Sr. Director of Philanthropy, SECS

About the role

Oversee and conduct major gift fundraising for the School of Engineering and Computer Science. Serve as a major/planned giving officer reporting to the Associate VP for Philanthropy and works closely with the Dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science, and the Director of Corporate Relations. Manage and direct fundraising support staff. Manages the fundraising process for an assigned portfolio of prospects and donors and conducts activities leading to gifts of $25,000 and above.

Job opened: 09/17/2026.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and conduct major gift fundraising for the School of Engineering and Computer Science.
• Serve as a major/planned giving officer reporting to the Associate VP for Philanthropy.
• Work closely with the Dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science and the Director of Corporate Relations.
• Manage and direct fundraising support staff.
• Manage the fundraising process for an assigned portfolio of prospects and donors.
• Conduct activities leading to gifts of $25,000 and above.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in development and fundraising, preferably in a college or university.
• Demonstrated success in obtaining gifts of $25,000 and above with a focus on six and seven figure gifts.
• Thorough knowledge of the major gifts fundraising process and an understanding of planned giving.
• Knowledge of computers and databases and their application to development and fundraising activities.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) preferred.
• Campaign experience preferred.
• Experience in fundraising in Southeastern Michigan helpful.
• Experience in major or principal gift fundraising for higher education helpful.

Unless otherwise required by an applicable collective bargaining agreement, all minimum, additional and desired qualifications are preferred, but qualifications, degrees, and/or experience deemed comparable and/or equivalent by Oakland University in its sole and exclusive discretion may be considered.

Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Knowledge of computers and databases and their application to development and fundraising.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Thorough knowledge of the major gifts fundraising process and understanding of planned giving.