Major Gifts Officer Senior
Listed on 2026-08-20
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Non-Profit & Social Impact
Fundraising / Charity, PR / Communications
Job Summary
The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy is looking for an Associate Director, Development. Your primary responsibility will be to identify, cultivate and solicit prospects capable of making gifts of $100,000 or more in support of the Ford School. As the Associate Director, Development, you will work closely with the Chief Development Officer and the Dean to develop fundraising strategies and collaborate with internal and external constituents to advance the Ford School's fundraising priorities.
You will report to the Chief Development Officer (CDO).
The Ford School is one of the nation's foremost policy schools, housed at one of the world's great public universities. We are a community dedicated to the public good. We inspire and prepare leaders grounded in service, conduct transformational research, and collaborate on evidence-based policy making to take on our communities' and our world's most pressing challenges. To learn more about the Ford School, read About Us .
Responsibilities*Portfolio work
- Manage and implement a comprehensive multi-year major gift plan, including identifying, assessing, analyzing, and designing appropriate strategies for approaching prospects and donors through a portfolio of individual major gift prospects and donors, with an emphasis on gifts of $100,000 and more
- Assist the Chief Development Officer in providing support to the dean related to fundraising activities, including strategically and proactively planning for the dean's fundraising travel; providing briefing materials for meetings and visits; and drafting correspondence
- In collaboration with our Leadership Annual Giving Officer, serve as the department co-lead on Planned Giving, including creating and implementing a planned giving calendar of strategic initiatives to further the Ford School's planned giving pipeline
- Initiate regular reports, analyze data, and maintain accurate and current records including contact reports and individual development and stewardship plans in the University's donor database
Board and personnel management
- Role may include supervisory responsibilities for the Leadership Annual Giving Officer, dependent on candidate's experience
- Actively participate in Ford School events, especially those involving Ford School donors and our bi-annual meetings with the Dean's advisory board, The Ford School Committee, and the Ford School Alumni Board. Participation includes attendance, event preparation as needed, and hosting of donors and guests
Ford School and University representation
- Serve as an active member of the University Development community, working closely and collaboratively with the Office of University Development's regional gift officers and planned giving team, and major gift officers across campus
- Serve on school-wide staff committees to foster staff and community development
- Represent the school and the University at designated functions, as required
NOTE:
This position requires frequent domestic travel, and may include occasional international travel as needed.
- Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- 5+ years of of major gift fundraising experience or relevant experience in sales and marketing, or other related fields
- Proven ability to exercise initiative, independent judgment, diplomacy, confidentiality and a high level of discretion when dealing with highly sensitive information
- Excellent organizational and communication skills, including the ability and commitment to working with a diverse community of students, faculty, staff, and visitors of the Ford School and the University of Michigan
- Excellent written and verbal interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated editing, proof-reading, writing and minute taking experience
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…
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