Associate Director, Annual Giving

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The Associate Director, Annual Giving Programs is a key member of the Development team leading the strategy of our Annual Giving efforts to retain our approximately 27,000 donors and acquire new donors in support of Michigan Athletics.  This position will support the Senior Director, Annual Giving and assist with department strategy, building donor relationships and providing insight and ideas to enhance Annual Giving programming. The Development team prioritizes collaboration and communication in order to achieve the highest levels of both efficiency and effectiveness.

Responsibilities*

Annual Giving Strategy & Projects Management

  • Assist in development of a strategic communication plan (e.g., cultivation, solicitation) for all annual giving donors utilizing the available mediums (e.g., print, electronic, phone, social media, and crowdfunding).
  • Collaborate with Donor Relations to create stewardship strategy for Annual Giving donors.
  • Measure the success of annual giving initiatives using analytics, metrics and standards of reporting to track the progress of goals for donor count and dollars raised. 
  • Day to day management of the Michigan Athletics Priority Point Program in collaboration with Development Operations team.
  • Provide donor/customer service via phone, email and in person. Responsible for answering donor questions regarding how to make a gift, giving history, donor benefits and experiences, Priority Point totals, etc. 
  • Act on behalf of Michigan Athletics as requested in handling inquiries of highly sensitive & confidential nature.  Respond to inquiries from within the department, from the campus community, and from our external constituency. 
  • Assist with planning and execution of on campus and off campus visits for current and prospective donors.
  • Manage ongoing promotions and solicitations for athletic giving circles to increase donor participation and retention.

Premium Seating Management    

  • Manage premium seating inquiries and wait list strategy for football, men's basketball and ice hockey.
  • Assist with premium seating awareness and marketing plan.
  • Oversee annual single game premium sales strategy.
  • Cultivate and steward relationships with current and prospective premium seat holders and suite holders on game days.

Project/Liaison Work

  • Participate in Athletic Department events as appropriate.
  • Provide assistance in premium seating areas at assigned home sporting events.
  • Represent athletic department, development team, or annual giving team on various committees, working groups and special projects.
  • Perform other duties and special projects as required or assigned.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designated to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.  Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Required Qualifications*

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and experience.
  • Two to four years of working within a development environment or related field, with the ability to effectively communicate and work with all levels of constituents while operating in a fast-paced customer service environment.
  • Must exhibit a high level of energy, enthusiasm, initiative, and passion for providing outstanding customer service to Michigan Athletic patrons.  Must possess the highest integrity and ethical standards.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with multiple patrons in a positive and productive manner while maintaining integrity and adhering to the compliance rules of the NCAA, Big Ten, and University of Michigan Athletic Department.
  • Ability to set priorities, handle multiple assignments and deadlines and display good judgment while operating in a flexible and professional manner.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse array of personalities under pressure and deadlines; ability to work both independently and as a team member.
  • Discretion and an ability to interact with high-level donors while maintaining confidentiality
  • Strong commitment to the student-athlete experience.
  • Experienced PC user. Knowledge of Google Applications (Gmail, Calendar) and MS Office Suite 2007
  • Knowledge of, or experience in, Access or similar database systems, including experience and aptitude with relational databases. Experience with PACIOLAN Athletics Ticketing/Fundraising software a plus. 
  • Knowledge of UM Development systems, including Donor & Alumni Relationship Tool database (DART) database. Knowledge of/experience with Business Objects a plus.
  • Exceptional ability to work in a networked way, emphasizing collaboration in a complex environment. 

Modes of Work

Onsite: The work requires, or the supervisor approves a fully onsite presence. Onsite is defined as a designated U-M owned or leased work location within or outside of the State of Michigan. Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

The University of Michigan Athletic Department is dedicated to building a department culture which demonstrates respect for all, shows compassion for others, and celebrates the differences among our staff, student-athletes, and supporters. We are committed to the hiring and development of diverse staff who contribute to an inclusive environment.

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

  • Generous time off 
  • A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting 
  • Many choices for comprehensive health insurance 
  • Life insurance 
  • Long-term disability coverage 
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.