Director of Major Gifts

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How to Apply

You must apply through the U-M Jobs website (umjobs.org). In order to be considered, your application package must include a resume and cover letter, not to exceed one page, describing how this position fits with and advances your career goals.

What You'll Do

The Director of Major Gifts is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual prospects who are capable of gifts of $100,000 and more. Plans and implements a coordinated program of fundraising activities. Occasional travel and availability for work in evenings and on weekends required.

(60%) Identify, qualify, and manage an engaged portfolio of existing and new prospects, with the capacity to solicit gifts of $100,000 and more; and cultivate a pipeline of prospects through discovery calls and visits with a portfolio of at least 75 prospects :

• Conducts face to face visits with prospects and donors, averaging 6-8 visits a month (including gift conversation visits, discovery visits and calls, and stewardship visits).
• Engage 8-10 major prospects each month through personal visits, which result in strategic "moves" toward closure of special and major gifts and develop relationships with major gift prospects.
• Contribute strong fundraising efforts towards campaign goals.
• Maintain a portfolio of 30-50 prospects and solicitation of gifts of $50,000 and more.
• Manage assigned regions to identify key prospects, secure meetings, and qualify/disqualify prospects.
• Develop and implement a yearly strategic fundraising plan in collaboration with the development team to meet established development goals.
• Develop and implement an effective communication plan for donor prospects.
• Coordinate with development colleagues within the University to develop strategies with shared prospects.
• Incorporate Planned Giving discussions when engaging in gift planning conversations.

(20%) Stewardship In partnership with the Chief Development Officer and Development team, develop and execute strategies to provide feedback to donors.

• Collaborate with the development team to provide information for internal and external audiences to convey the impact of philanthropy across both print and digital.
• Develop and distribute annual reporting to existing donors.
• Attend both pre- and post - performance development events, and other any events for UMS donors throughout the year as required.
• Collaborate with CDO to develop and facilitate timelines detailing systematic stewardship touches, contacts, and upcoming events and projects.
• Assist with coordination and communication to donor constituency groups and/or recognition programs.

(10%) Gather and record detailed information within designated databases about prospects and existing donor outreach.

(10%) Assist the Development Team

• Assist the development team on projects as needed.

Who We Are

Now in its 146th season, UMS continues to showcase traditional performing arts alongside contemporary artists and is admired across the country for its boundary-pushing roster of artists and its curious and supportive audiences.

Housed on the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, UMS is one of the oldest performing arts presenters in the country, committed to connecting audiences with performing artists from around the world in uncommon and engaging experiences. With a program steeped in music, dance, and theater, UMS contributes to a vibrant cultural community by presenting approximately 60-75 performances and over 100 free educational activities each season. UMS also commissions new work, sponsors artist residencies, and organizes collaborative projects with local, national, and international partners.

UMS was selected as one of the 2014 recipients of the National Medal of Arts, the nation's highest public artistic honor, awarded annually by the president of the United States at the White House to those who have demonstrated a lifetime of creative excellence, according to the National Endowment for the Arts, which oversees the selection process. For more information on UMS visit:

We are committed to the development of staff who thrive and contribute to a positive and inclusive environment.

Why Work at Michigan?

We offer a benefits package that includes comprehensive training and career development opportunities, generous retirement savings plans, ample paid time off, and a wealth of family care support:

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree with 5 to 7 years of fundraising experience in a university or non-profit setting - relevant experience in sales and marketing, or other related fields will be considered.
• Proven experience in working with six and seven-figure gifts or sales and marketing accounts.
• Excellent communications skills coupled with strong writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a team environment.
• Ability to interact with high-level donors and to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Intermediate knowledge with computers and software programs for retrieving, organizing and researching appropriate donor/prospect information. Ability and willingness to quickly learn UMS history, mission, current programs, etc.
• Ability to travel and to work evenings and weekends when needed.
• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate University vehicles is required

Desired Qualifications*

• Strong interest in music and live performing arts.
• Experience with Tessitura (UMS database) and DART (the University's donor and alumni database)

Work Locations

This full-time position, with workdays Monday through Friday, is based in Ann Arbor, MI, on the campus of the University of Michigan. Evening and weekend work may be required.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

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 following the posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Job Opening ID

264358

Working Title

Director of Major Gifts

Job Title

Major Gifts Officer Senior

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Univ Music Society

Department

UMS Administration

Posting Begin/End Date

6/03/2025 - 6/17/2025

Salary

$95,000.00 - $115,000.00

Career Interest

Development/Institutional Advancement