Position Summary: 

As a lead member of the university Annual Giving Team, the Associate Director assists in the development and coordination of the annual giving programs for the university.  In this role, the Associate Director serves as an expert consultant and account executive for assigned schools, colleges, and units and also helps to provide strategic and operational leadership for the university Annual Giving team.  The university Annual Giving Team ensures that the Office of University Development and the units it serves utilize the most efficient, creative, and effective annual giving strategies, and is a driving force to explore novel ideas that lead to the creation of new approaches and projects.

This position is responsible for direct supervision of one Assistant Director of Annual Giving and for dotted-line supervision of a second Assistant Director of Annual Giving.

This position works in an environment dedicated to advancing the mission of OUD and of the university, and in building positive and meaningful relationships with co-workers and constituents.

Responsibilities:

35% – Unit Consulting and Service

• For assigned units, works with units’ leadership and designees to plan and implement annual giving programs using all appropriate media.  Provides expert consultation to units in reviewing performance and planning future efforts.
• Assists in the development of plans for donor development and solicitation improvement. Identify potential prospect groups and develops programs accordingly.
• In collaboration with assigned units, works with Marketing Team to develop annual and multi-year strategic communication/solicitation plans and measurable performance targets.
• Provides annual giving expertise, including regular, value-added analysis and program review.
• Monitors and evaluates program results, market research, and other data to identify new strategic opportunities.
• Manages the creation, QC, roll out and maintenance of annual giving reports in partnership with the Reporting and Information Analysis team.  Works to define and develop new reports for units as needed, with a focus on providing the tools necessary for forward-thinking decision making.
• Provides general consulting and support as needed and appropriate (e.g. board presentations, interview unit candidates, expertise on topics related to annual giving).

15% – Department Mission and Operations

• Actively promotes donor-centric approaches to annual giving that take a holistic view of university communications and solicitations.  Seek opportunities for unit/university collaboration and cooperation, while achieving strong results for client units.
• Works within department strategic plan to improve personal and team level of service, efficiency, and unit coordination while also improving program results.
• Develops processes and tools to aid in documentation and team transfer of knowledge.
• Actively explores and promotes new analytic initiatives, market expansion, and use of external vendors and resources to ensure the program is effective and progressive.
• Works to conceptualize and develop leadership annual giving program.

15% – Staff Management and Mentorship

• Manages one Assistant Director of Annual Giving, providing leadership, training, and mentoring.
• Responsible for assigning and monitoring coverage of primary areas of focus.
• Responsible for dotted line management of second Assistant Director of Annual Giving, providing comprehensive direction and expertise on new projects related to process improvement, team efficiency, and reporting or analysis.
• Leads hiring and onboarding process for new Assistant Director as needed.
• Works with Director to facilitate team communication and motivation.

15% – Production Process

• Partners with Marketing, Production, and Telefund Teams to plan, create, schedule, and evaluate productive, high-quality, cost-effective annual fund solicitation packages for assigned units and university-wide initiatives.
• Provides needed input and information to Marketing Team for development of solicitation and stewardship creative and copy.  Helps develop, edit, and approve written or graphic content as needed.
• Works closely with Production Team and other members of Annual Giving team; monitors production process to ensure deadlines are met and project goals achieved.
• Develops and streamlines Annual Giving team processes related to the planning, communication, implementation, and review of solicitation and communication projects.

10% – Industry Knowledge – Proactively maintains knowledge of current trends in the Annual Giving field. This includes:

• Participating in peer networking opportunities.
• Participating in professional education opportunities.
• Monitoring of Annual Giving trade publications and websites.
• Participating in best practice sharing with peer institutions through proactive outreach and prompt response to requests for information.

5% – Donor Stewardship – Participates in the ongoing stewardship of donors utilizing a donor centric approach. This includes:

• Responding to donor inquiries and concerns as appropriate.
• Route donor inquiries and concerns as appropriate.
• Considering and applying methods for donor acknowledgement and education.

5% – Additional Duties

• Completes other projects and duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or related field.
• Five or more years of experience in annual giving, marketing, or advertising.
• Experience with direct mail, telemarketing, internet marketing, statistical analysis, strategic planning, market research, annual budget planning, project management, print producion preferred.
• Excellent communication and analytical skills.
• Careful attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills, including a commitment to and track record in operational planning.
• Ability to set priorities, and flexibility to meet changing priorities.
• Experience managing part-time or full-time staff members.
• Experience in team environment and strong interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of personal computers, word processing, spreadsheets, and database software.

Desired Qualifications:

• A minimum of three years of experience working in higher education.
• Familiarity with University processes and procedures.
• Working knowledge of University computer systems including DART and Business Objects.

Additional Information:

For additional information about this position and to review other current openings in Development, please visit our website at: www.giving.umich.edu/careers