Senior Regional Director, Northeastern States

At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve today's most pressing challenges and power industries and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement, enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.

About the role

The Major Gift Officer's primary responsibility is the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of individual prospects in the Northeastern States Region (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey) capable of giving in excess of $100,000. Frequent virtual engagement and travel are required. Preference may be given to candidates who reside in the region or within driving distance to Ann Arbor.

Responsibilities

• Advance individual relationships that result in philanthropic contributions by identifying, qualifying, and managing a portfolio of approximately 120 households with capacity to make gifts of $100,000 and more.
• Conduct approximately 150-200 strategic moves/visits with prospects and donors per year, and participate in approximately 25 solicitations per year.
• Gather data, assess prospects, and develop strategies designed to realize the current and lifetime giving potential of individual prospects.
• Ensure consistent and appropriate contact, facilitate or make solicitations, and ensure effective stewardship.
• Develop and maintain an astute awareness of social, business, and philanthropic cultures within Michigan, and serve as an expert liaison for the College of Engineering and the campus community.
• Have a comprehensive understanding of the priorities of the College of Engineering, and make persuasive verbal and written cases for supporting key programs and projects, effectively matching the interests of prospects to specific College needs.
• Develop materials used by College and/or University leadership for meetings, visits, or individual contacts.
• Plan and direct Engineering development-related activities including dinners, receptions, and visits by the dean, officers, and faculty in designated major metropolitan areas.
• Responsible for meeting regularly with colleagues across campus to coordinate and execute strategies, and use experience and knowledge to resolve conflicts and build consensus.
• Work closely with Planned Giving colleagues to close planned gifts with an understanding of the principles and techniques associated with planned giving and financial and estate planning.
• Gather, record, and properly handle and store information about prospects and donors utilizing the appropriate systems, exercising discretion and maintaining confidentiality.
• Understand and represent the College's vision, mission, and values.
• Utilize appropriate means to connect with prospects through frequent use of virtual tools and/or travel for direct engagement.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree is required.
• 4-7 years of significant major gift fundraising experience and/or relevant experience in sales and marketing, or other related fields. Candidates with fewer years of relevant experience can be considered for the Intermediate-level position.
• Proven success in generating and successfully converting six- and seven-figure fundraising solicitations, including the ability to evaluate, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects through a normal fundraising cycle.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills, as well as a high level of sophistication and maturity in social and professional settings.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a team environment.
• Self-motivated and innovative problem-solver.
• Strong organization skills with the ability to prioritize work appropriately.
• Ability to exercise discretion and interact with high-level donors while maintaining confidentiality.
• Comfort with personal computers and software programs for retrieving, organizing, and researching donor/prospect information, as well as data gathering and manipulation.
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn the College's and University's culture and persuasively articulate how Michigan distinguishes itself from peer institutions.
• Ability to travel to various locations to conduct work.
• May require work during early mornings, nights, and/or weekends.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree is desirable.
• Close familiarity with and commitment to higher education.
• Familiarity with the specified geographic territory.
• Planned giving experience.

Benefits

• Generous time off.
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting.
• Comprehensive health insurance choices.
• Life insurance.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Maternity and Parental Leave.

Pay

The anticipated salary range is $90,000 - $115,000 for the Major Gifts Officer Senior position and $80,000 - $90,000 for the Major Gifts Officer Intermediate position. Candidates residing in or near the assigned service area (including the tri-state area, the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area) may be eligible for a higher market-based salary.

Schedule

This position is classified as hybrid and is expected to be on campus 2 days per week when not traveling.