University of Michigan

Associate Director of Major Gifts, Tri-State Region

Major Gifts, Office of University Development

Working Title

: 

Associate Director of Major Gifts, Tri-State Region

Posting Number

: 

64221

Job Category

: 

Fundraising - Major Gift Officer

Salary

: 

$90,000 - $100,000

Reports To

: 

Sr. Executive Director, Leadership and Major Gifts, Eastern States

Experience Range

: 

2 to 5 Years

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume as one document on the University of Michigan Careers at the U site.

If you are unable to apply via the U-M Jobs site, please submit your cover letter and resume to dev.careers@umich.edu. In the subject line, please type in the Job ID# for which you are applying.

For questions about the U-M application process, please refer to the FAQ page

Position Description

The Associate Director of Major Gifts’ primary responsibility is the identification, cultivation and solicitation of individual prospects who live within a defined territory (Northern New Jersey, New York and Connecticut) and are capable of making gift commitments of $100,000 or more.  The Associate Director of Major Gifts’ assists in overall budgeting, planning and program management. Located in the New York City metro region with at least quarterly travel to Ann Arbor. Works as part of a five-person Eastern States team.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

*Advance individual relationships that result in philanthropic contributions:

• Identify, qualify, and manage a portfolio of approximately 200 prospects with capacity to make gifts of $100,000 and more.
• Conduct at least 180 personal visits with prospects and donors per year, and participate in a minimum of 25 solicitations per year.
• Gather data, assess prospects, and develop strategies designed to realize the current and life-time giving potential of individual prospects.
• Ensure consistent and appropriate contact, facilitate or make solicitations, and ensure effective stewardship
• Develop and maintain an astute awareness of social, business, and philanthropic cultures within the Tri-State region. Serve as a liaison to the region for the campus community.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the priorities of the University and make a persuasive verbal and written case for supporting key programs and projects, effectively matching the interests of prospects to specific University needs
• Develop materials used by Deans, Directors, Vice Presidents, the Provost and the President for meetings, visits or individual contacts

*Responsible for providing fund raising support to major gift officers at individual Schools, Colleges and Units, meet regularly with colleagues across campus to coordinate and execute strategies, and use experience and knowledge to resolve conflicts and build consensus. S/he will develop and maintain relationships with faculty and administrators

*Assist the Sr. Executive Director with managing the regional major gifts committee in metro New York and other committees that may develop over time. Responsibilities include developing communications, designing meeting content, preparing materials, coordinating activity with campus colleagues, and directing volunteer assignments.

*Serve as an active team member in the development and implementation of the team's short-term and long-term planning objectives. Also partake in the larger Major Gift department's goals and tactics by attending retreats, staff meetings, serving on special task forces, and understanding the University's broader development vision.

*Work closely with Planned Giving colleagues to close planned gifts to the University with an understanding of the principals and techniques associated with planned giving and financial and estate planning

*Gather, record and properly store information about prospects and donors utilizing DAC, the University's donor and alumni tracking database and its successor, DART.

*Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Required Qualifications

*A baccalaureate degree is required; advanced degree is desirable.

*A minimum of 3-5 years of significant major gift fundraising experience and/or relevant experience in sales and marketing, or other related fields. Higher education and familiarity with specified geographic territory is preferred.

*Proven experience in working with six and seven-figure gifts or sales and marketing accounts, including the ability to evaluate, qualify, and move prospects through the cultivation/solicitation cycle.

*Ability to work in a fast moving environment with sophisticated clientele and colleagues. Must be able to work with a high degree of discretion and confidentiality and appreciate an interdisciplinary and diverse university environment.

*Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a team environment.

*Excellent communication skills are essential, including writing and presentation skills.

*An ability and willingness to quickly learn the University history, mission, demographics, faculty, current programs, departments, etc., as well as the University culture to be able to persuasively articulate how Michigan distinguishes itself from peer institutions.

*Comfort with personal computers and software programs for retrieving, organizing and researching appropriate donor/prospect information, as well as data gathering and manipulation.

Preferred Qualifications

*Strong knowledge of financial markets and business terminology preferred. Prior planned giving experience is preferred.

Mission Statement

The Office of University Development maximizes private support for the University of Michigan through high-quality collaboration with the development programs of schools, colleges, and units. We also provide fundraising leadership through the stimulation and facilitation of healthy, productive and life-long relationships with our colleagues, alumni, friends, foundations and corporations.

U-M EEO/AA Statement: The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.