DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY (DSU) is a regional comprehensive institution within the North Dakota University System, whose primary role is to contribute to intellectual, social, economic, and cultural development, especially to Southwestern North Dakota. The University’s mission is to provide high quality, accessible programs; to promote excellence in teaching and learning; to support scholarly and creative activities; and to provide service relevant to the economy, health, and quality of life for the citizens of the State of North Dakota.
The DSU Heritage Foundation stimulates and fosters an active interest from alumni and friends that encourages participation in the support of the University. This is accomplished by creating and maintaining a consistent flow of funds to achieve our vision of being the premier support for the University’s commitment to provide the finest and most invigorating global-learning environment. The DSU Heritage Foundation secures, manages, and disburses these private funds for the benefit of the student and the University.
DSU is looking to hire a Director of Alumni Relations & Events. This position is responsible for fostering relationships with university alumni; increasing alumni participation; increasing friendship databases and engagement by being involved in the community; developing programs and projects to benefit DSU; and assisting with campus events and office functions as needed. The Director of Alumni Relations and Events assists in developing communication and marketing strategies to engage alumni and friends in positive and ongoing relationships. The person in this position promotes goodwill for the university and among its constituents by representing the university at numerous events and by developing relationships with university students, faculty, staff, alumni and the public. The major purpose of this position is to build the Alumni Committee, grow the Alumni database and assist with our Development committee and sub-committees to align all efforts on annual giving.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
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Bachelor’s degree or higher in related field;
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Five (5) years of directly related work experience.
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Three (3) years of alumni-relations or fund-raising experience with demonstrated accomplishment in fostering productive relationships with volunteers and developing volunteer leadership.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, together with the ability to work collaboratively and courteously with colleagues throughout the University, alumni, other constituents and the public.
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Experience organizing volunteers in the planning of major and special events.
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Demonstrated effective organizational, planning and management skills.
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Knowledge of database utilization and office computer software.
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Master’s degree
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Supervisory experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
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Master’s degree
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Supervisory experience
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
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Alumni Relations
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Establish, build and maintain relationships with alumni locally, nationally and internationally.
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Build and maintain support from the Alumni Committee and its local, national and international chapters. Through organizing events in chapter cities which will raise the visibility of the University and promote giving to the annual fund.
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Serve as the DSU HF representative on the Alumni Committee.
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Attend departmental sponsored events as assigned (i.e., commencement, TR Symposium, etc.)
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Gather all information associated with alumni, job changes, birth of child, etc.
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Serve as principal organizer and recruiter of alumni volunteers to be ambassadors, mentors, reporters, recruiters and other sources of support for the Foundation.
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Ensure accurate and complete alumni database records in AlmaBase and work directly with the Raisers Edge program director; capture contact, biographical and career information of alumni via surveys (e.g., alumni directory), correspondence, website, postal returns, etc.
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Collaborate closely with foundation colleagues in increasing support from alumni routinely identify and qualify alumni prospects for gifts; communicate foundation-related activities via written contact reports and periodic attendance at prospect management meetings.
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Oversee and balance the budget for Alumni Relations; within the annual program budget, manage existing and/or additional alumni programs, services and communications,
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Oversee the DSU HF Annual Magazine.
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Maintain regular communication with alumni regarding alumni related activities via direct contact, email blasts, alumni Web page, social media and digital newsletter.
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Strategic Annual Review of the Alumni Committee.
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Lead on Alumni Memorial Gifts and Recognition.
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Provide annual updates on all Alumni Honors Award Winners for the HOF
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Assist in Internship Program at DSU with use of AlmaBase software.
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Serves as Primary Contact for Alumni. This includes: Travel events, tours, individual meetings and alumni events.
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Event Planning
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Assist the DSU Heritage Foundation, the President’s office, and Office of Marketing & Communications by planning, coordinating, decorating and hosting events for alumni, fundraising and other friend raising. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
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Serve as alumni contact person for various campus committees including commencement, convocation, strategic planning, student speaker selection, Outstanding Graduate and others as needed.
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Oversee the DSU President’s Budget at the DSU HF
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Coordinator of all Game Day Captains for all sports
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Coordinator of Tailgate themes and food contests
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Coordinator of Annual Give Day
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Coordinator of Alumni Weekends
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Coordinator of Annual Alumni Trip(s)
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Coordinator of Yuletyme
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Coordinator of Summer for events
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Coordinator of Donor Thank You Event
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Overall Marketing of DSU HF
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Coordinate the writing of stories to be used for promotional purposes.
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Assist in promotion of university sponsored events.
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Coordinator of social media calendar development.
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Campaign Marketing on all platforms (Mailers (no athletics), Social Media, Email Blasts, Email Monthly Newsletter, Website, Event MRKT, Magazine, PR/Comm)
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Understand, Report and Plan Social Media Analytics.
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Coordinator of Event Photography.
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Coordinator of Inventory for DSU HF – Technology.
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Coordinator of Campaign and Event Marketing for TRC.
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Oversight of the DSU HF website.
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Participate in trainings, and ongoing professional development.
COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Salary range of $55,000-65,000/annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience
Comprehensive fringe benefits, including, but not limited to:
View https://www.dickinsonstate.edu/about/employment/ for information on the above and other benefits offered.
MAIN OFFICE/WORKING LOCATION: Dickinson, ND
STARTING DATE: As soon as possible
POSITION DETAILS:
1105 Administrative/Managerial
12-month term (July 1- June 30)
Full-time (100%)
Exempt from FLSA Overtime
Benefited
DISCLAIMER CLAUSE:
This job announcement is not intended, and should not be construed, to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential to making fair pay decisions and determining job performance.
For more information about the position, contact the direct supervisor Executive Director Ty Orton
PREFERENCE DATE: July 12, 2026
APPLICATION INFORMATION: Applications received by the preference date will be given first consideration, the position will remain open until filled.
Complete the online application at https://dickinsonstate.edu/jobopenings/postings.aspx
Provide three (3) references contact information
Upload a letter of application/cover letter
Upload a curriculum vitae
Upload graduate transcripts
Applicants should fully describe qualifications and experience, with specific reference to each of the qualifications and responsibilities listed above as minimum/required/preferred because this is the information on which the initial review of materials will be based. Only applicants who appear best qualified based on this review will be contacted for an interview. The submission of all required materials by the preference date is the responsibility of the applicant. (Note: incomplete applications may not be considered).
Unofficial, or copies of official, transcripts are acceptable at the time of inquiry, but official transcripts will be required if hired. If you need to order transcripts you can have them emailed to [email protected], faxed to 701-483-2574, or mailed DSU Human Resources, 291 Campus Drive, Dickinson, ND 58601.
Both internal and external applicants are eligible to apply if they are legally authorized to work in the United States. Federal USCIS I-9 employment certification is required at hire. Employer Sponsorship will not be considered.
ND Veteran’s Preference laws apply to this position. Applicants who are eligible to claim veteran’s preference must provide proof of eligibility by the preference date.
Due to access to restricted information, the successful candidate will be required to complete a satisfactory criminal history record check before beginning employment.
Pursuant to N.D.C.C. 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the finalists.
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. 23-12-10.
Dickinson State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action institution that does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, age, religion, gender identity, creed, marital status, veteran’s status, political belief or affiliation, information protected by the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (“GINA”), or disability in its admissions, student aid, employment practices, educational programs, or other related activities. Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Dickinson State University does not discriminate based on sex in its educational programs, activities, or employment opportunities as required by Title IX. Dickinson State University complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act. Dickinson State University encourages applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity. Inquiries concerning Title VI, VII, ADA, ADEA, Title IX, and Section 504 may be referred to either the Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Kathy Geisen, Dickinson State University, 291 Campus Drive, May Hall, Room 226, Dickinson, ND 58601 (701) 502-2081, [email protected] or to the Affirmative Action Officer, Krissy Kilwein, Dickinson State University, 291 Campus Drive, May Hall, Room 309, Dickinson, ND 58601, (701) 502-4304, [email protected].
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Dickinson State University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the University’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found here.
For more information about Dickinson State University, please visit https://dickinsonstate.edu/visit. You can also visit this site https://findthegoodlife.com/ for resources and details about North Dakota!
