Director of Major Gifts, Florida and SE States

Posted: 21-Apr-26

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Categories: Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 276361

We require a cover letter for consideration. Please attach it as the first page of your resume (due to system limitations).

To be considered you must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring university sponsorship for continued employment.

**This position can be located in commutable distance to the Ann Arbor campus or in commutable distance to key markets in Florida.**

The Office of University Development maximizes private support for the University of Michigan.

You will direct the major gift program and represent the breadth of the University of Michigan in that region. You will develop and execute short and long-term strategies to secure major gifts and planned gifts ($100,000 or more) in collaboration with our senior academic leaders and development colleagues in a decentralized development environment. Your primary responsibilities will be implemented through regular visits with U-M constituents throughout Florida and some other states including Georgia and the Carolinas. You will focus on 'fieldwork' with established donors and a focus on the discovery of new prospective donors. This role requires regular travel and participation in evening and weekend activities are required.

Reports to: Senior Executive Director, National Major Gifts

Supervise: Functional Supervision of Shared Project and Administrative Coordinator

Direct Fundraising (70%)

• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and planned gift prospects through thoughtful, deliberate strategies, producing a stream of donors who can make gifts of $100,000 or more throughout the region.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of ~60-80 major gift prospects with emphasis to those prospects who require a university-wide lens (multiple degrees, demonstrated interest in multiple schools or programs).
• Provide leadership for the major and planned gift activity in the region by focusing on prospects under personal management and by supporting solicitations directed by other staff. Ensure that major gift prospects are cultivated and solicited appropriately and deliberately.
• Keep a pace of discovery work throughout the region.
• Maintain a pace of 120+ visits, 15+ asks, and 10+ closed gifts per year.

Strategic Leadership and SCCU Collaboration (20%)

• Work with our Senior Director of Major Gifts, Florida and SE States, to plan and lead a regional fundraising strategy that supports prospect/donor identification, engagement, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Plan and execute events that directly support regional goals.
• Develop collaborative, productive relationships with SCCU colleagues.
• Advise our senior campus leadership (deans, directors, executive officers, etc.) on donor strategy and trip planning.
• Attend quarterly retreats with our National Major Gifts Team and retreats with the Major Gifts Programs in the Office of University Development.

Volunteer Management (10%)

• Recruit and sustain a strong volunteer network and committee structure in the region to multiply efforts in prospect identification, cultivation, and solicitation.
• Provide expanded opportunities for key prospects to engage with Michigan's academic leaders and one another.
• Be a lead for the South Florida Council during campaign periods.

**For the full job description with a detailed list of responsibilities and requirements, please** **click here*****.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and experience.
• 5+ years of development experience in major gifts or other related fields (marketing, banking, or sales).
• Sound knowledge of laws, practices, and philosophy of charitable giving.
• Experience with financial development or sales productivity
• Experience working with and/or managing volunteers in some (preferably professional) capacity.

Although the Posting End Date may indicate otherwise, this job may be filled and closed any time after a posting duration of seven calendar days.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.