Director of Alumni Advocacy

If you're a relationship-driven leader with a passion for higher education, public service, and alumni engagement, this is your opportunity to build a powerful, statewide network of alumni advocates who advance the University of Minnesota's mission and impact.

The Director of Alumni Advocacy at the Alumni Association is a strategic and tactical role. This position cultivates and mobilizes alumni as trusted advocates for the University across Minnesota. It also leads the Alumni Association's nonpartisan alumni advocacy strategy, including hands-on management of the MN201 alumni advocacy network, and provides strategic direction of alumni engagement efforts across Greater Minnesota.

Working in close partnership with the University's Government Relations team and campus partners, this role ensures alumni voices are informed, organized, and activated in support of the University's nonpartisan legislative priorities, land-grant mission, and long-term statewide impact.

Salary range for this position is $80,000-$100,000, based on qualifications and years of experience.

This position reports to the Senior Director of Communications of the Alumni Association.

The Alumni Association offers flexible working options with a "go where the work is" philosophy. Specifics will be discussed during the interview stage.

• Alumni Advocacy Strategy and Legislative Engagement (85%)
  • Lead and implement the Association's alumni nonpartisan advocacy strategy to support the University's legislative agenda and key institutional priorities that require public support.
  • Direct the growth, engagement, and effectiveness of MN201, the University's systemwide alumni advocacy network, which is a "grass-tops" network of influential alumni who can strategically advance University priorities at the local and state level.
  • Collaborate with University Marketing and Communications and University Government Relations teams to align alumni advocacy messaging and storytelling with coordinated institutional strategies.
  • Partner with the Alumni Association's engagement team, University units, and external stakeholders to strengthen coordination across advocacy and engagement functions.
  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with alumni advocates, legislators, and legislative staff to strengthen alumni-to-official connections.
  • Oversee the development of advocacy resources and tools that equip alumni to engage confidently and credibly with public officials.
  • Serve as Alumni Association's primary liaison for alumni advocacy efforts at the State Capitol, including U of M Day at the Capitol and other high-impact advocacy moments.
  • Represent the Alumni Association on University committees and working groups related to advocacy.
  • Lead the Alumni Association's alumni engagement and public education efforts related to the nonpartisan University of Minnesota Board of Regents election process and build relationships with State of Minnesota's Regent Candidate Advisory Council (RCAC) to support their work every election cycle for Regents.
  • Oversee the development and dissemination of clear, accessible educational materials that explain the Regents election process to alumni and the public. This includes the production of a Regent Candidate Guide and the coordination of a public forum featuring the RCAC-recommended candidates.
  • Provide strategic oversight for advocacy operations, ensuring clear priorities, effective workflows, and measurable outcomes.
  • Engage in ongoing professional development to strengthen leadership and alumni advocacy expertise.
• Greater Minnesota Alumni Engagement and Statewide Outreach (15%)
  • Guide the Alumni Association's regional alumni engagement strategy across Greater Minnesota, in alignment with UMAA and University priorities with measurable outcomes that include fostering long-term alumni loyalty and building local alumni champions for the University.
  • Align alumni engagement efforts with regional University priorities, reinforcing the University's land-grant mission and commitment to serving all Minnesotans.
  • Collaborate with campus partners to ensure inclusive engagement strategies that reflect the depth of the University's impact and Minnesota's diverse alumni communities.
  • Collaborate with the Associate Director of Minnesota Alumni Engagement to build and sustain relationships with alumni leaders throughout Minnesota to expand the University's visibility and impact in communities statewide.

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of six years of progressive experience in advocacy, government relations, grassroots organizing, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience building and mobilizing stakeholder or volunteer networks.
• Demonstrated ability to operate with discretion and sound judgment in politically sensitive environments.
• Demonstrated ability to apply a statewide perspective to advocacy work, with an understanding of Minnesota's regional, geographic, and community contexts.
• Strong understanding of legislative processes and public policy engagement.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to think strategically while executing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Experience collaborating across teams and building relationships with diverse audiences, and an ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Ability to independently travel regularly across the state of Minnesota, and to work outside regular business hours as needed.

• Eight years of progressive experience in advocacy, government relations, grassroots organizing, or a related field.
• Experience working in higher education or other large, complex organizations.
• Experience leading alumni, constituent, or stakeholder advocacy initiatives at scale.
• Familiarity with digital advocacy tools, databases, and engagement platforms.
• Experience mentoring junior staff.

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association fosters a lifelong spirit of belonging and pride by connecting alumni, students, and friends to the University of Minnesota and each other. The Association advocates for the University and its alumni with a credible, independent, and collaborative voice.

Pay Range: $80,000-$100,000 depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100%-time Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. Please attach the following documents with your application:

1. A cover letter which outlines your interest in and qualifications for the position
2. Your updated resume

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).