How to Apply

You must apply through the UM Jobs website (umjobs.org/).

Your application package must include the following in order to be considered:

A cover letter, not to exceed one page. Please describe how this position fits with and advances your career goals.
Your resume
Two (2) writing samples that illustrate your skills and range. These should be examples of development pieces that you have created, not to exceed 2 pages in length each, and links to the samples would be ideal.

Due to system limitations, these must be submitted as a single electronic document. A PDF is best, but there are other acceptable formats. If you have questions about submitting your samples, please email [email protected]

Salary and work location

This is a managerial position with a salary range of $100,000 - $110,000. Salary is determined by direct relevant experience and demonstrated past performance results while ensuring equity on the team.

Our office is located at 309 Maynard Street in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This position has the option to work on-site or hybrid (both remote and on-site). Manager roles are typically expected to be on-site a minimum of 1-2 days per week.

You will report to the LSA Advancement Director of Development.

Job Summary

Who we are

Since 1841, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) has been the heart of The University of Michigan, educating young leaders through a rich liberal arts curriculum and creating new knowledge through world-class research and scholarship. We offer more than 100 degree programs in over 75 academic departments and programs. Every LSA program is among the best in the U.S. Learn more about LSA at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/.

LSA Advancement supports the excellence and transformative power of the college's liberal arts education through values-based fundraising, marketing, and communications. To learn more about what Advancement does, the team culture, and the organization's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, visit our Join Our Team Website.

Who you are

First and foremost, you are a strategic communicator, with deep experience in development writing. Second, you are a content producer of a wide breadth of fundraising materials, including those for organizational leadership. And, third, you are a collaborative leader and teammate, seen as positive, transparent, motivating, and supportive. If this describes you, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll do

As the Director of Development Communications, you will provide strategic oversight of the college's development communications, as well as manage the development communications team of three. You will partner with Advancement leadership to develop and write strategic content and messaging for new college priorities and initiatives. You will direct the creation and revision of all of the college's development communications ensuring all 120 fundraising units in the college have materials and an online fundraising presence. You and your team will also prepare communications for the Dean.

A full job description can be found here.

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

Generous time off, including vacation time, sick time, holiday, and season days
A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

In addition, LSA offers:

Enhanced tuition support programs for LSA courses
Strong commitment to work/life balance
Flexible work arrangements with respect to campus stakeholder needs

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

You can see a summary of the benefits you will be eligible to receive here.

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field. (or equivalent combination of education and/or experience)
5+ years experience writing, proofreading, and editing for higher education, with an emphasis on generating development content.
Experience working with academic leadership to produce strategic communications.
Experience producing communications to motivate giving and support for organizational fundraising efforts.
Proficiency with Google Suite and Microsoft Suite, CRM databases, and design platforms (i.e., Piktochart).
Proven leadership skills and commitment to advancing organization mission.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels, and the capacity to collaborate across teams and departments.
Demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion through actions, interactions and communications.

Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

Individuals who are women, LGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous, people of color, disabled, or veterans are encouraged to apply.

As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion in LSA, please visit lsa.umich.edu/lsa/dei.

To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.

Work Authorization:

Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment, and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.