University of Michigan · 22 hours ago
Institute Partnership and Strategy Manager
The University of Michigan is a leading public research university, and they are seeking an Institute Partnership and Strategy Manager to lead efforts in developing and managing partnerships with external organizations to advance their mission. This role involves sourcing and nurturing relationships with partners, as well as collaborating with the Office of University Development to implement strategies for donor engagement and support for the Institute's initiatives.
E-LearningEducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
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
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
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
Qualification
Required
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
Preferred
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
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
Company
University of Michigan
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving, and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
H1B Sponsorship
University of Michigan has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (662)
2024 (594)
2023 (787)
2022 (473)
2021 (411)
2020 (324)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$359.75MKey Investors
Michigan Economic Development CorporationNational Institutes of HealthBreakthrough T1D
2025-07-17Grant· $1M
2025-06-07Grant· $1.17M
2025-04-23Grant
Leadership Team
Recent News
2025-12-19
IEEE Spectrum
2025-12-18
2025-12-17
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