Program Operations Specialist of Experiential Learning & Alumni Engagement

Job Description

Experiential Learning & Alumni Engagement has an outstanding opportunity for a Program Operations Specialist to join their team.

About this Opportunity
The Program Operations Specialist of Experiential Learning & Alumni Engagement is a dynamic and visionary leader responsible for designing, building, and advancing high-impact student and alumni initiatives that strengthen pathways to academic, professional, and lifelong success. Parallel in leadership scope to the Director of STEM Programs, this role serves as a strategic connector between students, alumni, higher education partners, industry professionals, and community stakeholders.

This position will lead the development and implementation of innovative experiential learning opportunities for students, including research, internships, cohort-based learning experiences, and partnership-driven programming. In addition, the Program Operations Specialist will cultivate meaningful alumni engagement strategies that foster connection, mentorship, communication, philanthropy, and long-term institutional affinity.

Key Responsibilities

Experiential Learning Leadership (35%):

• Implement, refine, and oversee the experiential learning initiative that supports student development, career readiness, and academic achievement.

• Lead and coordinate higher education WA MESA experiential learning programs and related cohort-based initiatives.

• Develop and maintain partnerships with colleges, universities, and industry leaders to expand experiential opportunities for students.

• Recruit and support MESA students participating in 6–8-month experiential learning programs.

• Coordinate all phases of program implementation, including onboarding, mentorship, logistics, and student support.

• Plan and execute culminating event(s) that recognize and celebrate student achievement and program outcomes.

• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend continuous improvements based on data, feedback, and emerging best practices.

Alumni Engagement & Advancement (35%):

• Implement and refine alumni outreach and engagement strategies that strengthen alumni connection and participation.

• Manage alumni databases and engagement platforms to support communication, tracking, reporting, and relationship-building efforts.

• Coordinate alumni events, networking opportunities, mentorship initiatives, and professional development programming.

• Oversee alumni communications through newsletters, email campaigns, social media platforms, and other digital engagement tools.

• Foster a culture of alumni involvement that supports current students through mentorship, networking, and career exploration opportunities.

• Collaborate with the Executive Director on alumni giving initiatives, stewardship, and advancement planning.

Leadership & Administration (25%):

• Provide strategic leadership, planning, and operational oversight for experiential learning and alumni engagement initiatives.

• Manage program budgets and ensure responsible stewardship of financial resources.

• Supervise student employees, interns, and/or program assistants, providing mentorship, training, and professional development.

• Establish project timelines, workflows, and assessment measures to ensure successful program delivery.

• Prepare reports, presentations, and communications for internal and external stakeholders.

• Collaborate across departments and with community partners to advance institutional goals and student success initiatives.

Other duties as assigned (5%).

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience designing, managing, and administering experiential, internship, research-based, or student development initiatives in college or university setting required.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience developing partnerships and coordinating multi-faceted programs.

• Experience managing data and engagement platforms.

• Working knowledge of social media platforms and communication/project management tools such as MailChimp, Airtable, or similar systems.

• Demonstrated experience managing budgets and program resources.

• Excellent written, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

• Strong project manager who thrives in collaborative and fast-paced environments.

• Strategic and innovative thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

• Possess a passion for student success, equity, and educational opportunity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.

• Experience working with MESA or similar STEM-focused student success programs.

• Experience in alumni relations, advancement, or community engagement initiatives.

• Knowledge of student engagement best practices, workforce development, and experiential education models.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$79,404.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$102,996.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.