External Relations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

The External Relations Specialist serves as an experienced professional responsible for developing and implementing complex alumni engagement and annual giving initiatives for the Annual & Special Gifts Program (ASGP). This position plans, develops and implements strategies for specific programs, events, and college/school/unit groups, while advancing the Annual & Special Gifts Program goals.

The External Relations Specialist independently engages in day-to-day alumni relations operations and participates in the creation of innovative engagement and fundraising programs and initiative. This position collaborates with internal partners to maximize outreach, execute annual giving outreach initiatives, and constituent connections. The External Relations Specialist works closely with the central development office to create and execute annual giving and stewardship efforts, and key engagement events, including initiatives such as Give Day, Crowdfund UC Davis, and digital campaigns. This position collaborates with fundraising staff and managers to design and implement a comprehensive alumni engagement and solicitation program in alignment with institutional priorities and the strategic goals of the Annual & Special Gifts Program. The Specialist provides leadership in improving business processes, recommending policy or procedural enhancements, and developing training related to alumni relations operations.

This position requires good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions, and works collaboratively, and collegially as part of a large, matrix organization.

Apply By Date

August 16, 2026 at 11:59pm.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Demonstrated experience providing and managing administrative and logistical support for programs, events, or projects and executing programs or events with multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and complex logistics. Experience evaluating program or event outcomes and using data, feedback, or trends to inform improvements.

• Experience with planning, coordinating, and executing complex programs or events in a service-oriented environment using professionalism, tact, and discretion. Ability to independently manage complex events or initiatives, anticipate issues, and resolve problems diplomatically and effectively.

• Experience developing and delivering written and verbal communications for external audiences, including correspondence, digital content, event messaging, or stewardship materials.

• Demonstrated research, analytical, and critical thinking skills, including the ability to assess complex situations, identify risks or opportunities, and recommend effective solutions.

• Demonstrated ability to translate constituent interests, motivations, and institutional priorities into effective engagement, stewardship, and communication strategies.

• Demonstrated skill in project management, including planning, organizing, prioritizing, and executing programs or events while meeting deadlines and maintaining attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Awareness, knowledge, and skill in applying inclusion to one's work. A profound belief in the value of a safe workforce and a commitment to achieve this goal through collaboration and team building, working cooperatively with a large group of department and campus constituencies.

• Familiarity with industry best practices in alumni relations, annual giving, constituent engagement, or stewardship.

• Experience developing multichannel communications, including email, web, social media, and/or print.

• Experience using CRM platforms, analytics tools, or digital engagement systems to inform strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - Annual Giving & stewardship Program Support
• 40% - Constituent Communications & Relationship Management
• 10% - ASGP Programing

Department Overview

Development & Alumni Relations (DEVAR) provides leadership in building enduring public trust, understanding, and support for UC Davis and its mission of teaching, research, and public service. DEVAR provides leadership, coordination and support services to help the university meet its mission of research, teaching and service by building philanthropic support and executing approved fundraising programs that support the university's highest priorities and initiatives.

Position Information

• Departmental Budgeted Salary Range: $75,000 - $80,000/yr., commensurate with experience.
• External Relations Specialist 3 Full Pay Range: $69,000 - $124,000
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: 21
• UC Job Title: Alumni External Relations Spec 3
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift Hours: M-F 8am-5pm
• Location: Conference Center 2nd Floor
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• H1-B Eligible: Applicants must be permanently authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
• Hybrid/Remote/Onsite: This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work).

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.
If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html
* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
* UC Davis cares about building a community, which is why we provide resources to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion as well as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support our staff

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis Development and Alumni Relations (DEVAR) embraces and values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We are committed to employing and retaining a diverse workforce and have programs and policies in place to ensure all employees can succeed regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender expression, gender identity, gender transition status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship or service in the uniformed services, including protected veterans. In acknowledgment of historical and current injustices faced by marginalized members of our global UC Davis community, we are firmly committed to supporting our Principles of Community and applying tenets of diversity, equity, and inclusion into every aspect of our everyday work and organizational culture.

Special Requirements

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon successful completion of background check(s), including but not limited to criminal record history background check(s).
• The duties or functions of this position include the handling of cash (or cash equivalents).
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're solving life's most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don't just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Actio