Senior Regional Director, Northeastern States

About the role

The Major Gift Officer's primary responsibility is the identification, cultivation and solicitation of individual prospects that live in the Northeastern States Region - defined as Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey - and are capable of giving in excess of $100,000. Frequent virtual engagement and travel are required.

Responsibilities

• Advance individual relationships that result in philanthropic contributions: Identify, qualify, and manage 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.
• This position will develop and maintain relationships with faculty and administrators.
• 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.
• Able to exercise discretion and interact with donors, utilizing an ethical approach to fundraising and maintaining a high level of confidentiality.
• Understand and represent the College's vision, mission, and values.
• Utilize appropriate means to connect with prospects through the frequent use of virtual tools and/or travel for direct engagement.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Required Qualifications

• 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.
• Innovative problem-solver.
• Strong organization skills with the ability to prioritize work appropriately.
• Ability to exercise discretion and to interact with high-level donors and maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Comfort with personal computers and software programs for retrieving, organizing, and researching appropriate donor/prospect information, as well as data gathering and manipulation.
• An ability and willingness to quickly learn the College's and University's culture and be able to persuasively articulate how Michigan distinguishes itself from peer institutions.
• Requires the ability to travel to various locations to conduct work.
• May require work during early mornings, nights, and/or weekends.

Desired Qualifications

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