Acknowledgement Writer, Temporary

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Michigan is seeking a temporary Acknowledgement Writer to support the production of personalized donor correspondence from the Vice President of Development, collaborating with senior university leadership during the university’s busiest season for acknowledgments.

You will partner with the Stewardship Acknowledgements team to draft, research, proofread, and edit letters, obtain approvals, and distribute correspondence while tracking deadlines and ensuring proper customization

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experienced PC user, knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel)
• Considerable knowledge of writing, proofreading, and editing
• Detail-oriented with demonstrated skill in creating effective written communication
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Comfort adapting to new systems and methodologies
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines with good judgment
• Discretion when handling highly sensitive information

Responsibilities

• Write and produce acknowledgment letters including research, drafting, proofreading, and editing correspondence.
• Obtain necessary approvals and distribute correspondence.
• Communicate with team to track and finalize correspondence to meet signing dates.
• Utilize a template system with appropriate customization.
• Update donor records in DART and coordinate salutation information.
• Coordinate with Stewardship Officer to update DART as needed.
• Collaborate with development staff university-wide to determine strategies for donor correspondence.
• Research donor circumstances using web-based and internal systems for accuracy.
• Document information in OneNote and share next steps.

Skills

Excellent written communication

Editing & proofreading

Detail-oriented

Multitasking & deadlines

Discretion with sensitive information

Adapt to new systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in English or journalism

Tools

Google Docs

OneNote

DART

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

This temporary role of Acknowledgement Writer assists the production of personalized correspondence to donors from the Vice President of Development. The role is key to providing exceptional customer service to the university?s donors in collaboration with senior university leadership during the university?s busiest season for acknowledging donor gifts. This role works closely with OUD Stewardship & Donor Relations team members, most especially with the team members who take part in various aspects of acknowledgement letter tracking, letter production, writing, editing, mailing, and follow up data entry.

Responsibilities*

60% Acknowledgments Writing and Production

• Partner with the Stewardship Acknowledgements team members to divide and track the workload related to letter production.
• Write and produce acknowledgment letters from the Vice President of Development, including, but not limited to: research, prepare, write, proofread, and edit correspondence, obtain the necessary approvals, and distribution of correspondence.
• Communicate with Stewardship Acknowledgements team members to track on and finalize correspondence in time to meet various signing dates.
• Utilize a template system, while providing appropriate levels of customization.
• Work with Stewardship Administrative Assistant to coordinate the update of donor records in DART related to correspondence, including adding major giving tabs to donor records if needed.
• Coordinate with the Stewardship Officer, Presidential Acknowledgments to update salutation information in DART

40% Acknowledgments Research and Strategy

• Collaborate with development staff university-wide to determine strategies for donor correspondence.
• Research the individual circumstances of the donor and the gift, effectively utilizing web-based and internal systems for 100% accuracy and run relevant reports.
• Document and share information in the Department's OneNote file and coordinate with Stewardship Officer, Presidential Acknowledgments to determine next steps to update DART as needed.

Required Qualifications*

• A Bachelor?s degree in English, journalism or a related field or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
• Experienced PC user, knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel)
• Considerable knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of writing, proofreading, and editing
• Detail-oriented with demonstrated skill and ability to create effective written communication
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Great degree of comfort adapting to new systems and methodologies
• Ability to set priorities, handle multiple assignments and deadlines, and to display excellent judgment while operating in a flexible and professional manner
• Ability to use discretion when dealing with highly sensitive information

Desired Qualifications*

• Familiarity with Google Docs, OneNote and Access is a plus
• Knowledge of UM Development systems, including the Donor & Alumni Relationship Tool (DART), Business Objects, WebNow (ROI) or equivalent database and reporting systems
• 1-3 years of professional experience in a fundraising environment is a plus

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 .

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.