Assistant Director of Annual Giving

Minimum Qualifications

Education – A college degree
Experience – Two years to five years (Equivalent combination of education and employment).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong Interpersonal Skills:

• Empathy and Active Listening: Ability to understand and relate to the unique needs and experiences of students and young alumni.
• Relationship Building: Skilled in building and maintaining relationships, which is essential for fostering long-term engagement and support.

Communication Skills:

• Effective Communication: Proficient in both written and verbal communication, able to articulate the institution’s mission, values, and needs clearly.
• Social Media Savvy: Knowledgeable about various social media platforms and how to use them effectively to engage with a younger audience.

Engagement and Outreach:

• Event Planning: Experience in organizing events that appeal to students and young alumni.
• Creative Engagement Strategies: Ability to develop innovative approaches to engage employees, parents, young alumni and current students in meaningful ways.

Understanding of Higher Education Landscape:

• Knowledge of Institutional Priorities: Awareness of the institution’s strategic goals and how employee, parent, student and alumni engagement fit into these objectives.
• Familiarity with Student Experience: Insight into the current student experience and challenges, allowing for relevant and impactful programming and communication.

Fundraising Skills:

• Annual Giving Programs: Understanding of annual giving and how to inspire giving among employees, parents, students and recent graduates.
• Cultivation and Stewardship: Skills in cultivating new donors and stewarding existing ones, particularly among the young alumni demographic.

Analytical and Data-Driven:

• Data Analysis: Ability to use data to track engagement metrics, identify trends, and measure the success of outreach efforts.
• CRM, Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT and RE7, Proficiency: Proficiency with customer relationship management (Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT and RE7) systems to manage interactions and engagement history.

Team Collaboration:

• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with various departments, including alumni relations and academic units, to coordinate efforts.
• Leadership and Initiative: Demonstrates leadership and takes initiative in developing new programs and strategies for engagement.

Adaptability and Problem-Solving:

• Flexibility: Capable of adapting to changing circumstances and needs, whether it’s adjusting engagement strategies or addressing unforeseen challenges.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying issues and developing solutions to improve employee, parent, student and young alumni experiences.

Passion for Education and Student Success:

• Commitment to Education: Deep passion for higher education and a commitment to supporting student success and lifelong learning.
• Advocacy for Students and Alumni: Acts as an advocate for students and alumni, understanding their needs and working to address them through institutional resources and support.

Cultural Competence:

• Diversity and Inclusion: Understanding and appreciation of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, ensuring that engagement efforts are inclusive and equitable.
• Global Perspective: Awareness of global trends and the ability to engage international students and alumni effectively.

Physical Requirements

Job may require lifting light weight objects (1 to 10 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping. 

Work Environment

Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.

Salary/Pay Information

Commensurate with experience

Anticipated Schedule  

Monday to Friday 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM

Employee Benefits

At the University of Detroit Mercy, we continually strive to provide a high-quality, comprehensive benefits package to our valued employees. We offer our employees the following benefits: 

· Medical -

         o Three health plans to choose from with a large national provider network

· Dental -

        o UDM’s School of Dentistry FREE to you and your dependents

        o Option to purchase additional dental plan through UNUM

· Vision - 

        o Exams and lenses every 12 months

· Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts offered.

· Employee Assistance Program -

        o Provided to everyone in your household.

· Short-Term and Long-Term Disability.

· Life and AD&D - 

         o One times base salary up to a hundred thousand dollars.

· Option to purchase additional life insurance, accident insurance, and/or critical illness insurance

· Tuition Remission Benefit for you, your spouse, and children. 

· Retirement Plan -

        o UDM provides matches up to 8%

Michigan’s largest, most comprehensive private University, University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. Detroit Mercy seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University’s mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community. University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.