Job Summary

Michigan Medicine is a groundbreaking organization for many reasons, and much of the work that we do is made possible because of philanthropy. Annually, the Michigan Medicine Office of Development raises an average of $200 million, which helps us to be a change agent in the world. Reporting to the Managing Director Core Services & Operations for Michigan Medicine, this position will develop and implement a strategic and integrated marketing and communications plan to support fundraising initiatives for the UM Health-Sparrow Foundation and the UM Health-West Foundation. This role is responsible for building positive awareness of, and fostering philanthropic support for, research, patient care and medical student education through proposals, case statements, and other fundraising collateral; event communications; and gift promotion.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement marketing and communication strategies for UM Health-Sparrow Foundation and UM Health-West Foundation, collaborating with other members of the regional development team to create compelling materials designed to engage donors and achieve fundraising goals. 

• Manage and direct resources for planning and executing development communications, including managing a development communications budget for both foundations.
• Oversee projects from conception through final sign-off, including proposals, case statements, giving opportunity summaries, corporate sponsorship booklets, fundraising brochures, presentations, annual appeals, executive communications, and gift announcements not managed by the Department of Communication
• Manage event communications, including the development of design concepts, invitations, at-event materials, script development, and video creation when needed.
• Oversee timelines for deliverables, meeting all deadlines while remaining flexible for unplanned opportunities.
• Build and manage relationships with freelance writers and designers who can assist with projects.

• Possess and apply comprehensive knowledge of fundraising and organizational policy.
• Identify news and information of potential interest to development audiences and assist in shaping and distributing that material to key audiences.
• Bring creative, critical, and analytical approaches to planning sessions with colleagues, being mindful of alternative forms of communication.

• Manage multiple projects and priorities and interact effectively with a wide variety of people.
• Apply a strong editorial and creative approach to generating high-quality content and materials in support of fundraising priorities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of communications
• Minimum of  five years of professional experience in communications, media relations, or journalism in an academic health system or similar organization or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Familiarity with media vehicles including print, web, and social media and ability to recommend most appropriate media vehicle to reach target audience.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, and ability to change writing styles to fit the audience and voice of the piece.

• Ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to a diverse audience.

• Ability to interpret information, interviews, and data and apply comprehensive knowledge to the completion of complex assignments.
• Strong project management skills and ability to lead a team effort to produce high-quality work on a deadline.
• Understanding of branding and positioning strategies
• Comfortable managing multiple projects and priorities
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently and interact effectively with a wide variety of people.
• Commitment to the highest standards of customer service and professionalism

• Strong project management skills and ability to lead a team effort to produce high-quality work on a deadline.

Work Locations:

The Office of Development supports a culture of flexibility, and a hybrid work arrangement is possible for this position. Flexible work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change at any time based on business needs.