Senior Major Gift Officer - MISB

Senior Major Gift Officer - MISB Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Senior Major Gift Officer - MISB 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. Job Purpose Provide expertise and experience while participating in fundraising efforts, strategies, and initiatives for the Mike Ilitch School of Business (MISB). Manage a prospect portfolio to achieve aggressive fundraising and contact goals annually. Cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift donors to meet established fundraising goals within the allocated expense budget. Essential Functions 25% Serve as a 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 timelines. Remain current with fundraising trends. 25% Manage a prospect portfolio to achieve aggressive 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 prospects for achieving annual fundraising goals and assisting in meeting unit and division goals; allocating and prioritizing time and resources to achieve the greatest return on investment. 20% Serve as a seasoned resource with Development units (Foundation Relations, Donor Experience, Planned Giving, and Prospect Development) as well as other university units to ensure operational efficiencies within the organization and negotiate gift and pledge documentation ranging from moderate to high complexity. Ensure timely routing of donor contributions to central development. Performance Metrics 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. Work Context This grid characterizes the position: Reports to Senior Director/Chair. Leadership Accountability: Develops strategic plans and interprets policy. Supervisory Accountability: None. Organizational Accountability: None. Financial Accountability: Monitors expenditures. Customer Accountability: Interfaces with customers outside the organization. Freedom to Act: Operates with significant autonomy. Unique Duties Available upon request. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a degree in marketing, public relations, business administration or a related field. Experience: 5 to 8 years of experience working as a fundraising professional in direct major donor solicitations in excess of $25,000 or equivalent experience at another institution. Experience preparing proposals and conducting major gift solicitations. Prior volunteer management experience is preferred. Professional understanding of 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; recognizes that this position is integral to the achievement of the goals and objectives of Development and Alumni Affairs. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Analytical and presentation skills: Evaluate, interpret, and present complex information effectively in professionally prepared documents or presentations. Demonstrate outstanding attention to detail. Collaboration: Partner with units across the university with integrity and high character to reach unified goals. Navigate difficult situations with grace and understanding. Communications skills: Communicate clearly, concisely and professionally orally and in writing. Strong interpersonal skills. Plan and deliver oral and written communications that are impactful and persuasive. Learning agility: Independent and innovative self‑starter who learns quickly and adapts to changing situations; researches topics to gain knowledge when information gaps exist. Planning and organization: Manage several projects simultaneously, prioritize, and plan work activities while meeting deadlines. Strong organizational and time‑management skills. Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with colleagues within the division and other units; produce high‑quality and consistent results; support teammates on complex projects. Technical skills: 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 translate complex concepts into lay terms. Working Conditions Normal office environment. 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. Job Details Employment type: Regular Employee, Full Time, Staff/Administrative. Compensation: Annual Salary, minimum $80,000, maximum $88,000. Job openings: 2 positions. Background check: Required for certain positions as per university policy. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wayne State University