Associate Director of External Relations (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary or hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $80,000 - $95,000.

Initial applicant review will take place on or around March 3, 2025

This is a hybrid position which requires at least 30% travel within the surrounding counties of Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Kern Counties

A valid US Driver's License is required - this position is a part of the DMV - Pull process.

This is a renewable contract position which is eligible for UC benefits.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

The Associate Director of External Relations (ADER) will be tasked with managing a portfolio of mid-level prospects and donors within Merced and surrounding counties including Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Kern, and will play an important role in growing the overall development strategy for identifying and qualifying new prospects that align with the mission of UC Merced. The ADER will use skills as a fundraising professional to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors. The ADER will also support External Relations leadership in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of key stakeholders within the assigned region.

The ADER will employ various methods in increasing UC Merced's donor base, long term strategic partnerships, and revenue capacity for the University's fundraising efforts. The ADER must understand operational activities and the ability to assist in planning, coordinating, and implementing events and demonstrate good judgement in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.

The ADER position is expected to raise gift dollar amounts as established at each fundraiser specialization. This position must coordinate with various UC Merced departments and leadership campus-wide (academic schools, student affairs, athletics, library, etc.) to ensure strategic approach and consistent communications with donors. As a public institution - whose tripartite mission is teaching, research, and public service - with a special responsibility to productively engage the public, this position will also assist in the development and management of an overall strategic Community Relations Plan for UC Merced to help the community recognize and leverage the valuable impact of the campus on its well-being.

ADER's responsibilities include raising the awareness of UC Merced as well as discovering and overseeing partnerships between the University, its departments and the community. The ADER will manage, and increase trusting relationships with the region's educators, nonprofits, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and opinion leaders to raise awareness about UC Merced. The role will also develop and demonstrate how these communities can connect with the university to utilize UC Merced's vast resources. The ADER will represent UC Merced at community events and develop integrated partnership opportunities for the campus to add value to our community's future. Responsible for managing Chancellor's Associates, the premier annual giving society, to dramatically increase membership. Serves as a point of contact and helps to develop and administer innovative approaches for Chancellor's Associate member engagement and communication; provides opportunities for Chancellor's Associates with university constituents, including senior leadership, trustees, and faculty. The role of a Fundraiser is pivotal in building and maintaining relationships with donors, community members, and various stakeholders. To effectively fulfill these responsibilities, the ability to drive is essential for several reasons: Accessibility & Mobility, Flexibility, transport promo materials or event set-up, expanded reach to rural or under-served areas, safety as may travel late at night, being on time to events/meetings.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Manages a portfolio of 100-120 prospects and develops strategies to ensure team goals are met. Uses moves management techniques to maintain and build a robust pipeline of mostly individuals. Identify, cultivate, solicit, and/or steward donors and ensure predetermined fundraising goals are met. Collaborates with colleagues in development, administration, faculty, and staff to identify funding opportunities, recognize new opportunities for partnership, and pursue other areas ripe for support. Stay informed on current university initiatives and activities. Conduct proactive research, prospecting, and networking to grow support base. Assist in developing and growing UC Merced's name recognition and philanthropic footprint.
2. Manages and cultivates partnerships with community organizations to strengthen or create initiatives that support UC Merced's strategic plan and objectives. Promote UC Merced as a vital resource to community leaders and facilitate their relationships with the campus community. Identify key opinion leaders and organizations and maintain frequent quality contacts. Actively participate in the development of campus wide strategies and protocols for working with community partners and act as a liaison for community initiatives. Assists in managing UC Merced's participation and presence at local events. Assists in the development and management of a strategy for local memberships and sponsorships. Advises Executive Director on all community-level activities and initiatives relevant to UC Merced. Will work occasional evenings and weekends.
3. Designs, leads, and directs the development of annual goals and objectives, operating plans and budgets, and volunteer management plans for Chancellor's Associates. Develops measurable and applied metrics for success, maintaining an on-going evaluation and reporting system for Chancellor's Associates. Provides basic analysis of program trends and results and assists in developing materials that will leverage a multichannel approach given industry standards. Oversees the design, communication strategy and fundraising efforts to promote Chancellor's Associates among several groups, including direct mail appeals, emails, newsletters, on-campus announcements, parents/families and faculty/staff. Maintains Chancellor's Associates website and ensures relevant content and branding. Responsible for the creation, implementation, and strategic direction of Chancellor's Associates in an effort to dramatically increase annual support for the university (unrestricted), especially to increase the overall number of donors. Works with key campus partners to enhance the culture of philanthropy and expand student, alumni, faculty, staff, and retiree giving. Serves as point of contact for Chancellor's Associates. Helps to develop and administer innovative approaches for Chancellor's Associates engagement and communication; provides opportunities for Chancellor's Associates with university constituents including senior leadership, trustees, and faculty.

*LI-RM1

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related area from an accredited Institution; and
• 3 years of progressively responsible prospect management with successful development experience or equivalent training/experience (required) or
• Three to five (3-5) years of professional experience in community relations, government relations, public affairs, public relations, communications, or related field; and (preferred); and
• Valid US Drivers License (incumbent will be subject to DMV- Pull system) (required)
• Thorough working knowledge of fundraising, donors relations, and public relations concepts, principles, procedures, and techniques.
• Thorough working knowledge of the campus, its vision, mission, goals, objectives, achievements and infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, etc.
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills to establish and maintain good working relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies.
• Strong organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills, including skills in creative and effective decision-making and problem identification/avoidance/resolution, and project management skills.
• Strong skills in maintaining confidentiality.
• Travel with and provide staff support to campus leaders and trustees, as needed.
• Represent UC Merced at internal, external, and third-party events (including evenings, weekends, and possibly some holidays).
• Perform other development-related duties as assigned.
• The ideal candidate will demonstrate initiative and must be strategic, well-organized, and goal-oriented, with an enthusiastic and positive personality, strong interpersonal skills, the ability to manage complex projects and maintain a collaborative work style.
• Motivated to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Articulate with persuasive written and oral presentation skills.
• Genuine affinity for UC Merced - able to learn and understand the University's priorities and to advocate and articulate them to donors and prospects.
• Innovative, self-motivated leader. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and work ethic.
• Time-sensitive, goal oriented, deadline driven.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, database software (experience with Raiser's Edge preferred) and other basic computer skills.
• Broad knowledge of the principles and practices of volunteer and community relations.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/