Regional Director of Philanthropy Southeast Michigan; Adjunct; Institutional Advancement

This position is responsible for cultivating and expanding relationships with alumni, parents, friends, and supporters of Grand Valley State University (GVSU) throughout Southeast Michigan. This position plays an important role in building GVSU's presence and philanthropic pipeline in the region by identifying new prospects, strengthening relationships with existing supporters, and creating meaningful opportunities for individuals to engage with and invest in the university.

Working as part of the Philanthropy Team and in partnership with academic and university leaders, this position develops and implements strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors. This role has significant responsibility for managing a portfolio of prospective and current donors and for developing new relationships.

Minimum starting salary of $95,000 commensurate with experience. Limited benefits package including medical, life insurance, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

• Develop and implement an annual plan for the Southeast Michigan region to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospective and current donors in support of short- and long-term university fundraising goals.
• Serve as a primary relationship manager for a portfolio of prospects and donors, including individuals with the capacity to make gifts of $15,000 or more annually. Develop individualized strategies to deepen relationships, identify philanthropic interests, and advance prospects through the fundraising cycle.
• Build and expand GVSU's alumni and philanthropic network throughout Southeast Michigan by identifying new prospects, engaging alumni and supporters, and developing relationships with community leaders.
• Partner with university and academic leaders, faculty, volunteers, and colleagues across Institutional Advancement, including the areas of corporate giving and foundation relations, to develop compelling opportunities for philanthropic investment that align donor interests with university priorities.
• Manage and advance major gift opportunities, including developing strategies, coordinating internal resources, preparing proposals and solicitation materials, and supporting successful gift requests.
• Lead or coordinate projects related to complex philanthropic gifts, working collaboratively with colleagues in Philanthropy, Donor Relations, Gift Planning, Corporate Giving and Foundation Relations.
• Prepare and execute major gift materials, including briefing materials, proposals, stewardship communications, and other donor-facing materials. Collaborate with Donor Relations to develop appropriate stewardship strategies for donors and prospects.
• Track and report relationship management activity using the advancement CRM, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activity. Provide regular updates regarding portfolio activity, opportunities, and progress toward fundraising goals.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of donor and prospect interactions, including contact reports, key conversations, strategies, and next steps.
• Maintain an active portfolio of prospects and donors with capacity for significant philanthropic support and consistently move relationships forward through meaningful engagement.
• Represent Grand Valley State University and the Grand Valley University Foundation at university events, alumni activities, community gatherings, volunteer opportunities, and professional organizations throughout Southeast Michigan.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned by leadership.

• Bachelor's degree or knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in an appropriate field (e.g., communications, public relations, marketing, business, nonprofit management, or related field).
• Five to seven (5-7) years of fundraising, advancement, relationship management, sales, business development, community engagement, or related experience.
• Demonstrated experience to independently identify, qualify, and build a portfolio of new donor relationships rather than relying on an established donor base.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain meaningful relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and levels of professional experience.
• Ability to identify areas of shared interest between an individual's passions and the…