Senior Major Gift Officer - MISB

Senior Major Gift Officer - MISB

Detroit, MI, US

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Senior Major Gift Officer - MISB at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

JOB PURPOSE

Provide expertise and experience while participating in fundraising efforts, strategies, and initiatives for the Mike Ilitch School of Business (MISB). Manage a prospect portfolio to achieve aggressive fundraising and contact goals annually. Cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift donors to meet established fundraising goals within the allocated expense budget. This position reports to the Senior Director, Major Gifts – Mike Ilitch School of Business.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serve as a seasoned professional by providing expertise and guidance in identifying fundraising needs and priorities.
• Collaborate with the AVP, Senior Director of Major Gifts, Dean, Department Chairs, and faculty.
• Develop major gift fundraising plans and strategies and establish realistic, achievable timelines.
• Remain current with fundraising trends.
• Manage a prospect portfolio to achieve aggressive fundraising and contact goals annually.
• Establish and implement prospect qualification, cultivation, and solicitation strategies with a particular focus on securing commitments of $25,000+.
• Engage university leadership and college‑based colleagues to support prospects in meeting annual fundraising goals and assist in meeting unit and division goals; allocate and prioritize time and resources for greatest ROI.
• Measure performance by: dollars raised for campaign gift commitments; number of major gift solicitations of $25,000+; number of major gift closures at $25,000+; number of face‑to‑face prospect and donor meetings (in‑person and virtual); number of meaningful, significant contacts each month.
• Serve as a seasoned resource with Development units (Foundation Relations, Donor Experience, Planned Giving, Prospect Development) and other university units to ensure operational efficiencies and negotiate gift/pledge documentation.

WORK CONTEXT

Reports to the Senior Director/Chair. Operates with significant autonomy, monitoring expenditures and interfacing with external customers.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of direct major gift solicitation experience (committed gifts $25,000 or more).
• Professional understanding of Development and Alumni Affairs best practices and trends.
• Positive, collaborative professional philosophy and strong interpersonal skills.
• Analytical and presentation skills; attention to detail.
• Collaboration and teamwork skills; ability to navigate difficult situations with grace and understanding.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with persuasive presentation abilities.
• Learning agility: independent, innovative self‑starter who adapts quickly to change.
• Planning and organization: manage multiple projects, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Technical skills: proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Teams) and complex administrative systems software.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in a higher‑education fundraising environment.
• Background in alumni engagement or donor stewardship.

EMPLOYMENT TYPE

• Regular Employee – Full Time – Staff/Administrative

COMPENSATION

• Annual Salary: $80,000 – $88,000

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Normal office work, confidentiality, data usage policy required. Willingness to work extended hours as needed due to travel, evening meetings, and special events.

JOB OPENINGS

• Number of openings: 2

BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS

University policy requires a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work.