Development Generalist

Student Publications provides a top-quality educational experience for U-M students in multimedia communications and business leadership, and serves as effective channels for communication to University, local, and national audiences. Student Publications is an autonomous, self-sustaining operation located on the University of Michigan campus, comprising The Michigan Daily, Michiganensian yearbook, Gargoyle, and SHEI magazine. Each publication is run by U-M students, supported by four professional staff members, including the Development Generalist. The quality and content of the publications are determined by the student staff, who also contribute to the business side of Student Publications.

About the role

The Development Generalist is a strong relationship builder who engages with stakeholders including current students, Student Publications alumni, donors, and the broader University of Michigan development community. As part of a small campus unit, this role involves direct interaction with various stakeholders and may require demonstrating proficiency in required areas during the interview process.

Responsibilities

• Annual Giving coordination and outreach:
  • Liaise with U-M's Annual Giving, Stewardship, and Reporting Information Analysis teams.
  • Work directly with student leaders on strategic planning and solicitation of gifts for unique giving opportunities such as Giving BlueDay, Hail Yeah!, and Rivalry Edition.
  • Data mine gift reports to analyze and evaluate fundraising results and inform future strategy.
  • Identify giving trends of annual fund donors and attempt to upgrade to leadership annual level gifts in the range of $1K-$5K through segmented and personalized efforts.
  • Develop a strategic messaging calendar for Student Publications communication efforts that integrates with U-M’s Annual Giving Non-degree Unit Solicitation Plan.
  • Write and design annual appeals for email, direct mail, and social media campaigns.
  • Enter prospect and donor interactions in DART (Donor & Alumni Relationship Tool) in a timely manner to monitor monthly progress towards activity metrics goals.
  • Enter current student data in DART in a timely manner.
• Donor and Prospect stewardship:
  • Create and send acknowledgement letters to donors.
  • Create impact reports for key donors.
  • Update stewardship and other interactions in DART.
  • Work with regional and major gift officers to ensure they have up-to-date materials for meetings with prospects and donors.
  • Collaborate with development colleagues in other units on major gift coordination and/or planned giving opportunities.
• Alumni communication:
  • Manage Student Publications' social media channels.
  • Produce newsletters for individual publications and the Office of Student Publications.
• Alumni engagement:
  • Work closely with students in identifying alumni for visits and speaking opportunities.
  • Plan annual scholarship and awards event.
  • Plan spring graduation open house for students and their families.
  • Coordinate the Michigan Daily's reunion weekend (typically once every two or three years) with alumni, student, and professional staff assistance.
  • Collaborate with alumni to plan and organize smaller reunions and facilitate alumni/student engagement opportunities.
  • Plan and/or participate in regional activities as opportunities arise.
• General support for Student Publications team and students:
  • Other tasks as assigned.

This position reports directly to the General Manager and indirectly to the Board for Student Publications. The Development Generalist is expected to attend and participate in Board meetings, usually four to six times during the academic year.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to conceive and write creatively for multiple audiences, including detailed editing and proofreading.
• Strong organization, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with database management and reporting.
• Detail-oriented; a self-starter who takes initiative with excellent follow-through.
• Strong collaborator who seeks and welcomes opportunities to integrate new ideas and best practices into their work.
• Familiarity with basic principles and practices of non-profit philanthropy/development.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience in fundraising, marketing, public relations, communications, or a related field.
• Familiarity with DART or similar CRM.

Schedule

40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Some evenings and weekends will be required at different times throughout the year for board meetings and special events.

Pay

$62,000.00 - $68,000.00

Benefits

• Standard University of Michigan employee benefits and resources.
• Parking adjacent to the building.
• Opportunities to advance the mission of a student-serving organization and influence the lives and futures of college students.
• Varied and interesting work in a world-class university environment.