Associate Director of Alumni and Donor Engagement

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.
To learn more about UC Irvine, visit .

The School of Social Ecology's Development Department plays a pivotal role in advancing the school's mission of fostering interdisciplinary scholarship, community engagement, and social impact. The development team serves as the critical fundraising arm that enables transformative academic and outreach initiatives.
With a legacy rooted in applied research and civic engagement, the School of Social Ecology empowers students and faculty across three departments—Criminology, Law and Society; Psychological Science; and Urban Planning and Public Policy—to address pressing societal challenges through research, field study, and partnership-driven solutions.

The Associate Director of Alumni and Donor Engagement will play a critical leadership role in cultivating alumni connections and developing community-based funding streams and partnerships. This position is instrumental in securing mid-level gifts ($1,000–$25,000) to enhance our flagship Field Study and Pipeline programs, while laying the foundation for a dynamic and sustainable mentorship network for Social Ecology students.
While their primary focus will be on alumni and community engagement for these key student-centered programs, the Associate Director will also serve as a strategic partner in the School’s broader fundraising efforts. They will play a vital role in expanding the School’s donor base, contributing to the growth of philanthropic support across initiatives, and helping to build a robust pipeline of individual and institutional donors.
By strategically engaging alumni, local businesses, civic organizations, foundations, and individual donors, the Associate Director will transform community goodwill into lasting impact, amplifying opportunities for student learning, leadership, and career development.

Required:

• Thorough knowledge of basic concepts, principles, and procedures of building and maintaining effective relations with alumni, internal and key constituencies.
• Thorough knowledge of the campus, its mission, goals, objectives, programs, achievements, infrastructure and issues of concern.
• Thorough written, verbal and interpersonal communications, tact and political acumen to effectively represent the campus.
• Thorough research, analytical and critical thinking skills, including sound judgment and decision-making skills and skill to correctly identify real and potential problems, advising management as required, and proposing effective strategic resolutions.
• Skill in project management, including event planning and meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency in UC procurement systems and expense protocols.
• Thorough knowledge of, and the ability to support, CRM data integrity to enhance donor engagement through research and personalized experiences.
• Proven ability to ensure thoughtful, timely stewardship and implementation of content-driven strategies to amplify philanthropic impact.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, alumni, business leaders, and community partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages, reports, and donor outreach materials.
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills; comfortable representing the organization at meetings, events, and in the community.
• Highly organized with strong project management skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Comfortable working independently while also collaborating as part of a broader development and program team.
• A proactive, positive, and mission-driven mindset, with a genuine interest in education, student development, and social impact.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Preferred:

• Some experience with soliciting gifts or sponsorships, preferably in the $1,000–$5,000 range, with an interest and capacity to grow into managing mid-level gifts ($5,000–$25,000).
• 3-5 years of relevant experience in fundraising, alumni relations, community engagement, nonprofit development, or a related field. Familiarity with donor databases or CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, or similar) is a plus.

Special Conditions:

• Limited local travel in the Orange County, Los Angeles and San Diego County areas

Total Compensation

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits .

The expected pay range for this recruitment is $75,000- $90,000 (Annual).

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:

• Background Check and Live Scan
• Employment Misconduct*
• Legal Right to work in the United States
• Vaccination Policies
• Smoking and Tobacco Policy
• Drug Free Environment

*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.

The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.

• California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
• E-Verify
• Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page -

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy .
We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or [email protected].