Director, Leadership Annual Giving

Wayne State University•Detroit, MI

2d•$100,000 - $110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Director, Leadership Annual Giving at its Detroit campus location. Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in marketing, business administration, communications or related field.
Minimum seven (7) years of experience working in development, marketing, communications, or related field.
Experience analyzing complex data and applying results to inform project decisions.
Experience with project management, process analysis and data management.
Demonstrated experience with direct individual solicitations and strategies.
Proficient in the use of complex administrative systems software, preferably in the higher education environment.
Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel and Teams.
Ability to understand and translate complex concepts into lay terms.
Ability to evaluate, interpret, and present complex information effectively in professionally prepared documents or presentations.
Demonstrated attention to detail in order to achieve a high degree of accuracy.
Proposes and evaluates alternative solutions to achieve organizational goals.
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally both orally and in writing.
Strong interpersonal skills are a must.
Demonstrates the ability to plan and deliver oral and written communications that are impactful and persuasive including presentations to university management and committees.
Demonstrated strong leadership skills to influence and motivate individuals and groups to achieve results.
Maintain accountability for the university's and division’s mission, vision and values.
Inspire your team to uphold these core values.
Independent and innovative self-starter who displays an ability to learn quickly and easily adapts to changing situations.
Experience researching topics to gain knowledge and understanding when information gaps exist.
Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, prioritize and plan work activities while meeting respective deadlines.
Strong organizational, project and time-management skills required.
Maturity, sound judgment and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a deadline-oriented environment.
Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues within the division and other units to gain full understanding of the project and desired outcome; ability to produce high quality and consistent results with assistance of team members; provide support to teammates when tackling complex projects.
Reasonable knowledge and understanding of university policies and procedures.

Nice To Haves

Masters degree preferred.
Experience managing personnel, preferably in advancement, higher education or non-profit environment is preferred.
Professional understanding of, and interest in, Development and Alumni Affairs best practices and general operations.
Positive and collaborative professional philosophy, recognizing that this position is integral to the achievement of the goals and objectives of Development and Alumni Affairs.

Responsibilities

Provide vision, leadership and direction for the university’s leadership annual giving program. Responsible for the strategic design, planning and implementation of programs, communications, and strategies to enhance the annual philanthropic support from individual donors, increase donor connection and engagement, and deepen the prospect pipeline for the university’s major gifts program. Establish organizational plans to meet philanthropy goals, monitor programmatic progress, and oversee a comprehensive program that focuses on continued growth, innovation, and donor retention.
Collaborate with school/college/unit directors of major gifts to establish unit-based leadership annual giving targets. Partner with the Director, Prospect Development to develop and achieve pipeline development and prospect qualification goals, regularly tracking progress. Work collaboratively with Advancement Services to develop and implement plans to integrate and leverage new technology to aid in pipeline development.
Manage a prospect portfolio to achieve ambitious annual fundraising and contact goals. Establish and implement prospect qualification, cultivation, and solicitation strategies with a particular focus on securing commitments between $1,000-$50,000. Draft and negotiate gift and pledge documentation ranging from moderate to high complexity. Engage university leadership and school/college/unit colleagues to support prospect strategies, as appropriate.
Supervise staff, effectively manage performance to meet individual and team initiatives; foster a collegial and highly productive work environment. Recruit, interview, hire, train, coach, evaluate, and discipline staff. Establish and communicate performance expectations in a manner that motivates and empowers staff to fulfill job duties. Encourage, support, and ensure employee participation in training and development programs.
Develop goals and set operational standards for the unit. Conduct periodic review, assess department’s performance, and implement strategic changes and enhancements as needed. Evaluate the success and effectiveness of leadership annual giving efforts through statistical and qualitative analysis.
Manage unit's annual expenditure budget. Develop revenue and expense projections, approve expenditures at unit level, and monitor transactions for compliance with university policies and procedures. Establish priorities, determine operating budgets and oversee the related expenditures.
Network with outside professional groups and organizations to keep abreast of current industry trends and best practices related to leadership annual giving. Represent the division at industry or community meetings at the request of leadership.
Perform other related duties as assigned.