The University of Denver (DU), a private university, is the oldest independent university in the Rocky Mountain region, with approximately 12,900 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. DU is classified as an R1: Doctoral University – very high research activity as a Doctoral/Research University. Financial Times Higher Education, U.S. News, and The Princeton Review have consistently ranked DU among the nation’s top 100 universities and among the top three universities in the state of Colorado.
The University of Denver embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery that define our region and our history. With nationally recognized academic programs, a history of widespread influence, a forward-looking vision for a 21st-century education, and a deep commitment to promoting inclusion, we open a world of opportunity to students and empower Pioneers to make a difference around the world.
About DU Advancement
In preparation for the most ambitious philanthropic campaign in the University’s history, the University of Denver is building an advancement enterprise that mirrors the excellence and innovation of our great institution. Inclusive of alumni relations, development, and student and alumni career services, DU Advancement is building and fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy in support of our bold vision.
The University of Denver and DU Advancement deeply value inclusive excellence, recognizing that its success is dependent on how well it values, engages, and includes the rich diversity of constituents. As a part of that effort, we are continuing to grow a team of inclusive, collaborative, inquisitive, innovative, ethical, and transparent advancement professionals who possess deep mutual respect for one another and for our shared profession.
Position Summary
For the University of Denver to achieve a highly engaged global network, it is imperative that we strategically recruit, activate, and partner with network leaders and volunteers in our communities. Moving away from a heavily staff-led model, we are embarking on a new volunteer and regional network configuration that will support and empower leaders within regional and affinity networks to partner with university staff to build life-long engagement and philanthropy in our DU communities. This effort will continue to strengthen DU’s global network of supporters and ambassadors by engaging and training network leaders and volunteers across the United States and in select international markets to own and lead networks while aligning focus and priorities towards the University’s upcoming campaign. These efforts take place in coordination with a centrally-based team focused on affinity networks and overall volunteer engagement.
In alignment with the Director of Volunteer Network’s vision, the Assistant Director will manage engagement efforts for alumni, parents, and friends in alignment with the University’s DEI strategy and oversee a portfolio of identity-based affinity networks and their volunteer leaders. The incumbent’s goal is to create a culture of lifelong engagement and volunteerism among constituents in our diverse communities and networks that build our pipeline for campaign philanthropy and long-term engagement for the University’s global network. This individual will be part of a team that collaborates closely and frequently with the larger DU Advancement team and other colleagues across campus.
The University of Denver is also unique in its academic portfolio, which boasts both a strong undergraduate experience as well as highly respected graduate and professional schools. Alumni identify with both the institution as well as their specific academic units within it, and the Assistant Director of Volunteer Networks must be creative in their approach toward crafting engagement strategies that emphasize the intersection of those identities with a focus on DEI engagement. The Assistant Director and Director of Volunteer Networks will partner closely together with colleagues working within the specific schools, colleges, and units to align volunteer engagement strategies.
Essential Functions
Volunteer Engagement
- Serve as Alumni Engagement’s point of contact for DEI-focused volunteerism and philanthropy.
- Under the leadership of the Director:
- Support overall volunteer engagement strategies and plan, organize, and implement annual goals and objectives.
- Buildout and update the volunteer platform, as well as train campus partners on how to utilize it.
- Create, maintain, and distribute volunteer handbook(s), training(s), and tools.
- Manage individual volunteer inquiries in a timely fashion with the team and unit partners.
- Assist with the coordination of annual volunteer recognition events and communications.
Network Activation
- In partnership with the Director of Volunteer Networks, actively build and maintain a volunteer leadership pipeline for assigned networks. This includes leveraging volunteer recruitment strategies to ensure a robust pool of potential volunteers, providing intentional training and onboarding that articulates the breadth of the volunteer experience, as well as stewarding current and former volunteer leaders.
- Manage the growth and sustainability of established identity-based networks including but not limited to the Black Alumni Affinity Network, the Asian Alumni Affinity Network, the LGBTQ+ Pride Alumni Affinity Network, the Latinx Alumni Affinity Network, and the Indigenous Alumni Affinity Network.
- In concert with the Director of Volunteer Networks, partner with network leaders to conceptualize, plan, and implement comprehensive programs designed to engage a diverse group of DU alumni, parents, and friends to ensure alignment with the goals of University Advancement and the Division of DEI.
- Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with campus partners, particularly with Student Affairs and the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, on new and existing initiatives related to the student-alumni life cycle.
- Leverage partnerships to ensure the appropriate touchpoints with current identity-based student organizations and faculty/staff affinity groups.
Philanthropy
- Serve as Alumni Engagement’s lead on DEI philanthropic engagement and volunteerism in concert with campus partners in Student Affairs and DEI.
- Leverage the relationships cultivated through the programmatic work to identify and steward diverse groups of alumni, parents, and friends in support of equity-based fundraising initiatives and programs.
Signature Events & Programs
- Participate in the planning and coordination of engagement activities including but not limited to Homecoming, Alumni Weekend, Zoo Lights, 1Day4DU, Day of Service, and Class Reunions.
- Partner with Alumni Career and Professional Development staff to expand alumni engagement in career development and mentorship programs for students and recent graduates from historically excluded groups.
Operations
- In partnership with the Director of Volunteer Networks, support data-driven strategies, including monitoring and analysis of trends to support decision-making and determination of best return on investment.
- Support constituent record integrity through regular and timely updates to the advancement CRM.
- Support and contribute to ongoing measurement and evaluation of comprehensive engagement efforts and metrics across all modes of engagement (experiential, volunteerism, communication, and philanthropic).
- Facilitate a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
- Remain competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed by the Director.
University Citizenship
- Serve as an active and collaborative partner to all advancement partners and other campus colleagues, to foster strategic, effective, and collaborative advancement practices.
- Model “One DU” leadership.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to effectively recruit, train, and manage volunteers.
- Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Interpersonal skills, including verbal, written and organizational skills.
- Knowledge and attitude of customer service.
- Ability to be very flexible and adapt to change.
- Ability to manage time well, particularly while managing competing priorities.
- Ability to work independently and as a part of a group.
- Ability to take initiative, keep a positive attitude, and maintain a professional demeanor.
- Adept at problem-solving, critical thinking, and using judgment in situations that require sensitivity and tact.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills to foster and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, donors, volunteers, and University officials.
- Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups having competing interests and priorities within the university and community.
- Proficiency with a variety of computer applications. Familiarity with advancement databases and web-based tools.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
- 3 years of related constituent engagement experience
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with alumni engagement/relations and philanthropy through the lens of DEI.
- Experience working in higher education, or similarly complex setting.
- Progressive experience in alumni engagement/relations, student engagement, event planning, reunions, volunteer management or development.
- Budgetary oversight experience.
Working Environment
- Standard open office environment
- Noise level is quiet to moderate
- Eligible for hybrid work
Physical Activities
- Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period.
- Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs. with assistance.
- Occasional travel within the top regions/networks is expected.
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., some nights and weekends as required
Application Deadline
For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) October 9, 2023.
Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.
Salary Grade Number:
The salary grade for the position is 10.
Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $55,000- $65,000.
The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.
Benefits:
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver .
Please include the following documents with your application:
The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Denver prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; Equal Pay Act; Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Workers’ Rights (“POWR”) Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver’s Non-Discrimination-Statement .
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.
Advertised: September 18, 2023
Applications close: