Leveraging the success of the “Great University Campaign,” the largest and most successful in USM’s history, the University of Southern Maine Foundation Engagement Associate works to support the work of a team responsible for communications, events, volunteerism, and annual giving with the USM alumni and supporter community.

About USM Foundation: The mission of the USM Foundation is to serve as a catalyst for transformation at the University of Southern Maine. The Foundation is pursuing new and innovative ways to strengthen scholarship programs, raise capital and achieve ambitious goals, as we help to fuel transformation at the University of Southern Maine. The Foundation employs an experienced and resourceful team dedicated to supporting the success of the University and its students. The Foundation is an independent, nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization governed by a Board of Directors, which has full responsibility for the Foundation’s strategic direction and advancement efforts.

Our Culture: Our culture is grounded in our mission and in the values we live every day. We approach our work with focus, drive, and flexibility—and we know that bringing energy and humor to the process makes us stronger as a team. We respect one another, take pride in our work, and don’t lose sight of the fact that enjoying the journey helps us achieve even greater results.

Benefits: The Foundation provides a very robust benefits package, and we expect people to utilize them. Benefits include four weeks of paid vacation, thirteen paid holidays, paid parental leave, 401(K) retirement plan match, and profit sharing. Health benefits include extremely generous medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans. We encourage and support ongoing professional development.

Position:           Engagement Associate

Reports to:       Senior Director Engagement, USM Foundation

Salary:              $52,000 to $54,000 depending on experience

Summary:  The Engagement Associate provides critical administrative support to members of the Engagement Team of the USM Foundation, building positive, professional relationships in service to our mission. Duties and responsibilities for this role include the following; other duties may be assigned.

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee support activities for the Engagement Team including, but not limited to assisting and responding to inquiries, scheduling appointments, and coordinating meetings and arrangements.
  • Support the alumni, stewardship, events and communications programs administratively; support tasks include but are not limited to: making updates to biographic information in the donor database, tracking documents, stewarding donors and volunteers through follow-up communications and outreach, managing website updates, managing inventory of alumni and donor relations gifts and materials.
  • Support activities of the USM Alumni Engagement Council, which include: make arrangements for meetings; help prepare agendas, presentations and collateral materials; take meeting minutes; order catering; book conference/meeting space; arrange technology;maintain current Council membership lists and documentation.
  • Support the administrative needs of Foundation’s alumni and community engagement program working in coordination with the Senior Director of Engagement; roles will include planning and running events, volunteerism opportunities, communication outreach, and grassroot philanthropy
  • Support the Director of Events in the organization and facilitation of USM Foundation alumni and donor events and staff meetings; help prepare for and staff all Foundation advancement events, including logistics and set up leading up, during, and after events.
  • Support other members of the USM Foundation team in the preparation of mailings, database updates, scholarship and grant reports and other support tasks.
  • Assist with email preparation, updates to the USM Foundations websites and other support tasks.
  • Conduct one-on-one phone and email outreach to alumni and friends of USM to deepen their affiliation and connection to USM while encouraging support through contributions of time, talent, and treasure.
  • Order and maintain inventories of office and alumni supplies.
  • Maintain all documentation and records in the on-line shared file system.
  • Cross train and collaborate with other staff on key administrative duties.
  • Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Education/Experience: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree and two to four years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates with deep passion for USM, but less job experience can and should apply.

Knowledge, Skills and Other Abilities:

  • Experience with Zoom, PowerPoint, Microsoft office, Google Suite, and basic presentation logistics strongly preferred
  • Strong interpersonal and oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to independently problem-solve & strong attention to detail
  • Basic Canva, social media, HTML/CMS experience preferred
  • Maintain impeccable standard of confidentiality, trust, in all areas
  • Exhibit a welcoming and professional demeanor
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to work effectively with donors, alumni and staff and to staff events which may occur evenings/weekends
  • Ability to independently problem-solve & strong attention to detail
  • Must maintain a valid driver’s license

The University of Southern Maine is an EEO/AA employer and is committed to nondiscrimination. Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

Interested candidates should send their resume, cover letter, and three professional references to usm.foundationjobs@maine.edu. Please submit materials by Friday, October 17, 2025  for priority consideration.