What You'll Do

This position will set the strategic direction for major gift acquisition and stewardship for the University of Michigan-Dearborn College of Business, supporting the college strategy and consulting with the senior development/campaign leadership and the dean of the college. 
The director of development is charged with identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individuals and organizations capable of making major/planned gifts to the university.

Why Work at 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 your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
• Generous time off.
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting.
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

  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 leverage experts at the Dearborn and Ann Arbor campuses to provide appropriate information to potential donors.
  • Establish consistent and effective collaboration, communication, and coordination with the directors of corporate and foundation relations concerning corporate and foundation funding opportunities and initiatives.
  • Work with university leaders and the college of business team, including the college board of advisors, college leadership team, faculty, and senior staff to understand funding priorities and to direct major and planned gift efforts. 
  • Provide research briefing and other materials for leaders to prepare them for donor interactions and facilitate follow-up as needed.
  • Plan and direct programs to identify and involve volunteer leaders as they relate to the campaign and fundraising activities.
  • Plan college individual and group activities as needed to cultivate, recognize, and steward major gifts prospects and donors on and off campus.
  • The director of development is a key strategic partner of the college dean and works with the stewardship officer to develop customized impact and stewardship plans.
  • Follow UM prospect coordination protocols, input plans, interaction reports, and information updates in the university database.

    Required Qualifications*

    • A bachelor's degree or the equivalent education and experience.
    • Five to seven years minimum experience in various aspects of development, including proven success in securing major gifts from individuals and training/experience in planned giving.
    • Curiosity, coupled with strategic and critical thinking.
    • Strong ability to seek creative solutions and reach win-win outcomes.
    • 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, and PowerPoint is required.
    • Ability to work both independently and as a 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.
      • Embeddedness in the Greater Detroit business ecosystem, understanding business trends and the business education environment.

        Background Screening

        The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

        U-M EEO/AA Statement

        The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

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