Oakland University
Development Associate for Engagement
Oakland University, Oakland, California, United States, 94616
Benefits of Working at Oakland University
Oakland University offers competitive salaries and an excellent benefit program including a comprehensive medical plan with low contribution amounts, dental and vision plans at no cost, generous paid time off plans, a generous University contribution to our 403(b) retirement plan, tuition assistance for our employees and dependents, free access to our Campus Recreation Center and workout facilities, and flexible work schedules and wellness programs. These are current benefit levels subject to future changes. Oakland University offers a strong, University-wide commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, which has garnered national recognition as a top workplace for LGBTQ+ community members; national recognition as a safe workplace, and consistent top ranking for support services to U.S. Military veteran students.
Position Overview The Development Associate (DA) for Engagement reports to the Sr. Director of Alumni Engagement. The DA will coordinate and execute meaningful alumni engagement opportunities for alumni with an end goal of increasing alumni affinity and participation in giving. Specifically, this position will be responsible for implementing events and programs dedicated to the development and cultivation of relationships with alumni, donors and friends and will also be expected to provide strategic input on how to further engage alumni and friends through events and programs. The DA is also responsible for writing and preparing executive level communications, donor acknowledgment letters and other communication materials produced by the office of Donor Relations and Stewardship. The DA works in collaboration with units to support the stewardship efforts of the philanthropy team and build strong partnerships with Oakland University leadership. The DA will assist with donor engagement events, digital donor communication pieces, reports and a variety of stewardship touchpoints. This position requires the highest level of ethics, accuracy, quality and timing in all aspects of their work. The DA must have excellent writing and technical skills and be comfortable navigating data to track stewardship and donor engagement impact to support data‑driven decision making. Ability to maintain confidentiality, uphold ethical standards and ensure data integrity is a must.
First consideration will be given to those who apply by December 16, 2025.
Responsibilities
Coordinate and execute alumni engagement events and programs that grow affinity with the university and support a donor pipeline.
Write and prepare executive level communications, donor acknowledgment letters and other communication materials.
Assist with donor engagement events, digital donor communication pieces, reports and a variety of stewardship touchpoints.
Track stewardship and donor engagement impact, maintain data integrity and support data‑driven decision making.
Maintain confidentiality, uphold ethical standards and ensure data integrity at all times.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
A minimum of two (2) years experience in fundraising, program management.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work in both a team environment and individually.
Experience writing and editing executive level communications and advancement content.
Ability to communicate with donors and university staff at all levels.
Experience in large and small event planning and alumni engagement activities that grow affinity with the university and support a donor pipeline.
Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information is essential.
Excellent organizational and analytical skills with extreme attention to details.
Previous experience with database and records management.
Previous experience with EMMA, Blackbaud, Argos, iModules and other technology platforms utilized for communication and fundraising activities.
Desired Qualifications
Previous experience in Alumni engagement and donor relations/stewardship environment is preferred.
All Qualifications Unless otherwise required by an applicable collective bargaining agreement, all minimum, additional and desired qualifications are preferred, but qualifications, degrees, and/or experience deemed comparable and/or equivalent by Oakland University in its sole and exclusive discretion may be considered.
Application Documents
Cover Letter
Resume
Application Deadline Job Open Date: December 3, 2025 Job Close Date: December 16, 2025
Location and Contact 371 Wilson Boulevard, Rochester, MI 48309 248-370-2100
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position Overview The Development Associate (DA) for Engagement reports to the Sr. Director of Alumni Engagement. The DA will coordinate and execute meaningful alumni engagement opportunities for alumni with an end goal of increasing alumni affinity and participation in giving. Specifically, this position will be responsible for implementing events and programs dedicated to the development and cultivation of relationships with alumni, donors and friends and will also be expected to provide strategic input on how to further engage alumni and friends through events and programs. The DA is also responsible for writing and preparing executive level communications, donor acknowledgment letters and other communication materials produced by the office of Donor Relations and Stewardship. The DA works in collaboration with units to support the stewardship efforts of the philanthropy team and build strong partnerships with Oakland University leadership. The DA will assist with donor engagement events, digital donor communication pieces, reports and a variety of stewardship touchpoints. This position requires the highest level of ethics, accuracy, quality and timing in all aspects of their work. The DA must have excellent writing and technical skills and be comfortable navigating data to track stewardship and donor engagement impact to support data‑driven decision making. Ability to maintain confidentiality, uphold ethical standards and ensure data integrity is a must.
First consideration will be given to those who apply by December 16, 2025.
Responsibilities
Coordinate and execute alumni engagement events and programs that grow affinity with the university and support a donor pipeline.
Write and prepare executive level communications, donor acknowledgment letters and other communication materials.
Assist with donor engagement events, digital donor communication pieces, reports and a variety of stewardship touchpoints.
Track stewardship and donor engagement impact, maintain data integrity and support data‑driven decision making.
Maintain confidentiality, uphold ethical standards and ensure data integrity at all times.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
A minimum of two (2) years experience in fundraising, program management.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work in both a team environment and individually.
Experience writing and editing executive level communications and advancement content.
Ability to communicate with donors and university staff at all levels.
Experience in large and small event planning and alumni engagement activities that grow affinity with the university and support a donor pipeline.
Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information is essential.
Excellent organizational and analytical skills with extreme attention to details.
Previous experience with database and records management.
Previous experience with EMMA, Blackbaud, Argos, iModules and other technology platforms utilized for communication and fundraising activities.
Desired Qualifications
Previous experience in Alumni engagement and donor relations/stewardship environment is preferred.
All Qualifications Unless otherwise required by an applicable collective bargaining agreement, all minimum, additional and desired qualifications are preferred, but qualifications, degrees, and/or experience deemed comparable and/or equivalent by Oakland University in its sole and exclusive discretion may be considered.
Application Documents
Cover Letter
Resume
Application Deadline Job Open Date: December 3, 2025 Job Close Date: December 16, 2025
Location and Contact 371 Wilson Boulevard, Rochester, MI 48309 248-370-2100
#J-18808-Ljbffr