Overview:

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) 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.

The Alumni Advocacy Director cultivates and maintains relationships with alumni who will advocate for the University of Minnesota in their communities and with public officials. S/he collaborates closely with Government Relations to recruit, train and organize alumni advocacy volunteers throughout Minnesota. S/he also works closely with campus partners to increase the statewide outreach in key areas of the state and provides information about the University of Minnesota’s impact.

Relationships:
• Reports to CEO of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association
• Works in partnership with Government Relations

Essential Functions*:

• Work with the Government Relations team to plan and implement a strategic plan for advocacy at the State Capitol, including:
  • Identifying key stakeholders and building relationships
  • Maximizing Legislative Action Network engagement;
  • Disseminating communications materials for advocates;
  • Harnessing University key messages and branding in all communications
  • Engaging alumni with the Support the U Day event
• Build a stronger U of M student presence at the Capitol:
  • Work with appropriate academic departments to maximize the student internship opportunities at the state Capitol
  • Connect student interns with alumni mentors and develop a strong and sustainable network of alumni helping students
  • Host networking events at the Capitol as appropriate
• Recruit and train alumni volunteers who will support the University’s legislative agenda and other strategic priorities;
• Coordinate activities among alumni that include, but are not limited to:
  • Congratulatory notes from alumni to winning political candidates
  • Thank you notes from alumni after legislative session
  • Year-round contact from alumni with local legislators
  • In-person visits with legislators in local districts and at the Capitol
  • Social media connections from alumni with legislators
• Recruit alumni to sign up for the online Legislative Action Network and follow up with alumni volunteers on action alert requests to increase the number of contacts with legislators.
• Maintain a list of alumni legislators and actively recognize them and cultivate relationships as important members of the alumni community.
• Maintain a list of legislative staff who attended the University; recognize them and cultivate relationships with them as members of the alumni community
• Other duties as directed.

* The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

The UMAA currently allows our staff to, "work where the work is" permitting them to frequently work remotely.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Six years of experience in grassroots organizing, constituent advocacy, government affairs, or related field. Demonstrated experience developing strategic electronic and Web-based technologies in grassroots field organizing
• Experience working with, organizing and engaging community members from diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Experience with motivating and engaging diverse audiences with marketing communications using the Web, e-mail and other means.
• Experience with database management, as well as familiarity with other electronic communications programs
• Experience with directing, planning and managing large-scale events
• Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Candidates must be self-directed, have sound judgment, work independently and as a member of cross-functional teams, build collaborative relationships and prioritize multiple programs and tasks.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience working in higher education, advocacy/political campaigns, and/or large, complex organization
• Highly motivated/ shows initiative
• Natural collaborator
• Good judgment
• Positive attitude

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the link and search for job number 342086. You will have 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. This position requires that you attach a resume, cover letter, and a diversity statement.

This position will remain open until filled.

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