Assistant Director for Alumni Engagement - Law
College of Law
This position is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive alumni engagement and annual giving strategy for the College of Law. The Assistant Director for Alumni Engagement will significantly increase alumni participation in College activities, expand the number of alumni donors, and serve as the College's primary fundraiser for fundraising efforts below the major gift level of $25,000. The position is a key connector between alumni, students, faculty, staff, and College leadership to build affinity for the College of Law and generate meaningful engagement, philanthropic support, and volunteer involvement
Duties & Responsibilities
- Alumni Engagement and Communications (45%)
• Develops and executes a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy designed to significantly increase alumni participation in College of Law programs, events, and activities.
• Plans, coordinates, and staffs a robust calendar of alumni programming, including Homecoming, reunion events, alumni receptions, continuing legal education programs, virtual programming, networking events, alumni travel opportunities, and other engagement initiatives.
• Establishes and manages a class agent program and other volunteer structures to increase alumni participation and strengthen alumni connections to the College.
• Creates and implements communication strategies that regularly inform alumni about College accomplishments, faculty achievements, student successes, and opportunities for involvement.
• Works closely with the Dean, faculty, and senior administrators to develop meaningful opportunities for alumni interaction with the College community.
• Maintains accurate records of alumni engagement activities and interactions within the College’s constituent relationship management system.
- Annual Giving and Donor Participation (45%)
• Develops and manages annual giving initiatives designed to significantly increase the number of alumni donors and overall donor participation.
• Serves as the primary fundraiser for gifts below the major gift threshold of $25,000 and manages a portfolio of annual giving prospects.
• Designs and implements donor participation programs, including reunion giving initiatives, class giving campaigns, young alumni giving programs, crowdfunding efforts, giving challenges, and recurring giving opportunities.
• Manages and expands participation-based fundraising initiatives, including the Law Firm Challenge, Orange and Blue Days, reunion giving campaigns, and other annual giving programs.
• Creates donor recognition and stewardship programs that encourage continued engagement and philanthropic support.
• Collaborates with Advancement colleagues to identify, qualify, and transition prospective major gift donors.
- Strategic Collaboration and Alumni Volunteer Development (5%)
• Collaborates with faculty, administrators, Career Planning and Professional Development staff, Admissions, student organizations, and Advancement colleagues to identify new opportunities for alumni involvement and support.
• Expands alumni mentoring, networking, speaking, recruiting, and student-support initiatives.
• Supports the work of the Law Alumni Board, Dean’s Advisory Board, and other alumni volunteer groups.
• Identifies and develops opportunities for alumni to contribute to the College through professional expertise, mentoring, student engagement, advocacy, and volunteer leadership.
- Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations
Travel required throughout United States, some evening/weekend work required in support of alumni engagement and fundraising activities
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required.
Preferred Qualifications
Juris Doctor from a U.S. law school
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to communicate effectively with others.
Ability to build and maintain relationships with various constituencies.
High energy level, enthusiasm, and eagerness to organize events and meet new people.
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Willingness to travel throughout the United States and attend evening and weekend events as necessary.
Willingness to relocate to Champaign, Illinois.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 8/16/2026. Salary is commensurate with experience, ranging from $65,000-$75,000. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on August 17, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Devin Scheidemantel at wds@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Champaign-Urbana
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu
Requisition ID 1037453
Job Category Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
