Advancement Project Manager

Advancement Project Manager

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 both need and promise, the School is dedicated to education, research, and service that fosters progressive change at local, national, and global levels.

The SSW Advancement Office is seeking a highly responsible, self-motivated, customer-centered, and detail-oriented individual to help us reach our fundraising, alumni engagement, marketing and communication goals. As the Advancement Project Manager, you will report to the Assistant Dean for Advancement. Key responsibilities for the Advancement Project Manager will include data integrity and data management, administrative and operational support, and project management, all with a strong focus on process improvement.

This is a hybrid position, but may be eligible for remote work arrangements. The employee must be available to work onsite as required by leadership based on operational needs.

Responsibilities*

• Maintain data integrity within DART and other advancement systems.
• Manage constituent lists and data updates to support Development, Alumni Relations, Marketing, and Communications.
• Maintain and manage email marketing lists in Constant Contact, including regular updates and maintenance, as well as unsubscribe processes.
• Support accurate, timely, and organized data practices across advancement communications and engagement efforts.
• Pull complex alumni and donor reports and marketing efforts using Business Objects.
• Partner with the Office of University Development on more complex projects requiring collaborative work.
• Manage purchasing and financial processes for the Advancement team, including PCard transactions, invoices, and service payments.
• Process and maintain documentation for vendors and services for all marketing and communication-related platforms.
• Coordinate vendor quotes, ordering, and account management.
• Serve as backup support for the Development Coordinator.
• Manage intake processes for Advancement Office projects to ensure submissions are complete and ready for action.
• Improve request management processes by gathering key project details, including timelines, audiences, required assets, approvals, and deliverables.
• Support coordination of projects including web updates, retirements, events, and other communications needs.
• Develop and maintain tools and workflows to support project tracking, deadlines, approvals, and resource needs.
• Review and provide quality control for materials submitted to the Marketing and Communications office.
• Serve as an additional resource regarding the SSW Style guide; ensure communications align with the School's style, voice, and brand standards.
• Coordinate with internal partners and external vendors to move projects forward efficiently.
• Support the planning and execution of advancement priorities.
• Manage special projects as assigned by the Assistant Dean for Advancement.
• Support strategic advancement and communications initiatives requiring coordination across teams.
• Supervise and provide direction to student employees as needed.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree with 3+ years of experience in data management, project management, 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), University Communications, with University alumni and donors, and with vendors and freelance staff.
• 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 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 U-M School of Social Work's vision and values, while contributing to a team that fosters a sense of belonging for all members of our team and community.

Desired Qualifications*

• Prior experience working in an advancement 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, PhotoShelter, Meltwater, Sprout Social or other communications platforms.
• Prior experience managing student employees.

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

• 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.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.