"Major Gift Officer - Engineering"

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Major Gift Officer - Engineering 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

Support and participate in fundraising efforts, strategies and initiatives for the James and Patricia Anderson College of Engineering (Engineering). 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. This position reports to the Senior Director, Major Gifts – James and Patricia Anderson College of Engineering.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Collaborate with Sr. Director, Dean, Chairs and Faculty in identifying fundraising needs and priorities for the James and Patricia Anderson College of Engineering. Implement major gift fundraising plans and strategies; establish realistic and achievable timelines; remain current with fundraising trends and serve as a resource on successful development activities, techniques and methods. 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 division leadership and school/college/unit-based colleagues as appropriate to support prospect strategies. 25%

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. 20%

Collaborate with other Development units (e.g. University-wide Philanthropy, Annual Campaigns, Planned Giving, Donor Experience, Alumni Relations, Data Services, and Prospect Development) as well as other university units to ensure operational efficiencies within the unit. 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%

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a degree in marketing, public relations, business administration or related field.

Experience: Minimum of two (2) to five (5) years of experience working as a fundraising professional in direct major donor solicitations in excess of $25,000 or equivalent experience. Direct experience preparing proposals and conducting major gift solicitations required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Analytical and presentation skills, collaboration, communications skills, learning agility, planning and organization, teamwork, technical skills.

Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Adhere to confidentiality and data usage policy. This position requires a high level of commitment and enthusiasm. Due to travel requirements, evening meetings and special events, etc., candidate must be willing to work extended hours as needed.