Reports to: Senior Executive Director, Leadership and Major Gifts, Eastern and Southern States

Supervises directly: Shared Administrative Assistant

Position summary:

The Director of Major Gifts collaborates on the direction of the major gift program in the assigned region (NY, CT, NJ, and Philadelphia), representing the scope of the University of Michigan in those areas. You will develop and execute long- and short-term strategies to secure major gifts and planned gifts ($100,000 or more) together with senior academic leaders and development colleagues in a decentralized development environment. Your primary responsibilities will be implemented through regular visits with U-M constituents and travel throughout the region. There is preference for you to live in the NY Metro area but consideration will be given to candidates who live within commutable distance to U-M’s Ann Arbor campus. There will be, at least, quarterly travel to Ann Arbor for those living outside commutable distance to campus.adership and Major Gifts, Eastern and Southern States

Salary: 

$95,000-100,000 if you are located within commutable distance to Ann Arbor. A salary increase will be considered if you are located within commutable distance to New York Metro Area.

Responsibilities: 

Prospect Management and Solicitation:

• Develop and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects with an emphasis on those prospects who require or benefit from a University-wide approach (e.g., multiple degrees, demonstrated interest in multiple schools or programs).
• Maintain a pace of 120 visits, 60-120 additional meaningful contacts (phone, event, or stewardship) and 15+ asks per year.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the priorities of the University and make a persuasive verbal and written case for supporting important programs, matching the interests of prospects to specific University needs.

Partnerships with Campus Colleagues:

• Develop and maintain relationships with academic and other unit colleagues on campus, including executive officers, dean and development colleagues. Work with these colleagues to coordinate and execute strategies, ensuring that the best prospects in the region are actively managed.

Development of U-M Strategy and Prospects in the Region:

• Participate in planning and leadership of the strategy for major and planned giving in the region with a focus on prospects under personal management and by supporting and facilitating solicitations directed by other U-M development staff.
• Develop a strategic engagement pipeline and events plan for the regions.

Volunteer Management

• Recruit and sustain a volunteer network and committee structure(s) to assist efforts in prospect identification, cultivation and solicitation.
• Provide expanded opportunities for key prospects to engage with Michigan’s academic leaders and one another.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and experience.
• Five or more years of development experience, with at least two years of major gift or sales experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with an array of personalities.
• Commitment to the mission of public higher education.
• Available to manage travel, whether to and from the region from commutable distance from the Ann Arbor campus, or local travel within the region, based on location.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

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

U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations are now required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all three campuses, including Michigan Medicine.  This includes those working or learning remotely.