Institute Partnership and Strategy Manager

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position 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 position.

Job Summary
Launched as a University of Michigan presidential initiative in 2019 and an Institute in 2021, the Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention catalyzes and expands research and scholarship around firearm injury prevention. The Institute fosters research that is mindful of the critical social and historical context of firearms in the United States, and is inclusive of all viewpoints, disciplinary perspectives, and approaches. The Institute serves as the national hub for research that drives new solutions to address firearm injury and death due to firearm-related suicide, community violence, unintentional injuries, intimate partner violence, and school and mass shootings, and trains the next generation of leaders in the field. Supported by an organizational structure that provides internal oversight and external guidance, the Institute focuses activities across five cores: Research and Scholarship, Education and Training, Community Engagement and Dissemination, Policy Evaluation, and Data and Methods. With a focus on public engagement, the Institute solidifies U-M as a top public research university, leading the nation in the science and training of firearm injury prevention.

The Institute is seeking a Strategic Partnerships and Engagement Manager/Director to lead efforts to develop and manage opportunities from external partners, corporations, donors, foundations, and other organizational partners to advance the Institute's mission and strategic priorities. In collaboration with Institute leadership, this position will source and nurture relationships with external organizations, in addition to working with the Office of University Development (OUD) to develop and implement a strategy for the discovery, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors, prospects, and partners for the Institute. This role will develop and cultivate high-impact relationships, align priorities, and drive meaningful engagement strategies with internal and external stakeholders.

Why Work at Michigan?

Benefits
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

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

Responsibilities*

Strategic Leadership
Source and nurture relationships with external organizations to engage with the Institute

Cultivate relationships with partners to identify opportunities for potential external partnerships

Partner with the OUD to support the fundraising interests for the Institute in service to the university

Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for partner development and engagement with both internal and external stakeholders.

Benchmark the success of other programs and research prospective partners and fundraisers.

Proactively market the Institute's core assets in research, evidence-based program developed by the Institute, and training based upon current knowledge of the trends, needs and opportunities to a wide range of partners and audiences

Represent the Institute at various meetings and conferences, and be able to communicate the power of the mission and priorities to engage more interest and support.

Initiate outreach with accountability for initial communication to gauge and cultivate interest.

Stewardship
In collaboration with the OUD, lead efforts to identify potential partners who would be interested in financially supporting the advancement of the Institute's priorities in research, programming, and capital development.

Perform in-person cultivation and solicitation visits to foster strong relationships and advance funding opportunities.

Collaborate with OUD to create persuasive proposals, grant applications, engagement materials, and impact reports tailored to funder expectations.

In collaboration with the OUD, ensure proactive stewardship and recognition of donors through consistent communication, reporting, and relationship management.

Work with OUD to document relevant fundraising activities in the university's development database.

Partnership Development and Collaboration
Collaborate with Institute leadership and OUD's Corporate and Foundation Relations team to identify new and leverage existing corporate/foundation funding opportunities.

Work with peers in the Office of University Development to share contacts, coordinate approaches, and amplify results.

Manage and develop (expand) our National Advisory Board

Required Qualifications*

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 about research findings in an accessible and effective manner.

Desired Qualifications*

Understanding of the firearm injury prevention funding landscape and topics.

Proven track record of building external partnerships that results 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 opportunities.

Excellent written and verbal skills for writing appeals, reports, and engaging with stakeholders and donors

Ability to travel and participate in evening and weekend activities as needed.

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.

Background Screening

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

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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Job Opening ID

272777

Working Title

Institute Partnership and Strategy Manager

Job Title

Project Lead Manager

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Umor Ins Firearm Res

Department

OVPR Inst for Firearm Inj Prev

Posting Begin/End Date

1/12/ /02/2026

Salary

$90, $110,000.00

Career Interest

Administration

Development/Institutional Advancement