Jennifer Smith has nearly 20 years of service to UC Irvine, building a distinguished career in university advancement through progressively responsible leadership roles. She began her tenure in the School of Humanities before leading fundraising for the Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Following her success in health advancement, Jennifer joined the Office of Principal Gifts, where she played a key role in preparing the launch of Brilliant Future, UC Irvine’s landmark $2 billion campaign.

Throughout her career, Jennifer has supported a wide range of campus partners, including the Office of the Provost, the Office of the Vice Provost for Teaching & Learning, the Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (CNLM), the Division of Student Affairs, the Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, and the New Swan Shakespeare Festival.

Prior to joining UC Irvine, Jennifer held positions at UNLV in the Department of Athletics as well as the Thomas & Mack Center, Cox Pavilion, and Sam Boyd Stadium, where she worked in marketing, promotions, and catering sales.

Recognized as a collaborative and trusted colleague, Jennifer is a dedicated fundraiser whose steady leadership, calm demeanor, and positive outlook strengthen partnerships across campus and beyond. As Executive Director and Special Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, University Advancement and Alumni Relations, she draws on deep institutional knowledge to guide strategic planning, philanthropic initiatives, and high-level communications in support of UC Irvine’s advancement enterprise.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from UCLA and a Master of Science in Sport & Leisure Service Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.