERNAL REL SPEC 4)

The Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving serves as a technical and strategic leader responsible for developing and implementing complex alumni engagement and annual giving initiatives for the School of Law. Using advanced expertise and a high degree of autonomy, this position designs programs, events, and outreach strategies that strengthen relationships with alumni and external constituencies while advancing the School of Law Alumni Relations and Development's goals.

The Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving oversees day-to-day alumni relations operations and leads the creation of innovative engagement and fundraising programs. This position collaborates with internal partners to maximize outreach, volunteer participation, and constituent connections. The Director works closely with the central development office to create and execute annual giving and stewardship efforts, and key engagement events, including initiatives such as Give Day, reunions, and digital campaigns. This position has the authority and latitude to design and implement a comprehensive alumni engagement program in alignment with institutional priorities and the strategic goals of the School of Law. The Director provides leadership in improving business processes, recommending policy or procedural enhancements, and developing training related to alumni relations operations.

Apply By Date

September 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of training and professional experience.

• Demonstrated experience leading or designing engagement strategies, programs, or events that advance organizational goals and deepen constituent relationships.

• Experience managing complex projects or high-visibility events involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and sensitive issues with institutional reputational implications.

• Advanced project management skills, including planning and executing complex events or engagement initiatives with measurable objectives, evaluation methods, and continuous improvement practices.

• Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to produce polished executive-level briefings, persuasive proposals, impact reports, board materials, and constituent-facing communications that are tailored to target audiences.

• Political acumen and diplomacy to navigate sensitive situations, build partnerships, and represent the institution to senior leadership, volunteers, donors, and external stakeholders. Skill to recognize potential areas of constituency concern and address, resolve, and/or mitigate issues diplomatically and proactively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience advising leadership or senior stakeholders on constituent engagement, alumni relations, or volunteer management strategies, preferably within higher education.

• Experience leading high-visibility or complex events, campaigns, or volunteer programs.

• Advanced knowledge of the campus, its mission, goals, academic programs, administrative structure, and issues of concern; and advanced understanding of higher education environments and constituent dynamics.

• 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 35% - Stewardship & Annual Giving Strategy

• 30% - Alumni Events & Strategic Programming

• 20% - Volunteer Engagement & Leadership Development

• 15% - Staff Leadership, Training & Operational Oversight

Department Overview

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.

The University of California, Davis, School of Law is a top tier US law school. Its mission is to provide legal research, education and outreach. Its outstanding scholarly reputation, high rankings, small size, dedicated faculty of internationally renowned scholars, and uniquely supportive learning environment combine for an experience of legal education that is second to none for its students. The King Hall School of Law is consistently placed among the best in many rankings and other polls, and is expected to continue its upward trajectory for years to come. The School of Law offers a three-year curriculum in the study of law, and has a student body of approximately 600-650 degree-seeking candidates, 50+ faculty and lecturers, 70+ staff members. The School of Law staff work in a dynamic workplace and are dedicated to providing unparalleled service and support to our legal community. In the pursuit of its strategic goals, the School of Law promotes a high degree of collaboration, innovation, and professional development opportunities among its staff.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Departmental Budgeted Salary Range: $90,000.00 - $95,00.00/yr., commensurate with experience.
• ALUMNI EXTERNAL REL SPEC 4 Classification Full Pay Range: $88,100.00 - $162,100.00
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 23
• UC Job Title: ALUMNI EXTERNAL REL SPEC 4
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift Hours: M-F 8am-5pm
• Location: King (KING), Davis, CA
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• H1-B Eligible: Applicants must be permanently authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
• Hybrid/Remote/Onsite: This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work). This position is based in Davis, CA and may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including a hybrid schedule.

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Employee must have ability to travel to various sites using their own transportation. Work flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends to meet operational needs.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

#CA-PS