The Development and Alumni Relations team at the University of Delaware is committed to making our department the premier place to work in advancement, recruiting and retaining the best the brightest minds in our industry and beyond.

 

We are dedicated to developing people, not just results, and providing opportunities for collaboration, innovation and advancement. We take calculated risks. We thrive on change and challenges. We work hard and play harder. And we invite you to join us.

UD’s Development and Alumni Relations has benefits, people and opportunities that make it a premier place to work. Hear how current employees feel about working here.

Working in UD's Development and Alumni Relations Office: youtube.com/watch?v=32aM5mdmCe0

From the Vice President

Jim Dicker, Vice President Development and Alumni Relations

"Each member of the DAR staff is hardworking, values a deep commitment to excellence, has a spirit of collaboration, is creative, operates with integrity and brings a fresh, energetic approach to philanthropy. Our team has a direct, tangible impact on the next generation of brilliant minds, compassionate leaders and innovators that will shape our future." 

 

JIM DICKER
VICE PRESIDENT
DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS

Purpose Statement

Create an unrivaled engagement and donor experience to secure philanthropic resources that advances the mission of the university for generations to come.

Awards and Accolades

UD Named Best Employer in Delaware in 2022

UD Named Best Employer in Delaware in 2022

The University of Delaware has been ranked the best employer in Delaware by Forbes magazine. 

2023 Circle of Excellence - Silver Award

2023 Circle of Excellence - Silver Award

In the category "Videos, Promotional (short)" for Blue Hen Feelings 

Employee Benefits and Programs

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Time Away From Work

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Retiree Benefits

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Tuition Benefits

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Career Development

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Health and Life Insurance

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Health and Well-being

More Than A Job

In our office, we work hard and play hard! Our Talent Management team provides numerous opportunities for staff members to flex their professional muscles, as well as connect on a personal level.

DAR Staff are encouraged to seek out professional develop opportunities and present at many conferences throughout the year.

The University and DAR both offer many learning opportunities include management and leadership training, course offered through our Professional and Continuing Studies program, as well as tuition remission toward undergraduate and graduate programs.

The club meets regularly to read, reflect and discuss books with our peers to improve our personal and professional lives.

Onboarding is a crucial time for new hires and the Office of Development & Alumni Relations (DAR).  Will the relationship work?  Does the employee have what they need to be successful?  How we bring new hires into our organization has a lot to do with how quickly they get up to speed and integrate with our goals, mission and culture.  Unlike formal training courses, mentoring often results in much deeper, personalized conversations and feedback. 

The mentor/mentee relationship is a one-year formal commitment and includes weekly and monthly meetings in addition to completing a mid-point and final evaluation form. Individuals interested in mentoring must have a tenure of two or more years in DAR and submit an application.  New employees will be assigned a mentor during onboarding and employees that presently have less than a year of DAR tenure are encouraged to opt into the program, as well. 

DAR staff enjoy a Homecoming event hosted by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.

“I have worked at many different places in the last 24 years and for me this is one of the biggest organizations that I have worked in, but surprisingly this is where I felt the most cared about as an employee. From the top down I feel DAR invest in you and want you to succeed.”

Megan Cantalupo
Planned Giving

"The university has a lot of opportunities for employees and students. DAR always pushes us to take advantage and attend conferences and trainings. I also decided to pursue my masters program, as the University provides financial assistance and the ability to grow my knowledge."

 

Margarita Contreras

Donor Relations

Explore Newark and Delaware

Blue Hen Strong Fund.

We are Blue Hen Strong

The Blue Hen Strong Fund directly meets the ever-evolving needs of our students to ensure their success at UD and beyond

Learn More

Join Our Team

Join us in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations – a premier place to work in the world of fundraising and engagement.

Current DAR Job Openings