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, run by students and supported by four professional staff members. The Development Generalist is a key role in building relationships with students, alumni, donors, and the broader U-M development community.

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 (e.g., Giving BlueDay, Hail Yeah!, 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 ($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
• Donor and Prospect stewardship:
  • Create and send acknowledgement letters to donors
  • Produce impact reports for key donors
  • Update stewardship and other interactions in DART (Donor & Alumni Relationship Tool) in a timely manner
  • 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 to identify 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 every two to three years) with alumni, student, and professional staff assistance
  • 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:
  • Enter prospect and donor interactions in DART to monitor monthly progress toward activity metrics goals
  • Enter current student data in DART in a timely manner
  • Attend and participate in Board meetings (four to six times during the academic year)
  • Other tasks as assigned

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 required for board meetings and special events

Work Location

This position is expected to be on-site for the majority of work hours due to in-person interaction with visitors, students, and professional staff. Depending on job performance, a percentage of remote or flexible work may be eligible at the discretion of the General Manager.

Benefits

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