University of Michigan

Development Associate

Foundation Relations, Office of University Development

Working Title

: 

Development Associate, Foundation Relations

Posting Number

: 

60046

Job Category

: 

Administrative

Salary

: 

$38,000 - $40,000

Reports To

: 

Senior Director, Foundation Relations

Experience Range

: 

2 to 5 Years

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.

To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume as one document on the University of Michigan Careers at the U site.

If you are unable to apply via the U-M Jobs site, please submit your cover letter and resume to dev.careers@umich.edu. In the subject line, please type in the Job ID# for which you are applying.

For questions about the U-M application process, please refer to the FAQ page

Position Description

The Development Associate will have primary responsibility for managing relationships with a portfolio of foundation prospects and working closely with faculty and fundraisers to increase proposals to and funding from within that portfolio; leading communications for faculty about foundations; managing the stewardship communications and visit calendar for foundations; providing strategic oversight for web resources for faculty, and foundation relations information for Giving.Umich.Edu and DevNet; and preparing inquiries, grant proposals and grant reports as needed.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

30%) Manage a portfolio of foundation prospects to optimize gifts and grants, encouraging proposals and connections across campus, engaging with gift officers and faculty on proposals and stewardship activities, and acting as a single contact point for foundation representatives.

* Develop and implement annual and comprehensive donor strategies within the portfolio, engaging colleagues and faculty members as required for success.
* Monitor university relationships and prospect activities (grants) for opportunities or issues; routinely update known research on the prospects in the portfolio.
* As part of the Foundation Relations `volume' strategy, increase both proposals and grants, across time, from within the assigned portfolio.

(30%) Collaborate with faculty and/or unit fundraisers to develop proposals, concepts and foundation fundraising strategies for new projects, as needed, across the broader spectrum of foundation prospects. Lead the foundation relations team in the writing and editing of letters of inquiry, preliminary grant requests and full proposals - supporting faculty and colleagues across the campuses in their early outreach and proposals to new foundation prospects or in new relationships with foundations.

* Guide faculty and fundraisers in the processes and strategies needed to be successful with foundation proposals.
* Offer early drafts, editing as needed, and coaching throughout the proposal process.
* Provide timely follow-up to foundations or coach others through that process of moving a proposal along within a foundation.

(30%) Manage foundation relations' communications strategies. Responsible for strategic oversight and serve as editor/creator for the new/emerging Foundation Relations web-based communications: Web Resources for faculty; the existing Foundation Relations external website(s) for donors; and the internal Office of University Development (OUD) DevNet site for fundraisers.

* Lead a cohesive, collaborative and effective launch of the new foundations web resources site, and develop tactical plans to promote the resource to faculty through partner schools and units.
* Review and update information monthly, working with OUD communications and the DevNet editor to upload revised content to the external (foundation audiences) website and the internal DevNet site.
* Ensure information on foundations and university grants is timely and informative and that integration with the colleges is seamless. Manage the interests of college and other partners in the Web Resources process.
* Develop and oversee a comprehensive, integrated strategy and plan for ensuring all communication avenues are current and informative. Manage processes for linking to DART for the second phase of DART launch (automated data onto the web tools site).

(10%) Perform other duties as assigned, including special projects for the VP and AVP for Development.

Required Qualifications

* A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
* Reasonable experience and knowledge of business organizations, fundraising and foundations is necessary.
* Ability to foster a collegial environment with development staff, DRDA staff and faculty is very important. Appreciation for the culture of higher education will be an asset.
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required including a professional, client-oriented demeanor, excellent knowledge of grammar and business correspondence.
* Excellent writing skills will be essential.
* Experience with PC, Microsoft Word, Excel or similar software programs.
* Facility with Internet searches and in learning to use databases is required.
* Demonstrated strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

* Reasonable experience in fundraising, marketing, advertising, public relations, or a related field is desired
* Familiarity with university systems

Mission Statement

The Office of University Development maximizes private support for the University of Michigan through high-quality collaboration with the development programs of schools, colleges, and units. We also provide fundraising leadership through the stimulation and facilitation of healthy, productive and life-long relationships with our colleagues, alumni, friends, foundations and corporations.

U-M EEO/AA Statement: The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.