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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 full salary range for this position is $24.76 - $42.67. The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $25.86 - $28.20.

Initial Applicant review will take place on or around May 25th. Posting may close any time after that without notice.

This position is required to work on-site 3 - 4 days per week and may work remotely 1 - 2 days per week as business demands allow.

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 Development Specialist will be responsible for all administrative aspects for the Associate Vice Chancellor of Philanthropy & Strategic Partnerships, Executive Director of Major Gifts, and Executive Director of Institutional Giving. May provide support to other External Relations Units as needed. The incumbent determines the administrative and operational procedures, selection of methods for performing the administrative responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Directs the daily administrative operations of the Associate Vice Chancellor of Philanthropy & Strategic Partnerships, the Executive Director of Major Gifts, and the Executive Director of Institutional Giving and provides administrative support to other units as needed. This includes, but is not limited to, independently writing first drafts with direction on content; maintaining the daily calendar of internal and external appointments, which may require negotiating time and place; creating and maintaining complex spreadsheets including formulas, pivot tables, and similar functions. Makes travel arrangements; negotiating with hotels, etc. for best logistical arrangements for rooms, submits expense reports in a timely manner. Contacting the highest-level donors and friends of the campus and handling contact of a sensitive nature with discretion and timeliness. Provides administrative support to this position as it relates to their role with external relations.
2. Schedules and coordinates campus visits and meetings for donors and other external stakeholders, schedules internal participants and prepares briefing information on the purpose and goals of the visit, handles logistics involving multiple parties, coordinates campus catering, parking, etc. with limited direction. May help set up and prepare meeting/event space to ensure it meets UC Merced's standards for VIP visits. May include preparing floral arrangements and gift/swag bags. Determines special room and equipment needs. Responds to last-minute donor requests and changes, such as additional guests or parking needs; reschedules with tact when cancellations arise. Supports donor related events on and off campus as needed. May be asked to help with preparing, staging, or driving golf carts for VIP visits.
3. Responsible for accurate and timely entry of data into Raiser's Edge database. This may include biographical updates, proposals, contact reports, actions, and meeting materials. Prepares reports as needed by supervisor, runs queries, and reviews outcomes for accuracy.
4. Prepares and responds to correspondence and other written materials requiring knowledge of university current events, donor relationships, and ongoing cultivation efforts. Edits and proofreads materials for consistency, including gift agreements, budgets, and proposals. Creates presentations as needed and under direction; uses content provided to create effective slides. Assists on researching, compiling, and preparing gift agreements.

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training; and
• 1 year of relevant experience; and
• 3+ years of experience in related field with emphasis on writing and communications (preferred); and
• 3+ years successful development experience, preferably in higher education. Candidates with transferable skills and enthusiasm for the position will be considered.
• Working knowledge of concepts, principles and practices of event planning and production and public relations.
• Working knowledge of the campus, its programs, policies, mission, goals, objectives, achievements and infrastructure.
• Working organizational skills, including skill in effectively coordinating and organizing multiple details.
• Excellent organizational abilities appropriate to effective calendar management and student and / or volunteer scheduling.
• Good interpersonal communication skills and political acumen, including skill in effectively representing the campus, medical center or other university organization to its public.
• Good judgment and effective decision-making and problem resolution skills, including skill to recognize and deal effectively and appropriately with real and potential problem areas, including skill to determine the issues / problems that need to be brought to the attention of higher-level staff and / or management.
• Ability to work in diverse groups, including but not limited to students, staff, faculty, general public, production personnel, technical operators and performing artists.
• Ability to work professionally under pressure and under tight deadlines ensuring excellent customer service support.
• Maintain a valid U.S. Drivers License. Required

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to 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 .

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

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:

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.