University of Michigan

Regional Director of Major Gifts

Western States, Office of University Development

Posting Number

: 

54366

Job Category

: 

Fundraising - Major Gift Officer

Salary

: 

$80,000.00 - $95,000.00*

Reports To

: 

Executive Director, Western States Office of Development

Date Posted

: 

12/16/2010

Experience Range

: 

5 to 7 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 Regional Director directs the major gift program within a western states region representing the breadth of the University of Michigan. This individual will develop and execute long and short-term strategies to secure major and planned gifts ($100,000 or more) in concert with senior academic leaders and development colleagues in a decentralized development environment. Primary responsibilities will be implemented through regular and frequent visits with Michigan constituents throughout the assigned regions. Significant travel will be an essential part of the position, as will participation in evening and weekend activities. The position will be based in the Pasadena Regional Office.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• 50% -- Personal prospect management and solicitation. 
  
  
  • Personally develop and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, with emphasis on those prospects that require a university-wide, “honest-broker” (multiple degrees, demonstrated interest in multiple schools or programs).
  • Aggressively identify, and formally qualify new major and planned gift prospects by developing and executing long-range and short-range strategies and plans to identify, cultivate and solicit prospects, producing a continuous stream of donors capable of making gifts of $100,000 more in the region.
  • Ensure that prospects capable of major gifts are cultivated and solicited in an appropriate and deliberate manner.Lead the major and planned gift solicitation process in the region by focusing on prospects under personal management and by supporting and facilitating solicitations directed by other staff.

• 30 % -- Develop and maintain strong relationships with academic and other unit colleagues on campus.

  • Prepare an annual plan in consultation with School / unit–based colleagues with an emphasis on adding value to their efforts in the regions.
  • Maintain oversight on the quality and quantity of major gift activity in the region and take action to increase both as appropriate.
  • Through collegial consultation and cooperation, work diligently to ensure that the best prospects in the region are being actively managed.
  • Coordinate and facilitate activity in the region that will directly result in prospect identification, engagement and successful solicitations, including advising executive officers, deans and development colleagues on the culture, expectations and needs of the University’s constituents in that region.

• 20% -- Volunteers.

  • Recruit and sustain a strong volunteer network and committee structure in the region to assist your efforts in prospect identification, cultivation, and solicitation, as well as to provide expanded opportunities for key prospects to engage with Michigan’s academic leaders and one another.

• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Five or more years of development experience, with at least 2 years of major gift experience.  Experience in higher education preferred.
• Sound knowledge of laws, practices and philosophy of charitable giving
• Demonstrated track record of financial development and/or sales productivity in a complex work environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a campus culture that includes a diverse array of personalities,   and cohesively manage conflicting expectations.
• Available to manage 50% travel, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, when needed.

 

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.