Job Details

Aerospace Industry & Alumni Relations Manager

Position Number: 6694354
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Alumni Associations and Services

Aerospace Industry & Alumni Relations Manager

Requisition Number: 68402
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: University Staff
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 17-Nov-2025
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences (AES) encourages applications for the Aerospace Industry & Alumni Relations Manager! As a member of the AES team, the Aerospace Industry & Alumni Relations Manager is primarily responsible for leading the department's engagement with external partners and AES alumni. This manager will be required to partner with teams within the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS), Research & Innovation Office (RIO), Advancement, and other campus units to support realization of the department's strategic goals.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences (AES) is a perennially top-ranked aerospace department. AES is one of six departments within CEAS at the University of Colorado Boulder, the state's flagship higher education institution and campus. Founded in 1876, the Boulder campus is home to a community of more than 42,000 students and 10,000 faculty and staff across areas of study that include engineering, sciences, business, arts, law, and music.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Department External Relations:

Lead the Smead AES Department's engagement with commercial, government, nonprofit, and other external partners.
Proactively collaborate with Industry Research Partnerships (within RIO), Industry & Foundation Relations, CEAS and Campus Career Services, CU Institutes (e.g., LASP and CIRES), and other campus/college/department teams to build and manage holistic external partner engagement plans.
Secure external sponsorships for the department's Senior Projects program. This includes stewarding existing partnerships and building new relationships with external partners. Coordination with AES faculty, the Office of Contracts & Grants, and Campus Controller's Office is required for success in this responsibility.
Lead and support department and college marketing efforts focused on building and maintaining external relations.
Plan and lead Smead AES participation at industry and other external events, both in person and virtual. Some of these events may include, but are not limited to: Space Symposium, CO Space Business Roundtable's Round-up, CO Aerospace Day at the Capitol, AIAA Annual Technical Symposium, AIAA SciTech, SmallSat, and AUVSI XPONENTIAL.
Strengthen external partner relationships by hosting partners at the Aerospace Building and/or the CU Boulder campus for activities that may include tours, talks, workshops, roundtables, conferences, networking events, tabling, etc.
Track and prepare annual reports on student participation in research, internship, and co-operative opportunities.
Lead the department's participation in the annual CEAS Projects Expo. Invite external partners to participate in the event.

AeroBuffs Alumni Club:

Create and implement a comprehensive plan to raise the stature of the AeroBuffs Club (ABC), the Smead AES department's alumni engagement organization.
Work collaboratively with the CEAS alumni engagement team, the campus' Forever Buffs alumni association, and other campus/college/department teams to coordinate and complement ABC activities with college and campus-level activities.
Plan and lead ABC events, to include the annual ABC Alumni Banquet & Awards Ceremony.
Maintain the ABC alumni database, to include contact and employment information.
Build a cohort of alumni leaders who help grow ABC engagement at their workplace and/or within their region.
Increase alumni presence on the Forever Buffs Network (FBN) and other alumni engagement platforms.

Department Administration and Other Responsibilities:

Support the planning and execution of department events. This includes, but is not limited to, graduation ceremonies and receptions.
Stay apprised and current on relevant University and State of Colorado policies and procedures.
Participate in professional development activities and serves on unit, college, or campus committees as applicable.
Undertake other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What You Should Know

Typically 40 hours Monday-Friday. Occasional work during weekends and evenings as events require. This position is eligible for a hybrid work modality.

What We Can Offer

The starting salary range for this position is $71,000 - $75,000. Relocation assistance is available within CEAS guidelines.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be collaborative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Three years of professional-level experience.
An equivalent combination of education, and experience may substitute.

What You Will Need

Strong planning and organizational skills.
Ability to handle multiple, concurrent and complex tasks.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Creative problem solver with strong critical thinking skills.
Ability to work independently as well as on a team.
Ability to collect and present clear data and explain processes to faculty, staff, and students.
Strong leadership and networking skills.
Sensitivity to and appreciation of cultural, political, and geographical differences, with the ability to work well with faculty, staff, and students from around the world.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint.
Ability to occasionally work during weekends and evenings as events require.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

A current resume.
A cover letter that briefly describes how your background and experience align with this position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by November 17, 2025 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Aerospace-Industry-Alumni-Relations-Manager/68402