Institute Partnership and Strategy Manager

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration and should be attached as the first page of your CV. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this role.

The Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention, established in 2019 and upgraded to an Institute in 2021, catalyzes research and scholarship around firearm injury prevention at the University of Michigan. It functions as a national hub for research, education, and community engagement, aiming to reduce firearm-related death and injury.

We are seeking a Strategic Partnerships and Engagement Manager/Director to leadprüng external partnership development, steward relationships with donors and foundations, and advance the Institute’s mission.

• Generous time off (Vacation, Holidays, Season Days)
• Retirement plan with two‑for‑one matching contributions and immediate vesting
• Comprehensive health insurance options
• Life insurance and long‑term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

• Source and nurture relationships with external organizations to engage with the Institute.
• Collaborate with the Office of University Development (OUD) to support fundraising interests.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive partner‑development strategy with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Benchmark the success of comparable programs and research prospective partners and fundraisers.
• Proactively market the Institute’s core assets and evidence‑based programs to a wide range of partners.
• Represent the Institute at meetings and conferences, communicating the mission to attract interest and support.
• Initiate outreach and gauge initial interest with accountability.

• Partner with OUD to identify partners interested in financially supporting the Institute’s priorities.
• Conduct in‑person cultivation and solicitation visits to foster strong relationships and advance funding opportunities.
• Collaborate with OUD to create persuasive proposals, grant applications, and impact reports tailored to funder expectations.
• Ensure proactive stewardship and donor recognition through consistent communication and relationship management.
• Document fundraising activities in the university's development database.

• Collaborate with Institute leadership and OUD’s Corporate and Foundation Relations team to identify new and leverage existing funding opportunities.
• Coordinate approaches with peers in the Office of University Development to amplify results.
• Manage and develop the National Advisory Board.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Understanding of external relations, fundraising, or foundation/corporate relations, preferably in higher education or a complex non‑profit organization.
• Understanding of research and ability to communicate it in lay terms.
• Exceptional relationship‑building and communications skills.
• Strong writing, proposal development, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, goal‑oriented environment.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Ability to communicate research findings in an accessible and effective manner.

• Understanding of the firearm injury prevention funding landscape and topics.
• Proven track record of building external partnerships that result in securing financial support.
• Experience working with faculty on external relations, fundraising, or foundation/corporate relations, preferably in higher education or a complex non‑profit organization.
• Experience in the field of firearm injury prevention or related fields (e.g., youth violence prevention, injury prevention, suicide prevention).
• Ability to translate vision and complex science into inspiring funding-ти opportunities.
• Excellent written and verbal skills for writing appeals, reports, and engaging stakeholders and donors.
• Ability to travel and participate in evening and weekend activities as needed
  859.

Positions eligible for hybrid or remote work are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually and may change at any time.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third‑party administrator. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

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 colesterol start immediately after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.