"Alerted.org

Associate Director, Principal Gifts Communications

How to Apply

A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience. In the cover letter, one page or less, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skills. Submit both a cover letter and resume as one file, due to system limitations.

Job Summary

The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is a diverse learning community grounded in the principle that business can be an extraordinary vehicle for positive change in today's dynamic global economy. The Ross School of Business mission is to build a better world through business. Through our powerful ideas, purpose-driven leaders, and positive impact, we empower business leaders to improve the world. Learn more about RossHERE (https://michiganross.umich.edu/) .

This role is hybrid with on-site expectations in Ann Arbor, MI 3 days per week. Domestic and international travel is required. You may work during early mornings, nights, or weekends. For a full job description, see linkhere (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZCXUaUz0poXGwE3TiWnHJ6eduXBYyfbI/view) . For questions about this role, email [email protected] .

Please note: To be considered for this position, candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Ross School of Business does not offer visa sponsorship for this position.

What You'll Do

The Associate Director, Principal Gifts Communications is a senior communications professional who plays a critical role in advancing the philanthropic goals of the Stephen M. Ross School of Business. You will be responsible for writing, editing, and designing high-level donor communications that inspire, persuade, and engage Michigan Ross's top prospects and supporters.

Reporting to the Director of Major Gifts & Principal Stewardship, the Associate Director leads the creation of principal gift proposals, case statements, and presentations for seven- and eight-figure solicitations; develops and manages Maize Momentum, the school's monthly newsletter for top donors; and produces custom donor features and publications that showcase the impact of philanthropy.

This is a highly visible, independent contributor role. The Associate Director interacts directly with university and school leadership, faculty, major gift officers, program staff, and donors.

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 (Vacation, Holidays, 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

+ Flexible Work Program

+ Ross Onsite Fitness Center

Responsibilities*

+ **Donor-Focused Communications**

+ Lead the writing, editing, and design of proposals, case statements, presentations, and high-stakes materials in support of major and principal gift solicitations.

+ Serve as lead writer and designer for Maize Momentum, Ross's monthly newsletter for top donors and prospects. Create donor features, faculty and student profiles, and other content that demonstrates the transformative impact of philanthropy.

+ **Stakeholder Engagement & Representation**

+ Work directly with university and school leadership, faculty, program directors, and advancement colleagues to gather information, shape messages, and ensure accuracy.

+ Conduct interviews with donors and beneficiaries, serving as a professional representative of Michigan Ross.

+ Build strong working relationships with gift officers to ensure materials align with solicitation strategies and donor priorities.

+ **Content Leadership & Design**

+ Translate complex academic and programmatic priorities into clear, donor narratives.

+ Provide editorial oversight to ensure clarity, accuracy, and alignment with Ross and U-M brand standards.

+ Use graphic design expertise (Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign, Canva, or similar) to create visually compelling donor-facing pieces.

+ **Project Leadership**

+ Drive projects from concept to completion, ensuring high-quality deliverables.

+ Recommend innovative approaches and tools to enhance donor communications and strengthen engagement.

Required Qualifications*

+ Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, graphic design, English, or related field.

+ Minimum 5 years of professional experience in writing, editing, and design for external audiences, preferably in higher education, nonprofit, or client development contexts.

+ Demonstrated success creating proposals, case statements, or publications for high-level donors or clients.

+ Proficiency in graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign, Canva, or similar).

+ The ability to interact professionally with university and school leadership, faculty, advancement colleagues, and donors in both written and face-to-face settings.

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 thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .

Additional Information

Salary Information:

The posting range for this position is $58,300 to $71,900. This posting range reflects multiple factors involved in determining compensation, such as skills, experience, training, certifications, and other organizational needs. At Ross, it is not common for new hires to be offered a salary at the upper end of the range. Compensation decisions are based on the details of each situation.

Application Deadline

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.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

270117

Working Title

Associate Director, Principal Gifts Communications

Job Title

Communications Specialist

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

School Bus Admin

Department

ROSS SCH Office of Advancement

Posting Begin/End Date

10/22/2025 - 11/05/2025

Salary

$58,300.00 - $71,900.00

Career Interest

Communications & Marketing