Membership Donor Retention Lead

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous time off

Health insurance

Retirement plan with matching

Life insurance

Long‑term disability coverage

Flexible spending accounts for health

Flexible Work Program

Job summary

Michigan Public, a unit of the University of Michigan, seeks a Membership Donor Retention Lead to strengthen donor relationships and improve retention. You will develop donor communications, analyze engagement results, and connect donors with our journalism and events.

The role reports to the Membership Manager and involves hybrid work at the Ann Arbor station with onboarding prototypes and occasional event support. You will work across departments and craft engaging donor journeys.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least three years of relevant experience in marketing, fundraising, donor or customer relations, development operations, or related work.
• Experience using spreadsheet tools such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets and word processing tools such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
• Experience using CRM systems or donor databases and ability to learn new technology systems.
• Ability to analyze data, solve problems, and identify improvements.
• Ability to write clear audience‑facing communications.
• Ability to address donor or customer concerns and coordinate follow‑up with clear communication and attention to detail.
• Ability to coordinate work and manage competing deadlines, both independently and in collaboration with colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver donor communications and engagement journeys that strengthen retention and turn prospects into supporters.
• Coordinate donor acknowledgments and improve the donation, renewal, and account management experience.
• Analyze giving and engagement results to identify trends and improve outreach.
• Support donor acquisition efforts and the planning and execution of on‑air and digital pledge drives.
• Collaborate with communications colleagues and gift officers to deepen donor relationships and encourage continued and increased support.
• Support donor events and provide backup assistance with member inquiries during peak periods.

Skills

Data analysis

Customer relations

Written communications

Project coordination

CRM systems

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Google Sheets

Word/Docs

Job description

Job Summary

Michigan Public seeks a Membership Donor Retention Lead to strengthen donor relationships, improve retention, and engage prospective donors. This new position supports the station's long‑term sustainability by building connections that extend beyond fundraising appeals.

Reporting to the Membership Manager, you will develop and deliver donor communications, analyze engagement results, and improve the giving and renewal experience. You will work across membership, marketing, digital, and development teams to connect donors and prospects with our journalism, programming, and events.

We encourage creative approaches, experimentation, and learning from results. We provide training on our systems, fundraising practices, and engagement opportunities.

This is a hybrid position based at our Ann Arbor station, with approximately six months of in‑office onboarding expected. Occasional evening and weekend event support is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver donor communications and engagement journeys that strengthen retention and turn prospects into supporters.
• Coordinate donor acknowledgments and improve the donation, renewal, and account management experience.
• Analyze giving and engagement results to identify trends and improve outreach.
• Support donor acquisition efforts and the planning and execution of on‑air and digital pledge drives.
• Collaborate with communications colleagues and gift officers to deepen donor relationships and encourage continued and increased support.
• Support donor events and provide backup assistance with member inquiries during peak periods.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least three years of relevant experience in marketing, fundraising, donor or customer relations, development operations, or related work.
• Experience using spreadsheet tools such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets and word processing tools such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
• Experience using CRM systems or donor databases and ability to learn new technology systems.
• Ability to analyze data, solve problems, and identify improvements.
• Ability to write clear audience‑facing communications.
• Ability to address donor or customer concerns and coordinate follow‑up with clear communication and attention to detail.
• Ability to coordinate work and manage competing deadlines, both independently and in collaboration with colleagues.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating engagement or marketing campaigns.
• Demonstrated results in donor engagement and retention.
• Understanding of philanthropic trends and donor motivations.
• Experience using Mailchimp or other email marketing platforms.
• Familiarity with Allegiance or Blackbaud DART.
• Knowledge of membership programs, sustainer models, or pledge drives.
• Experience in public media or nonprofit fundraising.

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

Why Work at Michigan?

Benefits

• Generous time off (Vacation, Holidays, Season Days)
• A retirement plan that provides two‑for‑one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long‑term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Flexible Work Program

Salary Range

Salary Range for this position is $55,000 - $65,000 paid annually.

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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

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.