Development Coordinator

Department Description 

The Paul Merage School of Business at UC Irvine offers three dynamic MBA programs – plus PhD, specialty masters and undergraduate business degrees – that prepare business leaders for our digitally driven world. Through our programs, students acquire the exceptional ability to grow their organizations through strategic innovation, analytical decision-making, digital information technology and collaborative execution. While the Merage School is relatively young, it has quickly grown to rank consistently among the top five percent of all business programs worldwide through exceptional student recruitment, world-class faculty, a strong alumni network and close relationships with both individual business executives and global corporations. 

The Advancement team at the Paul Merage School of Business secures critical funding for the school through gifts, grants, and fundraising campaigns. 

Position Summary 

Under the general direction of the Sr. Associate Director of Development, the Development Coordinator works collaboratively with the Development team in The Paul Merage School of Business and University Advancement colleagues to assist with campaign development programs to secure philanthropic support for the Merage School. 

The Development Intern will support the University Advancement team in its efforts to engage donors, alumni, and friends of the university. This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to learn about nonprofit fundraising, donor stewardship, and program management while contributing to projects that support the university’s mission. The intern will gain valuable experience working in a professional, mission-driven environment. 

It is critical that the Development Coordinator can independently perform the full range of responsibilities within the function and can analyze problems / issues of diverse scope to help determine solutions. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

• Coordinate and track donor pledge renewals, send timely pledge reminders, and monitor payment schedules. 
• Manage stewardship communications, including the preparation and distribution of thank-you letters, event invitations, and donor updates. 
• Maintain and update spreadsheets and enter contact reports to ensure accurate and timely data entry within the advancement database. 
• Support advancement events by securing RSVPs, coordinating communications, assisting with program management, and providing on-site event support. 
• Conduct prospect research and prepare donor profiles and briefing materials to support cultivation and solicitation efforts. 
• Actively participate in team meetings, offering ideas and feedback to support fundraising strategies and departmental goals. 
• Uphold strict confidentiality of donor information and university records in alignment with ethical and institutional standards. 

Required Qualifications 

• Interest in fundraising, higher education, nonprofit work, or donor relations. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication. 
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines with minimal supervision. 
• Customer service-oriented mindset and a team-player attitude. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with Canva, Google Workspace, or databases is a plus. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Familiarity with fundraising principles and donor stewardship. 
• Experience with event planning or project management. 
• Knowledge of university structure and advancement operations. 

Working Conditions 

• Occasional evening or weekend work required for events. 
• Position may require standing or walking for extended periods during events.