Senior Major Gift Officer – School of Medicine

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Senior Major Gift Officer – School of Medicine 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.

Provide expertise and experience while participating in fundraising efforts, strategies and initiatives for the School of Medicine. Cultivate, solicit and steward major gift donors to meet established fundraising goals within the allocated expense budget.

Serve in the role of seasoned professional by providing expertise and guidance in identifying fundraising needs and priorities. Collaborate with AVP and director of development, dean, department chairs and faculty; develop 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.

Conduct one-on-one visits to qualify, cultivate and solicit donors to increase donor giving. 

Responsible for achieving annual fundraising goal and assisting in meeting unit 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 gifts

    Dollars raised for cash and in-kind gifts

    Number of Major Gift solicitations of $25,000+

    Number of Major Gifts closed at $25,000+

    Number of face-to-face meetings (visits)

    Number of meaningful contacts each month

Serve as seasoned resource with Development units (e.g., Corporate Philanthropy, Foundation Relations, Annual Giving, Planned Giving, Donor Relations and Prospect Research) as well as other university units to ensure operational efficiencies within the unit.  

Ensure the timely routing of donor contributions to central development for processing.

Adhere to confidentiality and data usage policy for the division.

This position requires a high level of commitment and enthusiasm. Due to travel requirements, evening meetings and special events, etc., incumbent must be willing to work extended hours as needed.  

Perform related work as assigned.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in marketing, public relations or business administration from an accredited college or university.

Reasonable knowledge and understanding of university policies and procedures.

EXPERIENCE

5-8 years' experience working as a fundraising professional in direct major donor solicitations in excess of $25,000.

Direct experience preparing proposals and conducting major gift solicitations required.

Higher education development and prior volunteer management experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS:  Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally both orally and in writing. Strong interpersonal skills are a must. 

PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION: Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, prioritize and plan work activities while meeting respective deadlines. Strong organizational and time-management skills.

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.

TECHNICAL SKILLS: Proficient in the use of complex administrative systems software, preferably in the higher education environment.  Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, especially Word and Excel. 

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.

TEAMWORK: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues within the division and other units to gain full understanding of the project and desired outcome; ability to produce high quality and consistent results with assistance of team members; provide support to teammates when tackling complex projects.

H86 - Development & Alumni Affairs

H8605-Developmnt office

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Hourly rate:
• Salary minimum: $80,000
• Salary hire maximum: $88,000

Normal office environment

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No
• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
• Prior posting/requisition number:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The university encourages applications from women, people of color and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.