Ann Arbor, Michigan
Los Angeles, California
D.C.
Newark, Delaware
Los Angeles, California
Posted: 13-Sep-23
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 239401
Application Instructions
Candidates should submit the following as one document:
- Cover Letter / Letter of interest (In your cover letter, please address your interest in this position and provide examples of how your skills and experiences meet the requirements of this position. If you do not provide a cover letter, your application will not be reviewed)
- Resume
In order for the Career Portal system to accept a cover letter, please include this as a page of your resume document.
Overview
The University of Michigan School of Social Work (SSW) seeks to develop a more equitable, caring, and socially just society. Such a society meets basic human needs, eliminates social and economic inequities, and empowers individuals, their communities, and institutions to reach their aspirations and potential. Drawing on an interdisciplinary faculty within a public university seated in a region of enormous need and promise, the School is dedicated to education, research, and service that fosters progressive change at local, national, and global levels.
Position Summary
The SSW Office of Development and Alumni Relations is seeking a highly responsible, self-motivated, customer-centered, and detail-oriented individual to help us reach our fundraising and alumni engagement goals. As a Development Events and Alumni Relations Officer, you will report to the Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations. Key responsibilities for the Development Events and Alumni Relations Officer will include management and execution of all development and alumni events and developing meaningful alumni engagement programs and relationships.
ALUMNI RELATIONS (45%)
This position is responsible for designing and implementing SSW's alumni relations strategies, including outreach, communications, events, programming, and management of our SSW Alumni Board. Responsibilities include:
- Develop and execute annual plans for all SSW alumni relations efforts including multi-channel communication strategies, events (both in-person and virtual), outreach, and engagement.
- Manage all Alumni Board meetings and Alumni Board subcommittee meetings, while building relationships with Alumni Board members to create a meaningful experience for members of the SSW Alumni Board.
- Create targeted alumni communications and outreach strategies for various segments of the SSW alumni base.
- Manage the School's alumni networking tool, AlumniFire.
- Determine strategies for engaging current SSW students and connecting them with our alumni.
- Benchmark across various schools/units within UM and across higher education more broadly on best practices in higher education alumni relations efforts.
- Partner with units across the SSW including the Office of Student Services, Career Services, Continuing Education, Marketing and Communications, and other units with the SSW to create innovative engagement opportunities that strengthen alumni connections to the school.
- Utilize metrics/dashboards to track alumni relations activities.
EVENT MANAGEMENT (45%)
This position is responsible for designing and managing all SSW development and alumni relations events. Responsibilities include:
- Plan and execute an annual schedule of development and alumni relations events (including in-person events, virtual events, and hybrid events), including but not limited to planning named, endowed lectures, donor engagement and alumni engagement events, Homecoming, and other events that add connection opportunities for SSW donors and alumni.
- Organize and manage event committee meetings, which typically include the Dean, faculty, alumni, and students to gather input from various stakeholders in the planning of important events.
- Partner with the Marketing and Communications Team on event communications strategies, including but not limited to event promotion, talking points, design elements, and any other communications strategies.
- Liaison with the Office of University Development (OUD) and serve as the team's expert on OUD's guidelines and/or SPGs on proper donor/alumni data utilization and procedures for University-wide events.
- Demonstrate exceptional event management skills by
- Serving as a reliable team member who is responsible and accountable.
- Identifying requirements and needs for each event, and implementing event themes.
- Preparing event budgets and ensuring payment of required vendors. Develop systems for tracking the costs and budget for all events.
- Serving as the point of contact and providing direction to suppliers, caterers, staff, and entertainment at events.
- Anticipating guest needs and preparing against potential liabilities.
- Debrief and collect data post-event to make modifications for future events.
SPECIAL PROJECTS (10%)
- Manage special projects in partnership with the executive director or other members of the development team.
- Manage student employees who will support alumni relations and event work.
- Bachelor's degree with 3+ years experience in event planning, fundraising, marketing, public relations, communications, or in a related field in a customer service role.
- Ability to work independently as well as effectively in teams. Must have the ability to work comfortably with individuals at all levels (faculty, staff, students, donors, alumni, etc.).
- Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to manage multiple tasks, ability to work independently, exercise initiative as a critical member of a small team, and function in a dynamic environment.
- Ability to prioritize and balance multiple projects with high-level accuracy in a deadline-driven, fast-paced environment while providing high-quality customer service.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to work cooperatively with staff in various offices within the School of Social Work, the Office of University Development (OUD), and with University alumni and donors.
- A problem-solver with strong analytical skills and follow-through; a high degree of initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to anticipate needs.
- Capacity to exercise initiative, independent judgment, diplomacy, professionalism and confidentiality with a positive service-oriented attitude.
- An understanding of the importance of confidentiality and a commitment to protecting the confidentiality of our constituents.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite products and with Google Suite (Calendar, Docs, Sheets, Forms, etc.).
- An appreciation for the University's commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Candidates should demonstrate an appreciation for the diverse perspectives and experiences of each person while contributing to a team that fosters a sense of belonging for all members of our community.
- Prior experience working in a fundraising department in a large and complex organization like the University of Michigan.
- Familiarity with U-M database programs (DART, Business Objects, Concur, M-Pathways, Tableau).
- Familiarity or experience with Constant Contact and ThankView.
- Prior experience managing student employees.
- Skills testing may be required.
- The statements included in this description are intended to reflect the general nature and level of work assigned to this classification and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.
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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
