Executive Director of Major Gifts, Western States Region

Office of University Development (Pasadena, CA)

Working Title
: 
Executive Director of Major Gifts, Western States Region

Posting Number
: 
68008

Job Category
: 
Fundraising - Director of Development

Reports To
: 
Associate Vice President of Development

Experience Range
: 
7 to 10 Years + Management Experience


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

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.

Position Description

The Executive Director leads a team of 2 Major Gift Officers whose primary responsibilities are the identification, cultivation and solicitation of individual prospects capable of giving in excess of $100,000. The Executive Director is responsible for the development and drive of fundraising strategies to secure principle and major gifts from alumni and friends who live within a defined national and local territory. The Executive Director participates in overall budgeting, planning and program management. Frequent travel is required.

Supervises directly: Administrative Assistant; 2 Regional Directors; Development Associate

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

*Manage a staff of two to three major gift officers, providing leadership, setting and evaluating individual goals, developing and sustaining appropriate training, mentoring, and assigning and monitoring coverage of primary regional areas of focus

*Advance individual relationships that result in philanthropic contributions:

  • Manage a geographical territory of prospects and donors.
  • Identify and qualify a portfolio of prospects with capacity to make gifts of $100,000 and more, including principle gifts of 5M.
  • 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
  • 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.


*Develop a prospect pool and apply resources of the larger team to accomplish goals.

  • Set priorities for multiple short-term and long-term projects based on goals for the Major Gift team in the western states region.
  • Participate in the development of department objectives and strategies and develop tactics to meet individual and group goals.
  • Responsible for appropriate and effective reporting of activity and for monitoring resources and expenditures associated with his/her program and portfolio.


*Responsible for developing strong collaborative working relationships with collegiate/unit development staff and providing fund raising support to directors at individual Schools, Colleges and Units. Meeting regularly with colleagues across campus to coordinate and execute strategies and using experience, skill, and knowledge to resolve conflicts and build consensus. S/he will develop and maintain relationships with faculty and administrators and staff volunteers associated with his/her portfolios/programs.

*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

*Develop and manage budgets and long-range plans.

*Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Required Qualifications

  • Baccalaureate degree
  • Seven to ten years development experience, in positions of increasing responsibility in academic fund raising at a college or university with a comprehensive development program.
  • Demonstrated leadership ability to develop strategic plans, implement programs, organize, initiate, and motivate staff, high-level volunteers, and interact successfully with faculty and academic leaders.
  • Strong management skills and proven ability to lead a team of individuals towards a common goal.
  • Proven success in gift closure at the six-and seven-figure level.
  • Excellent communications skills, coupled with strong writing and presentation skills, as well as the ability to present before a group.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a team environment .
  • Discretion and an ability to interact with high-level donors and the ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, discretion and confidentiality.
  • 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 the University of Michigan distinguishes itself from peer institutions.
  • Strong interpersonal skills are required, as well as a high level of sophistication and maturity in social and professional settings.

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree
  • Campaign experience at a multi-faceted institution is a plus
  • Prior Planned Giving experience is preferred.

 

Additional Information

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.

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.

The University of Michigan Office of Development, 3003 South State Street, Suite 9000, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1288phone734 647-6000