Senior Major Gift Officer – Law School

Wayne State University • Detroit, MI

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Senior Major Gift Officer – Law School 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.
Essential functions (job duties):
JOB PURPOSE
Provide expertise and experience while participating in fundraising efforts, strategies and initiatives for the Law School. Manage a prospect portfolio to achieve ambitious fundraising and contact goals annually. Cultivate, solicit and steward major gift donors to meet established fundraising goals within the allocated expense budget. This position reports to the Senior Director, Major Gifts – Law School.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in marketing, public relations, business administration or related field.
• Specialist (minimum 5 years of job-related experience)
• Five (5) to Eight (8) years of experience working as a fundraising professional in direct major donor solicitations in excess of $25,000 or equivalent experience as a fundraising professional at another institution operating in a similar capacity.
• Direct experience preparing proposals and conducting major gift solicitations required.
• Professional understanding of, and interest in, Development and Alumni Affairs best practices and general operations. Understanding of trends and best practices related to major gift solicitation. Positive and collaborative professional philosophy, recognizing that this position is integral to the achievement of the goals and objectives of Development and Alumni Affairs.
• ANALYTICAL AND PRESENTATION SKILLS: Ability to evaluate, interpret, and present complex information effectively in professionally prepared documents or presentations. Must possess a demonstrated attention to detail in order to achieve a high degree of accuracy.
• COLLABORATION: 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.
• COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS: 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.
• LEARNING AGILITY: 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.

Nice To Haves

• Higher education development and prior volunteer management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve in the role of seasoned professional by providing expertise and guidance in identifying fundraising needs and priorities. Collaborate with the AVP and Sr. Director of Major Gifts, Dean, Department Chairs and faculty. Develop major gift fundraising plans and strategies. Establish realistic and achievable timeline. Remain current with fundraising trends.
• Manage a prospect portfolio to achieve ambitious fundraising and contact goals annually. Establish and implement prospect qualification, cultivation, and solicitation strategies with a particular focus on securing commitments of $25,000+. Engage university leadership and college-based colleagues as appropriate to support prospect strategies.
• Responsible for achieving annual fundraising goal and assisting in meeting unit and division goals; allocating and prioritizing time and resources to achieve the greatest return on investment. Performance and productivity will be measured on the following core metrics as determined annually: Dollars raised for campaign gift commitments Number of major gift solicitations of $25,000+ Number of major gift closures at $25,000+ Number of face-to-face prospect and donor meetings (in-person and virtual visits) Number of meaningful, significant contacts each month
• Serve as seasoned resource with Development units (e.g., University-wide Philanthropy, Donor Experience, Planned Giving, and Prospect Development) as well as other university units to ensure operational efficiencies within the unit.
• Draft and negotiate gift and pledge documentation ranging from moderate to high complexity. Ensure timely routing of donor contributions to central development for processing.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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