How to Apply
To be considered, please submit a resume and a cover letter as a single document. In your cover letter, briefly describe your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the position.
Who We Are
The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is a globally recognized leader in business education, committed to building a better world through business. Through powerful ideas, purpose-driven leaders, and meaningful impact, Ross empowers individuals and organizations to make a positive difference. Our community is guided by core values that emphasize innovation, continuous learning, and excellence. Together, we strive to develop leaders who drive change and create lasting impact across industries and communities. Learn more about Ross here.
The Office of Advancement drives the fundraising and alumni relations activities of the Ross School of Business.
Job Summary
As the Assistant Director of Affinity Programs, you will manage the annual strategy, goals, timelines and evaluations for Ross Affinity Group programs focused on strengthening and building the alumni network for Michigan Ross. You will further integrate alumni community strategies with the mission of the Ross School of Business working with members of the Advancement department and partners across the school. You will report directly to the Director of Experiential Engagement.
This hybrid position is based in Ann Arbor, MI, with an expectation of three days per week on-site. The role may require occasional domestic travel and work outside standard business hours, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain that authorization throughout employment.
For additional details about the position, please review the full job description. If you have questions, contact [email protected].
What You'll Do
Affinity Group Operations
- Develop a strategy to build the alumni brand throughout the alumni life cycle and across all alumni affinity groups.
- Support school-wide priorities in recruitment and fundraising, as well by integrating these initiatives into affinity group programming, communications, and event strategy.
- Prepare action plans and timelines for Alumni Affinity groups to accomplish annual goals.
- Recruit, manage relationships and train volunteer group leaders to serve on the board and lead Affinity Groups.
- Strengthen leadership relationships with one another by developing webinars and regular updates.
- Support affinity group events on Zoom as a resource partner for start-to-end execution (run-of-show, speaker support, troubleshooting), including occasional evening coverage.
- Develop written and electronic communications and supporting materials for Board leadership.
- Partner with Ross Advancement colleagues to develop a plan to leverage affinity groups with philanthropic opportunities, including programs such as Giving Blueday.
Alumni Engagement
- Collaborate with Advancement department peers to coordinate alumni speakers for affinity group programs and larger alumni events.
- Work with Ross Advancement and Ross Marketing and Communications staff to ensure the Ross brand and messaging is implemented across Alumni groups.
- Oversee and update Alumni Class notes on Ross website.
- Partner with internal Ross teams to engage alumni volunteers in school wide programs.
Software/Programs Support
- Be the primary contact and liaison for Alumni Portal or other web-based communication resources with Ross IT.
- Work with Ross Salesforce IT liaison to implement new software solutions for affinity group websites and communication needs.
- Update Ross Alumni website with relevant information for affinity groups and user experience for alumni seeking engagement opportunities with the school.
Administrative and Other
- Record and store information about events using collaboration tools
- Upload all alumni data to DART system to ensure data collection (Donor Alumni Relationship Tool)
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- At least two years of experience in areas such as fundraising, development, marketing, advertising, event planning, alumni or public engagement, volunteer management, or communications.
- Demonstrated proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience using Canva or similar design tools to create engaging visual content.
Why Work at Michigan?
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 paid time off (Vacation, Holidays, Season Days, Maternity and Parental Leave)
- 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
- Flexible work arrangements
- Access to the onsite Fitness Center at Ross
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.
Additional Information
The salary offer range for this position is $59,000 to $72,700. Salary offers are determined based on several factors, including a candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications, along with internal equity considerations. It is not common for new hires to be placed at the top of the range.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.