How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit your application materials as one document on the University of Michigan Careers at the U site.

A cover letter is encouraged, but not required. If you submit a cover letter please ensure that your cover letter is included along with your resume as one document.

If you have questions, please reach out to dev.careers@umich.edu. In the subject line, please type in the Job Opening ID for which you are applying.

Summary

The Director of Major Gifts, Southern States Region, directs the major gift program in that region with a primary focus on Texas (Houston, Dallas, and Austin), the Gulf Coast of Florida, and secondarily other areas as assigned representing the entirety of the University of Michigan in that region.  You will develop and execute long and short-term strategies to secure major gifts and planned gifts ($100,000 or more) in collaboration with senior academic leaders and development colleagues in a decentralized development environment. Primary responsibilities will be implemented through regular and frequent visits with U-M constituents throughout the assigned region. The director will focus on fieldwork with established donors and an intense focus on discovery of new prospective donors. Regular travel and participation in evening and weekend activities required.

There is a preference for you to live in Texas (Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, Houston), Naples, FL, or other donor-concentrated areas in the southern region, but consideration will also be given to candidates within commutable distance to UM's Ann Arbor campus.

You will report to: Senior Director of Major Gifts, Mid-Atlantic and Southern States Region

Click here to view the full job description.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

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

Responsibilities*

70% -- Prospect Management and Solicitation 

• Develop and execute long and short-range strategies and plans to continually identify, cultivate and solicit prospects capable of making gifts of $100,000 more in the region 
• Personally develop, manage a portfolio of major gift prospects giving emphasis to those prospects who require a university-wide lens (multiple degrees, demonstrated interest in multiple schools or programs)
• Lead the major and planned gift solicitation process in the region by focusing on prospects under personal management and by supporting and facilitating solicitations directed by other staff. Ensure that prospects capable of major gifts are cultivated and solicited in an appropriate and deliberate manner. Identify, and formally qualify, new major and planned gift prospects.
• Maintain a pace of 120 visits, 60-120 additional meaningful contacts (phone, event, or stewardship) and 15+ asks per year.

15% -- Partnership with Campus Colleagues

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with academic and other unit colleagues on campus 
• Attend quarterly retreats with National Major Gifts Team 
• Maintain oversight on the quality and quantity of major gift activity in the region and take action to increase both as appropriate
• Complete work through collegial consultation and cooperation, to ensure that the best prospects in the region are being actively managed
• Prepare an annual plan in consultation with School/unit based colleagues with an emphasis on adding value to their efforts in the regions
• Coordinate and facilitate activity in the region that will directly result in prospect identification, engagement and successful solicitations, including advising executive officers, deans and development colleagues on the culture, expectations and needs of the University's constituents in that region.

10% -- Development of U-M Strategy and Prospects in Region

• Work closely with the Senior Director of Major Gifts, Mid-Atlantic and Southern State Region, to plan and lead the major and planned gift solicitation process in the region by focusing on prospects under personal management and by supporting and facilitating solicitations directed by other U-M development staff 
• Develop a strategic engagement pipeline and events plan for the region
• Advance the prospect portfolio to grow the number of seven-figure donors
• Advise senior leadership (Development and Administrative) on donor strategy and trip planning  
• Develop market awareness of the U-M throughout the region

5% -- Volunteer Management

• Recruit and sustain a strong volunteer network and committee structure in the region to multiply efforts in prospect identification, cultivation, and solicitation
• Provide expanded opportunities for key prospects to engage with Michigan's academic leaders and one another
• Focus on relaunching  Houston Campaign Council, create new council in Dallas
• In conjunction with Sr. Director of Major Gifts relaunch and rebrand Florida Campaign Council

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and experience
• 5+ years of development experience in major gifts or other related fields like marketing, banking, or sales experience.
• Sound knowledge of laws, practices and philosophy of charitable giving
• Experience with financial development and/or sales productivity in a complex environment
• Experience working with a wide range of individuals and deadlines
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.