Major Gift Officer

About the role

TechTown is Detroit’s entrepreneurship hub. We empower Detroit-based startups and local businesses by providing resources, collaborative workspace and education for entrepreneurs that will further accelerate inclusive economic development across Detroit.

Responsibilities

• Help donors accomplish their philanthropic goals and ambitions through a relationship with TechTown.
• Secure major and individual gifts with the goal of raising $250,000 annually.
• Manage systems and software to track and cultivate donors and prospects, including the donor database and wealth screening tools.
• Manage existing portfolio of donors, prospects and program alumni.
• Work with the fund development department to align efforts and set goals.
• Create and implement moves management plans.
• Make direct, face-to-face solicitations, and assist the board and other staff with their solicitation (e.g. provide portfolio development support, strategic counsel, and help with donor communications).
• Implement creative acknowledge of major donors through public and private recognition.
• Track and report progress using specific metrics.
• Plan and manage annual campaign comprised of strategic inflection points.
• Plan and facilitate four private fundraisers per year.
• Play a role in managing development activities related to TechTown’s signature event, Toast of the Town.
• Provide reports to be used by the Fund Development Director to communicate to stakeholders at TechTown Detroit and Wayne State University.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in marketing, public relations, business administration or related field.
• Experience: Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience)
• Minimum of two (2) to five (5) years of experience working as a fundraising professional in direct major donor solicitations and individual giving operations. Direct experience preparing proposals and conducting major gift solicitations required.
• Professional understanding of, and interest in, development and alumni affairs best practices and general operations. Familiarity with, and interest in, trends and best practices related to major and individual gift solicitation. Positive and collaborative professional philosophy, recognizing that this position is integral to the achievement of the goals and objectives of TechTown Detroit.

Nice to have

• Ability to evaluate, interpret, and present complex information effectively in professionally prepared documents or presentations. Must possess a demonstrated attention to detail to achieve a high degree of accuracy.
• Exhibits a willingness to partner with diverse stakeholders throughout the organization with integrity and high character to reach unified goals. Possesses the ability to navigate difficult situations with grace and understanding while being respectful and accepting of individual differences.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally both orally and in writing. Strong interpersonal skills are a must. Ability to work successfully with persons from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors and proactively managing implicit bias.
• 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.
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, prioritize and plan work activities while meeting respective deadlines. Strong organizational and time-management skills required. Maturity, sound judgment and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a deadline-oriented environment.
• 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.

Benefits

• 100% TechTown paid Life, STD, and LTD benefits
• Wellness Inspired Workplace with a Wellness Program and onsite Wellness Room
• 5 Weeks of paid time off per year
• 23 paid holidays (including 2 weeks in December and 1 week in July)
• 10 Paid Mental Health Days per year
• $2500 Professional development stipend
• Retailer plan with employer matching up to 6%
• Paid parental leave
• Creativity and innovation supported and encouraged by leadership
• Fulfillment and the knowledge of having made an impact in Detroit’s economic growth