Engagement & Stewardship Assistant

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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 Institutional Advancement Office at the University of Michigan-Dearborn is seeking a motivated student worker to support our efforts to build lifelong relationships with alumni and donors. This role is ideal for students with little to no prior fundraising experience, but who are interested in communication, community building and nonprofit operations. You will serve as a vital link between the university and its graduates and donors, focusing on outreach, gratitude and engagement.

Responsibilities*

  • Donor & Alumni Outreach:

    • Conduct personalized outreach to graduating seniors and recent alumni to share congratulations, confirm or update contact information and provide resources to help them stay engaged as alumni.
    • Administer brief prospect surveys of 3-5 questions to assess interest in additional engagement with Major Gift Officers (MGOs).
    • Connect with alumni for regional or local events and coordinate meeting opportunities or conduct light discovery outreach.

  • Stewardship & Gratitude (Fundraising Support):

    • Conduct donor appreciation outreach to express gratitude for their support and confirm or update contact information.
    • Recognize donors who have reached significant giving levels, such as $1,000?$100,000, or who are approaching a new giving milestone, through targeted stewardship engagement.
    • Support loyalty stewardship by connecting with long-term donors to acknowledge their continued commitment and strengthen ongoing engagement.
    • Support digital stewardship by appearing in or helping create ThankView videos.

  • Administrative & Digital Support:

    • Assist the Alumni Engagement social media team in identifying and creating engaging content for daily alumni postings.
    • Help prepare for major events, such as Homecoming, the Alumni Difference Maker Awards, and the Alumni and Family Picnic and assist with post-event interaction reports.
    • Sign physical appeals and stewardship letters as a student representative.
  • Strategic Research:
    • Assist in identifying new regional and corporate engagement opportunities for alumni.
    • Research and compile a campus-wide list of volunteer opportunities for alumni and help determine the best ways to share this information.

Required Qualifications*

  • Strong verbal communication skills and a professional phone manner (for leaving voicemails and speaking with donors).
  • Willingness to learn about the university?s fundraising goals and the impact of donor support.
  • Detail-oriented mindset for accurately updating data and completing interaction reports.
  • Creative interest in social media content and video production.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with the Institutional Advancement team on various event-related tasks.

Modes of Work

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.

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 are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.