Alumni Engagement Manager

Job Description:

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DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICE
DIVISION OF EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT | TE RINGA TORO

E kā mana, e kā reo,
E kā mauka whakahī,
E kā awaawa,
E kā pātaka o kā taoka tuku iho, tēnā koutou.
Nāia te reo rāhiri o Tahu Potiki e karaka atu ana ki a koutou katoa.

The role | Te mahi

As Alumni Engagement Manager, you will lead a small, high-performing team to deliver a dynamic and innovative alumni programme that fosters lifelong connection across the student journey, from first engagement through to alumni advocacy and legacy.

You will build on Otago’s strong and established alumni base while evolving the strategy to better connect with future alumni, ensuring our approach reflects the diversity of our community, including strengthening engagement with Māori and Pasifika alumni.

A key focus of the role is bringing fresh thinking to how we engage, using data, insights and technology to shape decision-making, test new approaches and continuously improve impact. You will also play a role in expanding Otago’s global alumni footprint, with a growing focus on emerging markets such as China and India –travel globally is required.

Working as part of a close-knit and agile team you will collaborate closely with colleagues across the International, Marketing and Events teams to deliver integrated, high-quality engagement initiatives. This is an environment where new ideas are encouraged, and flexibility enables innovation.

Key Focus Areas
• Translate strategy into impactful, well-executed engagement initiatives
• Build strong internal partnerships to deliver joined-up alumni experiences
• Support and develop a small team, fostering a positive and high-performing culture
• Continuously evaluate and evolve programmes to maximise engagement and impact

Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

You will bring the capability to lead, connect and deliver in a dynamic, relationship-driven environment, including:
• Strong stakeholder and relationship management experience
• Proven ability to lead and develop people
• Confidence managing multiple priorities and delivering through complexity
• A collaborative, open communication style with a focus on continuous improvement

If you’re ready to shape the future of alumni engagement at Otago and create meaningful, lifelong connections, we’d love to hear from you.

Further details | Pūroko

This role and Office supports the Division of External Engagement's commitment to being Te Tiriti-led as part of our Vision 2040 ambitions. The Division proudly supports Māori success through incorporating te reo Māori me ōna tikaka (Māori language and its customs), mindful engagement with Kā Rūnaka, advancing equitable outcomes, relationship building and progressing our individual and collective cultural competency.

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), permanent position, based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The appointment range is $96,587 to $105,532 per annum. Top of the range is $114,474.

We offer a competitive salary, 5 weeks’ annual leave, a 6.75% superannuation scheme, and the ability to achieve real work/life balance. More information regarding employee benefits can be found here.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this job.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people and behaviours. This means that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives are valued and respected.

For further information, or to discuss the role in confidence – please contact Shelagh Murray, Director of Development & Alumni Relations via the contact details below.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2600940 will close on Sunday, 5 July 2026

Additional Information

Contact: Shelagh Murray

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

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Location: About Dunedin