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Senior Director of Development & Strategy

Ann Arbor, MI
Full-Time

Job Description

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position. In your cover letter, please provide examples of how your skills and experiences meet the requirements of this position. To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume as one document on the University of Michigan Careers at the U site. 

Job Summary

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) is the world's largest academic social science survey and research organization. With scholars from a wide range of disciplines, ISR acts as a national laboratory for the social sciences, advancing public understanding of human behavior through rigorous, wide-ranging research.

Our mission is to:

  • Conduct high-quality social science research
  • Share findings widely to inform public understanding and decision-making
  • Train future generations of social scientists

The Development Director provides strategic leadership for ISR's advancement efforts. In partnership with the ISR Director and as part of the executive leadership team, this individual designs and drives a comprehensive philanthropic and engagement strategy aligned with ISR's mission. This role requires regular in-person engagement to effectively support the development team, center directors, faculty partners, and our broader community. Leading a high-performing team in fundraising, the Development Director serves as a visible ambassador for ISR, building strong relationships with donors, alumni, corporate and foundation partners, and stakeholders across the University of Michigan.

Why Work at Michigan?

Benefits at the University of Michigan

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 any eligible family members, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

  • Generous time off
  • A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting upon meeting eligibility requirements
  • Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

 Learn more about U-M benefits. 

Responsibilities*

Strategic Leadership (40%)

Effective Operational Management (30%)

Partnerships and External Engagement (30%)

Required Qualifications*

We'd like to hear from you if you have:

Desired Qualifications*

We'd especially like to hear from you if you have the required qualifications and these:

Work Locations

To fulfill the responsibilities of this role, this position will be on-site at the University of Michigan offices in Ann Arbor, with flexible scheduling and remote opportunities made available within our overall institute policies. If relocation is required, we will allow for a reasonable time and flexibility to make necessary arrangements.

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.

Underfill Statement

Openings may be filled at the Senior or Intermediate level depending on match with opportunity, your depth and breadth of experience and qualifications. The intermediate level requires a bachelor's degree in a field of science directly related to the position as well as one to three years of related experience. Salary would be commensurate with the Intermediate level position.

Positions at the Development Director Senior level will be filled at the $160,000- $180,000 salary range.

Positions at the Development Director Intermediate level will be filled at the $140,000-$160,000 salary range.

Additional Information

The statements included in this description are intended to reflect the general nature and level of work assigned to this classification and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to create a community of respect and authentic collaboration by recruiting and retaining individuals that represent a variety of voices as a reflection of our commitment to serve the people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days.  Candidates will be evaluated based on qualifications and interest areas. Initial interviews are remote, with in-person interviews for finalists, involving a cross-section of ISR staff. Our goal is to fill the role in mid February 2026

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

PDN-a0947da4-be5d-4f42-a23f-725e3ffd1c59

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position. In your cover letter, please provide examples of how your skills and experiences meet the requirements of this position. To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume as one document on the University of Michigan Careers at the U site. 

Job Summary

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) is the world's largest academic social science survey and research organization. With scholars from a wide range of disciplines, ISR acts as a national laboratory for the social sciences, advancing public understanding of human behavior through rigorous, wide-ranging research.

Our mission is to:

  • Conduct high-quality social science research
  • Share findings widely to inform public understanding and decision-making
  • Train future generations of social scientists

The Development Director provides strategic leadership for ISR's advancement efforts. In partnership with the ISR Director and as part of the executive leadership team, this individual designs and drives a comprehensive philanthropic and engagement strategy aligned with ISR's mission. This role requires regular in-person engagement to effectively support the development team, center directors, faculty partners, and our broader community. Leading a high-performing team in fundraising, the Development Director serves as a visible ambassador for ISR, building strong relationships with donors, alumni, corporate and foundation partners, and stakeholders across the University of Michigan.

Why Work at Michigan?

Benefits at the University of Michigan

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 any eligible family members, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

  • Generous time off
  • A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting upon meeting eligibility requirements
  • Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

 Learn more about U-M benefits. 

Responsibilities*

Strategic Leadership (40%)

Effective Operational Management (30%)

Partnerships and External Engagement (30%)

Required Qualifications*

We'd like to hear from you if you have:

Desired Qualifications*

We'd especially like to hear from you if you have the required qualifications and these:

Work Locations

To fulfill the responsibilities of this role, this position will be on-site at the University of Michigan offices in Ann Arbor, with flexible scheduling and remote opportunities made available within our overall institute policies. If relocation is required, we will allow for a reasonable time and flexibility to make necessary arrangements.

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.

Underfill Statement

Openings may be filled at the Senior or Intermediate level depending on match with opportunity, your depth and breadth of experience and qualifications. The intermediate level requires a bachelor's degree in a field of science directly related to the position as well as one to three years of related experience. Salary would be commensurate with the Intermediate level position.

Positions at the Development Director Senior level will be filled at the $160,000- $180,000 salary range.

Positions at the Development Director Intermediate level will be filled at the $140,000-$160,000 salary range.

Additional Information

The statements included in this description are intended to reflect the general nature and level of work assigned to this classification and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to create a community of respect and authentic collaboration by recruiting and retaining individuals that represent a variety of voices as a reflection of our commitment to serve the people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days.  Candidates will be evaluated based on qualifications and interest areas. Initial interviews are remote, with in-person interviews for finalists, involving a cross-section of ISR staff. Our goal is to fill the role in mid February 2026

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

PDN-a0947da4-be5d-4f42-a23f-725e3ffd1c59

About University of Michigan

Why Work at Michigan?

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care — that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

 

Workplace Culture

The University of Michigan is committed to establishing, supporting and maintaining a culture where all members of the U-M community feel safe and supported.


Our Values

  • Values guide our choices and actions. From how we hire and promote, make decisions, educate, conduct research, provide care, and treat one another. We strive to ensure the following values reflect who we are and what we stand for.
  • Integrity - We act with honesty and take responsibility for our actions.
  • Respect - We act in a way that acknowledges the humanity and contributions of each individual.
  • Inclusion- We create an environment where all can participate, are invited to contribute, and have a sense of belonging.
  • Equity - We create conditions that provide everyone an opportunity to thrive.
  • Diversity - We welcome, acknowledge and appreciate our similarities and differences.
  • Innovation - We promote creativity and curiosity to tackle challenges and inspire new ideas.

 

More about Working at U-M

  • Our commitment to campus culture
  • Our commitment to faculty and staff well-being
  • Our commitment to employee engagement

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Apply For This Job
Senior Director of Development & Strategy
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
Dec 13, 2025
Full-time
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