Job Summary
Note: To be considered for this position, candidates must include a cover letter specifying their interest in and qualifications for this position. The cover letter should be the first page of your resume and uploaded as one document.
It is the mission of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance to create an environment of educational and artistic excellence by nurturing creativity, academic integrity, and professionalism in its faculty and students. As a comprehensive performing arts school set in one of the world's finest public institutions of higher education, the School is deeply engaged in the creation, practice, scholarship, and pedagogy of music, theatre, and dance.
- We aim to provide leadership, nationally and internationally, in all three fields.
- We assert and celebrate the value of the arts to the mission of the University of Michigan.
- We serve the community, the region, and the State of Michigan through public performances, cultural resources, arts education, and outreach programs.
The School's mission is predicated on the belief that the study and practice of the performing arts depend upon a diverse community of learning in which a spirit of social responsibility and principled entrepreneurship is fostered.
The Manager of Annual Giving Programs at the School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) is responsible for planning and implementing all of the School's revenue-producing annual donor mail, telefund, electronic and social media solicitation programs through cooperation with the University's Annual Giving Office. This position also manages communications, on-campus events, and solicitations for the school's four Friends groups and other special interest annual giving initiatives for the School.
Responsibilities*
In coordination with the SMTD liaison in the University's Annual Giving Office, oversee the production of all of the School's annual giving programs and solicitations (50%):
- Develop and implement an annual strategic solicitation plan using phone, mail, electronic vehicles and social media, with an emphasis on dollar and participation goals.
- Develop and implement an annual giving fundraising plan designed to steadily increase alumni, patron, and first-time-donor giving year over year.
- Oversee and orchestrate SMTD's annual giving solicitation program for emailed and mailed appeals. On a regular timeline collaborate with the communications manager on university cooperative appeals. These tailored solicitations and communications will be for various donor groups, including, but not limited to, alumni, patrons, department donor groups, faculty/staff.
- Provide data and up-to-date information about SMTD for various telefund and direct mail solicitation projects.
- Provide strategy and leadership to establish a student giving program,
- Provide strategy and leadership to maximize SMTD's Giving Tuesday and Giving Blueday participation, with support from the marketing and communications team.
- Lead colleagues in proactively brainstorming and executing new initiatives and special SMTD annual giving projects using Maize Raise and other tools.
Friends group and special interest donor management [50%]:
- Develop and implement an annual giving fundraising plan designed to steadily increase Friends donations and participation.
- Coordinate annual meetings with departmental liaisons for the four major Friends groups; the Friends of Dance, Friends of Musical Theatre, Friends of Theatre & Drama, and Friends of Opera to plan and aggregate year-long seasons of events.
- Plan and coordinate events supporting the four Friends groups and other donor affiliate groups.
- Coordinate newsletters for the four Friends Groups bi-annual content aimed at stewarding and increasing engagement with SMTD's Friends donors, working in partnership with the department chairs and marketing and communications team.
- Work with department chairs and current volunteers to ensure that the majority of curated Friends-group events leverage existing departmental performances and special events. Provide planning and on-site support for one to two annual events, per group.
- Work with SMTD faculty, the communications manager, and the development generalist to manage content and to orchestrate all mailed and emailed Friends group membership renewal letters and solicitations.
- Provide support for occasional annual solicitations for parent groups, faculty retirements, and other group-funding priorities.
Required Qualifications*
- A bachelor's degree in a related field
- 2-4 years of experience on a fundraising team
- Experience with volunteers in a fundraising setting
- Comfort engaging with donors in person at events and in meetings
- Excellent relationship-building skills
- Strong writing skills
- Knowledge of and experience in event management
- A strong record of working effectively with supervisors, colleagues, and direct reports in a multicultural and inclusive environment.
- Must display discretion when dealing with highly sensitive information, and a focus on customer service is essential.
Desired Qualifications*
- Experience with database management
- Experience using email marketing tools such as MailChimp, Constant Contact, or Emma (preferred)
- Knowledge of University organization and policies preferred
- Understanding of best practices in annual giving
- Appreciation for or experience in the performing arts.
Modes of Work
This position requires occasional nights and weekends throughout the academic year. This is a hybrid position. 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
Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Background Screening
A pre-employment background check must be conducted before a candidate may receive a firm offer of employment to a staff position at the University of Michigan.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.