University of Michigan

Development Writer

School of Music

Working Title

: 

Development Writer

Posting Number

: 

59351

Job Category

: 

Fundraising - Generalist

Salary

: 

$45,000 - $49,000

Experience Range

: 

5 to 7 Years

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume as one document on the University of Michigan Careers at the U site.

If you are unable to apply via the U-M Jobs site, please submit your cover letter and resume to dev.careers@umich.edu. In the subject line, please type in the Job ID# for which you are applying.

For questions about the U-M application process, please refer to the FAQ page

Position Description

The Development Writer strategically develops and produces a variety of communications
materials to support the School of Music, Theatre & Dance fundraising activities. This position
oversees the creation of development & external relations publications, including content
selection, story assignments for guest writers, reporting, writing, and editing, as well as
interaction with designers and photographers. The writer also writes/edits copy for the
Schools website, annual giving appeals, fundraising proposals, presentations, event invitations
and related collateral. The position requires an ability to adapt to a variety of assignments and
work independently with limited direction on multiple projects simultaneously.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

Work closely with development colleagues, dean, and SMTD faculty to strategically plan, create and review a wide range of communications that support fundraising efforts. Assignments include:
-Talking points and briefs on related SMTD development initiatives;
-Invitations, collateral and scripting for development events;
-Annual giving letters and appeals;
-Case statements, gift proposals, and other fundraising and/or campaign materials;
-Copy for the SMTD website, including, but limited to, weekly news updates for homepage, annual updates of faculty bios, and bi-annual updates to development, alumni, and reunion pages of website;
-Communicate regularly with other University publications and outside media to strategically publicize SMTD and its events, projects, faculty, alumni, students, and major successes;
-Develop strategy and content to promote SMTD through a variety of communication tools and multi media.

Serve as editor of Michigan Muse alumni magazine. This includes collaboration with gift officers and SMTD faculty to research and generate story ideas, providing direction for guest writers, designers and photographers, as well as interviewing, writing, and editing.

Special assignments including creation of personalized gift acknowledgement letters, photo searches, event staffing, and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelors degree in journalism, communications, English, public relations and marketing or similar discipline.
- Minimum five years of experience in professional writing and editing.
- First-class writing skills.
- Strong interviewing skills.
- Strong research skills.
- Meticulous attention to detail.
- Ability to meet multiple deadlines.
- Ability to work with limited direction.
- Ability to communicate through multi media and social networking tools.
- Ability to work independently and take the lead on projects, but also able to work effectively as part of a team.
- Ability to work with diverse University and performing arts constituencies.
- Skill at conveying complex material thoughtful, clearly and persuasively.
- Working knowledge of In Design, Photoshop, Adobe Illustration, and Contribute.

Preferred Qualifications

- An understanding of the University, the performing arts and/or higher education is helpful, as is experience with fundraising.

Mission Statement

The Office of University Development maximizes private support for the University of Michigan through high-quality collaboration with the development programs of schools, colleges, and units. We also provide fundraising leadership through the stimulation and facilitation of healthy, productive and life-long relationships with our colleagues, alumni, friends, foundations and corporations.

U-M EEO/AA Statement: The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.