Alumni Relations Specialist

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. This position is contingent upon confirmed student enrollment for the upcoming term.

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%

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 fastpaced environment.
Visible and engaged contributor.
Creative thinker who brings new ideas and innovative approaches
Proven selfstarter 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 Range: $58,000 - $68,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and 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 Rochester (UMR)

At the University of Minnesota Rochester, our vision is to transform higher education through innovations that empower graduates to solve the grand health challenges of the twenty-first century. UMR prepares students for a broad spectrum of career pathways including pre-med and patient care; psychology and mental health; business and leadership; health technology; public policy and global health; and research, discovery, and cures.

The campus community serves almost 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students in the heart of downtown Rochester and continues to grow in size and influence through creative partnerships. At UMR, relationships and research drive student success. Learn more about UMR.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.