Assistant Director, Student/Young Alumni Engagement (HR Title: Alumni Relations Officer II) (DE[...]

Salary Range Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications About SMU SMU is a national private university located near Dallas, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across eight schools. The university emphasizes research, teaching, and student development within a supportive campus community. About the Department Development and External Affairs (DEA) secures funding for university priorities, promotes community engagement, and supports enrollment initiatives. DEA includes offices of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, Development Services, Program Services and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, Principal and Major Gifts, and School and Project Development. About the Position This on‑campus, in‑person role leads the strategy and execution of engagement and fundraising efforts for undergraduate students, recent graduates, and next‑generation alumni. The position fosters lifelong philanthropic relationships, manages volunteer groups, and maintains a targeted portfolio of leadership‑level prospects. Essential Functions Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to increase philanthropy from student, young alumni, and next‑generation alumni. Design, execute, and optimize annual programs and events to move constituents along the donor engagement continuum. Establish and monitor annual goals for participation and dollar growth in collaboration with AGAR leadership. Manage a portfolio of 50–75 leadership‑level prospects, developing tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies. Recruit, train, and manage the Young Alumni Board as a high‑performing volunteer body focused on engagement, advocacy, and annual giving. Provide strategic oversight and day‑to‑day management of the Student Philanthropy Council, building a strong culture of philanthropy among undergraduates. Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of signature student and young alumni programs, including SMU Giving Day and the Official SMU Ring Program. Collaborate with campus marketing and AGAR teams to deliver targeted, multi‑channel communications to younger audiences. Track, analyze, and report on key metrics including participation rates, donor retention, and pipeline progression. Manage program budgets, timelines, and logistics to ensure effective execution of all initiatives. Support additional Advancement initiatives and special projects as assigned. Regularly update university leadership and AGAR colleagues on efforts, making recommendations to support development and engagement goals. (Other duties as assigned; the position requires regular evening or weekend work.) Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred, especially in Higher Education, Communications, Fundraising, or Program Management. Minimum of two years of professional experience in higher education, direct marketing, fundraising, alumni relations, volunteer management, or program management. Experience producing mass marketing elements and written communication for large audiences required. Experience managing volunteer boards or committees of adult professionals preferred. Experience managing multiple projects with defined metrics required. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with strong written communication abilities. Strong customer service orientation and ability to develop and maintain effective relationships across a wide range of constituencies. Strong problem‑solving, organizational, planning, and time‑management skills. Budget management experience required. Proven ability to build and manage alumni, volunteer, or event activities supporting fundraising goals strongly preferred. Knowledge of SMU alumni constituencies and campus culture is a plus. Direct fundraising/personal solicitation experience highly desired. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office; experience with data visualization preferred. Experience with social media platforms and tools highly preferred. Experience with Monday.com or other project‑management tools required. Experience with Gravyty or GiveCampus (or other volunteer‑management system) is a plus. Experience with Salesforce or other CRM highly preferred. Adobe Creative Cloud or Canva preferred. Physical & Environmental Demands Bend, squat, kneel Reach above shoulders Handle objects (dexterity) Push/pull Carry/lift 25 lbs. Sit for long periods of time Benefits SMU offers competitive health, dental, and vision plans, wellness programs, retirement plans, and tuition benefits for employees and their families. EEO Statement SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, View phone number on click.appcast.io, View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Southern Methodist University (SMU)