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.

The Assistant Director, reporting to the Senior Associate Director of Events, plays a key role in planning and executing a variety of events, with a primary focus on fundraising initiatives. 

This position will lead the coordination of donor cultivation, stewardship events, ceremonies, and other high-profile gatherings that support Michigan Medicine's mission.

In this role, the Assistant Director will collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop event strategies, manage event logistics, and ensure successful outcomes. The position is responsible for overseeing night/day-of-giving components to maximize donor engagement and fundraising success.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, detail-oriented professional with strong project management and leadership skills. They must excel at working independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment, balancing multiple projects simultaneously. A commitment to best practices in event planning and a passion for creating exceptional donor experiences are essential.

This role requires excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability to manage unexpected challenges. The Assistant Director will play a vital part in strengthening stakeholder relationships and advancing Michigan Medicine's mission through high-quality events that inspire generosity and long-term support.

75% - Event Planning and Execution

Event Production, Project Management and Event Execution

• Develop, implement, and manage a portfolio of events, ensuring seamless execution.
• Act as project manager overseeing all aspects of a small to large scale fundraising events. 
• Manage to an overall events budget and assess success and return on investment (ROI) of events to leverage expenditures to deliver the best results while being fiscally responsible. This includes preforming reconciliations and periodic reporting on activities costs. 
• Negotiate vendor contracts and manage expenditures to optimize event outcomes. 
• Provide vendor oversight and ensure high-quality event execution.
• Coordinate and manage the day of event logistics including guest seating arrangements, name tag printing, place card printing and event staffing.
• Provide on-site logistical support for Michigan Medicine Development events as needed.
• Maintain professionalism in all interactions, particularly with donors and leadership.

20% - Fundraising Oversight 

• Establish, maintain and sign off on all sponsorship components hospital wide for consistency, industry standards in fundraising, including night of giving opportunities.
• Identify and develop innovative sponsorship assets within Michigan Medicine Clinical spaces.
• Create and manage a sponsorship inventory, tracking key data points (e.g., social media engagement, visitor metrics, etc.)
• Lead fundraising best practice team meetings with intentional agendas.
• Provide ongoing guidance and day-to-day management of fundraising events to help ensure team effectiveness.

5% - Additional Responsibilities

• Manage special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor?s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience in academia or professional event management.
• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, development, or event strategy and execution.
• Proven ability to plan and execute complex multiple events simultaneously both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong judgment, diplomacy, and discretion, with an unwavering commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and ethical standards.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective leadership skills in a team-driven setting.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and negotiating contracts.
• Ability to handle multiple deadlines and priorities while working independently and collaboratively.
• Professional, donor-centric demeanor with a high level of initiative and adaptability.
• Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and extended hours during peak event periods.
• Ability to lift and transport event-related equipment (up to 25 pounds) and remain mobile throughout event venues.

• Familiarity with the University of Michigan and/or Michigan Medicine.
• Prior experience in development, academic, or fundraising event management.
• Experience working with committees, sponsors, and academic leadership.
• Proficiency in event management within a development or academic setting.
• Knowledge of university policies, procedures, and organizational structures within Michigan Medicine.
• Experience using database systems for event and donor management.

The onsite location for this position is an office suite at the 777 Building.  This provides free, on-site parking for staff.

This position is currently 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.

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.

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.

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.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.