Job Description Summary
Organization's Summary Statement:
The Division of University Relations aims to activate Terp pride and philanthropy to advance the University of Maryland. In support of this mission, the Program Director for Volunteer Advocacy and Engagement is responsible for strategic advocacy efforts, board member development and pipelining, advancing the division’s partnership with undergraduate admissions, and facilitating existing and new engagement efforts with the UMCP Foundation Board of Trustees.
Focusing on board member and volunteer advocacy, the Program Director will create and manage a legislative advocacy program that activates alumni to advance university priorities. This program will include legislative advocacy efforts by the UMCP Foundation Board of Trustees, through its Advocacy and Government Relations Committee. Additionally, the Program Director will engage board members and volunteers in meetings and events supportive of the university’s efforts at the federal, state, and local levels alongside the Office of Government Relations and other campus partners, as appropriate.
The Program Director will lead the division’s board member development efforts through providing training and programming opportunities aimed at educating board members on their role and responsibilities. Additionally, the Program Director will support pipelining efforts to enhance the volunteer lifecycle.
Leading the strategy for and expanding the partnership with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the Program Director will work diligently to provide volunteer opportunities for alumni to engage with prospective and admitted students.
The Program Director will collaborate on various initiatives for the UMCP Foundation Board of Trustees, including educational sessions and guest speakers, unit engagements and speaking opportunities, and board meeting development.
Physical Demands:
-Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards.
-Ability to work some evenings and weekends as necessary
-Ability to lift or move up to 25 pounds
-Local travel 5% of the time
-Out of State Travel 5% of the time
Licenses/ Certifications: N/A
Preferences:
-Strong work ethic and self-starter, proactive attitude with a genuine interest in contributing to a team while eager to propose new ideas, tools, and innovations
-Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and superior customer service skills
-Knowledge of Maryland politics, including local, state, and federal
-Creative, nimble thinker who activates projects easily, but also knows how to navigate roadblocks and follow through
-Ability to maintain flexibility and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment, prioritizing tasks, thinking proactively, and working independently and as part of a team
-Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, with the capacity to engage effectively with a diverse range of constituents
-Ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion and absolute confidentiality
-Experience partnering with development officers and unit leadership (e.g., deans) on volunteer engagement efforts and alumni donor cultivation strategies
-Experience working with high-level government officials
-Adept at cultivating constituent loyalty to an organization, while concurrently maintaining fidelity to the organization’s goals and mission
-Demonstrated proficiency at building and fostering professional relationships with both external and internal audiences
-Ability to create and maintain orderly databases and files
-Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Drive applications, particularly Gmail, Google Calendar, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
*This position does not provide visa sponsorship now or in the future. Candidates must be able to provide proof of ongoing eligibility to work in the USA.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Seven (7) years of advancement, development, or alumni relations experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
Knowledge of advancement, development or alumni relations related policies and procedures, and federal, state, and other applicable human resources related laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
Additional Job Details
Required Application Materials: Resume and Cover Letter
Best Consideration Date: May 29, 2026
Posting Close Date: n/a
Open Until Filled: Yes
Job Risks
Not Applicable to This Position
Financial Disclosure Required
No
Department
VPUR-People and Engagement
Worker Sub-Type
Staff Regular
Salary Range
$119,314-$125,000
For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
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