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 Development Team and assist with department strategy, building donor relationships and providing insight and ideas to enhance Annual Giving programing. 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 (90%)
- Strategize and create a 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.
- Liaison with campus Annual Giving team for monthly co-ops to drive philanthropic gifts to Athletics.
- Measure the success of annual giving initiatives, specifically establishing and implementing standards of reporting and accountability to measure the progress of the annual giving goals for donor count and dollars raised.
- Management of the Michigan Athletics Priority Point Program in collaboration with Development Operations team.
- Partner with Athletics Major Gift Officers to identify, qualify, and cultivate new donor leads - coordinating prospect discovery, outreach strategies, and seamless handoffs to drive additional donations.
- Oversee development team inbox focusing on providing high level customer service and answering donor questions regarding how to make a gift, giving history, stewardship and engagement opportunities, 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.
- Create and execute digital fundraising plan for Giving Tuesday and Giving Blueday, implementing digital fundraising platform, social ads, and email segments to increase donations on the day.
- Utilize prospect data to establish new annual giving programs for various constituencies such as student-athlete alumni, non-donor season ticket holders, and more.
- Research and identify a list of best practices and benchmark with other universities: track and measure success.
- Expand and grow ELEVATE fund initiatives including driving awareness and providing marketing opportunities for all teams.
- Oversee relationship with University Telefund to provide talking points and relevant information for outbound phone solicitations.
- Create stand-alone fundraising opportunities for Athletics including sport specific initiatives, game day opportunities and crowd funding campaigns.
- Build strategy to support NIL specific events on an as needed basis.
- Manage Annual Giving budget including campus co-ops, paid social media campaigns, giveaway items, etc.
Project/Liaison Work (10%)
- Participate in Athletic Department events as appropriate.
- 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.
- Three to Five 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.
- 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.
- Understanding of and/or previous use with Donor and Alumni CRM database systems and/or Business Objects.
- 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
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 Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.