Major Gift Officer - College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Major Gift Officer – College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Major Gift Officer for its Detroit campus location. The role focuses on supporting and participating in fundraising efforts, strategies, and initiatives for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). The officer will manage a prospect portfolio to achieve fundraising and contact goals annually and 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 – College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. Job Purpose Support and participate in fundraising efforts, strategies and initiatives for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Essential Functions Collaborate with Senior Director, Dean, Chairs and Faculty to identify fundraising needs and priorities for CLAS; implement major gift fundraising plans, strategies, and realistic timelines. (25%) Manage a prospect portfolio to achieve fundraising and contact goals annually; develop prospect qualification, cultivation, and solicitation strategies focused on securing commitments of $25,000+. (25%) Achieve annual fundraising goals and assist in meeting unit and division goals; allocate and prioritize time and resources for maximum return on investment. Performance metrics include: dollars raised for campaign gift commitments; number of major gift solicitations and closures at $25,000+; number of face‑to‑face prospect and donor meetings (in‑person and virtual); number of meaningful contacts each month. (20%) Collaborate with other Development units (University‑wide Philanthropy, Donor Experience, Planned Giving, Alumni Relations, Data Services, Prospect Development) and university units to ensure operational efficiencies. (15%) Draft and negotiate gift and pledge documentation ranging from simple to moderate complexity; ensure timely routing of donor contributions to central development for processing. (10%) Perform other related duties as assigned. (5%) Work Context Job Reports to: Senior Director/Chair. Leadership Accountability: Implements operating plans. Supervisory Accountability: None. Organizational Accountability: None. Financial Accountability: Monitors expenditures. Customer Accountability: Interfaces with customers outside the S/C/D. Freedom to Act: Subject to general input from supervisor. Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, business administration or related field from an accredited college or university. Knowledge: Reasonable knowledge of university policies and procedures. Experience: Minimum 2–5 years as a fundraising professional in direct major donor solicitations exceeding $25,000 or equivalent experience at a similar capacity. Direct experience preparing proposals and conducting major gift solicitations required; higher education development and volunteer management experience preferred. Professional Understanding: Interest in Development and Alumni Affairs best practices and general operations; familiarity with trends and best practices related to major gift solicitation. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Analytical and Presentation Skills: Ability to evaluate, interpret, and present complex information effectively in professionally prepared documents or presentations; strong attention to detail. Collaboration: Willingness to partner across units with integrity and high character; ability to navigate difficult situations with grace and understanding. Communications Skills: Clear, concise, professional oral and written communication; strong interpersonal skills; ability to plan and deliver persuasive presentations to management and committees. Learning Agility: Independent and innovative self‑starter who learns quickly and adapts to changing situations. Planning and Organization: Manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines; strong time‑management and organizational skills; sound judgment. Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with colleagues within the division and other units; produce high‑quality results with team support. Technical Skills: Proficiency in complex administrative systems software, preferably in higher education; Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel and Teams; translate complex concepts into lay terms. Working Conditions Normal office environment. Adherence to confidentiality and data usage policy for the division. High level of commitment and enthusiasm required; willingness to work extended hours, including evening meetings and special events. Hybrid work schedule: normal working conditions. Preferred Qualifications None specified beyond the minimum qualifications. Employment Information Regular Employee, Full Time, Staff/Administrative. Annual Salary: $65,000 – $70,000. Hybrid work schedule. Number of openings: 1. Background Check Requirements University policy requires a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wayne State University