Research Development Assistant

How to Apply

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 are directly related.

Summary

The Prospect Development team is responsible for developing and maintaining a continuous pipeline of prospective donors to support a broad range of fundraising activities at Michigan Medicine. As a part of the Prospect Development team, the Development Research Analyst partners with a portfolio of assigned Michigan Medicine Office of Development gift teams to identify and meet prospect information needs. The analyst gathers and summarizes information to support cultivation and solicitation of top prospects, including bringing new individuals to the appropriate attention. The analyst independently manages their own workload and contributes to the Prospect Development team's efforts in the identification and strategic distribution of major gift ($100K-$1M+) and principal gift ($5M+) level prospects for a portfolio of gift teams. The analyst reports to the Assistant Director of Prospect Development Research and assists with special projects.

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Who We Are

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 MM Office of Development raises an average of $190 million which helps us to be a change agent of the world.

The Office of Development supports a culture of flexibility, and a hybrid work arrangement is possible for this position. Additionally, while work arrangements are flexible with regard to work location, all new employees are expected to be in commutable distance to campus.

Responsibilities*

Needs Assessment, Outreach, and Collaboration (40%)

• Assume primary responsibility for assessing and meeting the prospect identification and information needs of a specifically assigned portfolio of Michigan Medicine Office of Development gift teams through regular communications regarding current fundraising initiatives. Support prospect strategizing as needed.
• Consult with development officers to determine feasibility of research requests and special projects. Negotiate project scopes and deadlines directly with liaised development officers.
• Establish monitoring and seek feedback to ensure development officers receive appropriate support.
• Provide consultancy to update development officers on the strategic use of prospect development data and services.
• Ability to work well under pressure and maintain flexibility

Prospect Identification and Research (40%)

• Conduct reactive and proactive research according to best practices and ethical standards of Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA).
• Estimate donor gift capacity through the analysis of complex individual, corporate, and foundation financial and philanthropic information. Summarize information relevant to the timing of a gift.
• Participate in projects to proactively identify, qualify, and quantify segments of the Michigan Medicine prospect pool through the use of screening, data mining, and modeling of existing donors.
• Write confidential research documents on individual, corporate, and foundation prospects for Michigan Medicine development staff members and senior executive officers.
• Manage special projects as assigned by the Assistant Director and Director of Prospect Development.
• Scanning and synthesizing relevant information into well-written documents timely and adequately.
• An aptitude for critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Commitment to professional ethics and confidentiality.

Professional and Team Development (20%)

• Independently plan, organize, coordinate, and handle multiple tasks and responsibilities, prioritizing and organizing work to accomplish departmental goals.
• Meet and maintain the standards set forth in the APRA Body of Knowledge Prospect Research Fundamentals. Participate at an appropriate level with professional associations such as APRA and Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
• Serve as an internal consultant on research and analysis related to one's area(s) of expertise and lead periodic peer education sessions.
• Work in a collaborative team environment, sharing knowledge and newly-identified sources with the Prospect Research team and the Office of University of Development Prospect Development and Analytics team.
• Safeguard the confidentiality of donor information at all times. Maintain appropriate recording and use of information in the University?s constituent database. Adhere to ethical and confidentiality guidelines of both Michigan Medicine and APRA.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills and ability to interact with executive level clients is essential.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree

At least three years of research experience

Demonstrated strong written communication skills

Strong computing and online research skills: proficiency with relational database software and online databases. Proven ability to learn to navigate unfamiliar systems and computer applications

Candidate will be required to have reliable internet service

Desired Qualifications*

An advanced degree

At least three years of work experience in fundraising research or a related field

Familiarity with the organizations of the University and Michigan Medicine as well as policies, and procedures.

Work Locations

The onsite location for this position is an office suite at 777 E. Eisenhower Pkwy, Ann Arbor. This building provides free, on-site parking for staff.

This position may be eligible for flexible work opportunities at the discretion of the hiring department. Flexible work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change dependent on the business needs of the hiring department, throughout the course of employment. This position works both onsite and remotely based on the business needs of the unit.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

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/AA Statement

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