Job Summary

This position will set the strategic direction for major gifts acquisition and stewardship for the University of Michigan Dearborn College of Arts, Sciences and Letters (CASL) in consultation with senior development/campaign leadership and the dean. The director of development is responsible for identifying, qualifying, soliciting and stewarding individuals and corporations capable of making major gifts to the university.
 

Responsibilities*

• Consistently secure outright major gifts of $25,000+, focusing on gifts of $100,000 and above by developing and managing a robust portfolio of key individual major donor prospects. Devise and execute effective engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies of a portfolio through a balanced and systematic moves management process.
• Be attentive to planned and legacy-giving opportunities and provide appropriate information to potential donors, leveraging experts at the Dearborn and Ann Arbor campuses.
• Establish consistent, effective collaboration, communication and coordination with the director of institutional partnerships & strategic giving on corporate and foundation funding opportunities and initiatives.
• Work with university leaders and the CASL team, including the college board of advisors, the college leadership team, faculty and senior staff to understand funding priorities and to direct major and planned gift efforts. 
• Provide research briefings and other materials to prepare leaders for donor interactions and facilitate follow-up as needed.
• Plan and direct programs to identify and engage volunteer leaders for the campaign and fundraising activities.
• Plan college-level individual and group activities as needed to cultivate, recognize and steward major-gift prospects and donors on and off campus.
• Collaborate with the stewardship officer to develop customized impact and stewardship plans.
• Follow U-M prospect coordination protocols, including entering plans, interaction reports and information updates into the university database.

Required Qualifications*

• A bachelor's degree or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five to seven years of minimum experience in various aspects of development, including proven success in securing major and planned gifts from individuals and corporate/foundation funders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• A high degree of energy, initiative, discretion and customer service.
• The ability to authentically represent the mission, vision and values of the University of Michigan-Dearborn Experience in volunteer engagement and coordination.
• Excellent listening, oral and written communication skills.
• The ability to travel and participate in evening and weekend activities.
• Considerable knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Google Suite is required.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience working toward a common goal with multiple stakeholders; managing time, making decisions and developing strategies that meet defined objectives.
• Work experience in higher education and volunteer leadership.
• Knowledge of DART (Donor and Alumni Relations Tool).
• Knowledge of University policies and procedures.

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.

Additional Information

• The Major Gift Officer reports to the Director of Major Gifts.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.