Advancement Specialist I

The College of Arts & Sciences at Utah State University seeks a highly organized and proactive Advancement Specialist I to lead and manage the colleges alumni engagement and volunteer relations efforts. This position plays a key leadership role in managing the advancement board and subcommitteesincluding the Arts Advancement Councilwhile developing new strategic alumni programs that foster long-term connection and support for the college.

Working closely with the Advancement Events & Operations Coordinator Development Officers University Advancement and the College Deans Office this role will oversee board committee operations drive alumni engagement strategy and play a key role in donor stewardship and event coordination. This role requires a high level of professionalism through direct engagement with top university donors and academic administrators.

This position is based in Logan Utah with occasional travel evening and weekend hours required.

Board & Volunteer Management (40%)

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for advancement-related boards and subcommittees including the Arts Advancement Council.
• Serve as the main liaison between the college and board members leading monthly communication planning quarterly meetings and follow-up.
• Ensure fundraising initiatives align with college advancement priorities guide subcommittee chairs and facilitate collaboration.
• Manage board involvement and engagement outcomes to guide future planning and improvements Including board member attendance at meetings annual giving requirements connector meetings term limits and member charter expectations.
• Ensuring board members abide by the by-laws for each board
• Identify and onboard new high-level board and committee members who can support the colleges mission.

Event Planning & Alumni Relations (35%)

• Lead the creation and implementation of new alumni programs that cultivate lifelong engagement and support.
• For Example: Collaborate with passionate alumni to create the Aggie Medical Network supporting Pre-Med students with mentorship opportunities with current Aggie med-school students and alumni working in the medical field.
• Independently plan promote and execute local and national advancement events such as donor receptions alumni gatherings theatrical performances concerts etc.
• Oversee and manage local and out of state event logistics including venue booking catering contracts A/V registration staffing and follow-up.
• Develop and implement targeted alumni engagement strategies in collaboration with University Advancement focusing on increasing alumni engagement volunteerism and philanthropic support.
• Evaluate event outcomes and alumni engagement metrics to inform strategic planning ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with college advancement goals.
• Collaborate with the Strategic Enrollment & Management Team to develop an industry relations / corporate engagement strategy for the
• College of Arts and Sciences to grow internship and experiential learning opportunities for students through alumni connections.

Communications & Operations Support (25%)

• Manage and regularly update advancement and alumni content on the college website to ensure accuracy consistency and alignment with messaging goals.
• Collaborate with the colleges marketing team and project managers to increase visibility of local and national advancement events.
• Collects and analyzes data; captures post-event data and evaluates event ROI; prepares scheduled and special reports; maintains records and statistical information related to the colleges advancement efforts.
• Create and implement new processes tracking when alumni return to campus and a nomination and selection process for distinguished alumni recognition.
• Manage purchasing and budget tracking for advancement and alumni relations activities within the college.

Minimum Qualifications

• Four (4) years of relevant experience OR a combination of education and experience (e.g. 2 years experience 2 years education).
• Valid Utah drivers license to perform essential job responsibilities such as driving university vehicles to travel for events or donor meetings.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends for performances exhibitions and receptions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with arts-related or higher education advancement and events.
• Familiarity with USU systems or advancement operations in a university setting.
• Demonstrated success in alumni relations or volunteer management.
• Budget and event planning experience.
• Experience supervising student workers interns or volunteers.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong communication and writing skills including proposals and reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with CRM systems event platforms or scholarship tools (e.g. Scholarship Universe) is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple concurrent deadlines.
• Discretion with confidential information and the ability to build trust with donors and stakeholders.
• Creative problem-solving skills and ability to work independently in a dynamic environment.

Work Environment:

• Primarily office-based with flexibility for hybrid work.
• Requires availability for evening/weekend events.
• May involve occasional travel including out-of-state meetings or events.

Along with the online application please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under Resume/CV

2. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants but not necessarily occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions. Frequent sitting computer use and communication (verbal/written) required.

Highlights

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