Development Associate Engagement

Development Associate for Engagement – Oakland University

Department 7431 – Campaign & Stewardship

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 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.

• Master’s degree.
• Previous experience in Alumni engagement and donor relations/stewardship environment is preferred.

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.

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.

12/03/2025