Leadership Annual Giving Officer - Education

Wayne State University • Detroit, MI

8d • $60,000 - $61,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Leadership Annual Giving Officer - Education 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, public relations, business administration, or related field.
• Reasonable knowledge and understanding of university policies and procedures.
• Minimum 3 years of experience working as a fundraising professional in direct individual solicitations.
• 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.
• 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.
• Exhibits a willingness to partner with units across the university with integrity and high character to reach unified goals.
• Possesses the ability to navigate difficult situations with grace and understanding.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• Adhere to confidentiality and data usage policy for the division.
• This position requires a high level of commitment and enthusiasm.
• Due to travel requirements, evening meetings, and special events, candidate must be willing to work extended hours as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience preparing proposals and conducting gift solicitations preferred.
• Higher education or non-profit development and prior volunteer management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support and participate in fundraising efforts, strategies, and initiatives for the College of Education (Education).
• Manage a portfolio of leadership annual gift prospects of approximately 100-150 alumni and friends.
• Identify and qualify prospects.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward leadership annual gift donors to meet established fundraising goals within the allocated expense budget.
• Conduct one-on-one solicitations to strengthen constituent relations and increase donor giving at the $1,000 level or higher.
• Responsible for achieving assertive annual fundraising goal and assisting in meeting unit goals.
• Develop fundraising plans, strategies and activities to engage alumni and build a major donor pipeline.
• Establish realistic and achievable timelines and remain current with fundraising trends and techniques.
• Develop strategies to engage prospects and donors and increase attendance at, and participation in, alumni & donor events and programs.
• Manage and oversee follow-up activities to acquire and upgrade donors and encourage gifts at the $1,000 level or higher.
• Serve as liaison to the Annual and Digital Campaigns team on behalf of Education.
• Collaborate and strategize with Annual and Digital Campaigns team on methodologies to increase the alumni, staff, student, and friend donor base.
• Play active role in executing plans for the annual Giving Day for Education.
• Assist with the editing of annual giving solicitation letters, emails, and webpages.
• Collaborate with the Donor Experience team to implement strategies to ensure appropriate stewardship of prospects and donors, including custom strategies for loyal donors.
• Assist with the coordination and distribution of endowment impact reports and annual scholarship reports.
• Assist recipients with questions.
• Draft and negotiate gift and pledge documentation ranging from simple to moderate complexity.
• Regularly route donor contributions and required paperwork to central development for timely processing.
• Engage Education colleagues as appropriate to support prospect strategies.
• Perform other related duties and complete special projects as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level