Program Director for Principal Gifts

Benefits of Working at Oakland University

Oakland University offers competitive salaries and an excellent benefit program including a comprehensive medical plan with low contribution amounts for our employees, dental and vision plans at no cost for our employees, generous paid time off plans, a generous University contribution to our 403(b) retirement plan, tuition assistance for our employees and dependents, free access to our Campus Recreation Center and workout facilities, and flexible work schedules and wellness programs.

These are current benefit levels subject to future changes.

Employee Group/Grade

Employee Group/Grade AP Band S

Job Category

Work Schedule

Work Schedule FT/Reg (40 hours)

Shift/Days

This is a full-time position.

Pay Schedule

Pay Schedule Month

Number of Hrs./Wk.

Number of Hrs./Wk. 40

Position Information

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Business, Marketing or a related area or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• A minimum of four (4) years of experience in advancement, donor relations, engagement, strategic communications, executive engagement, higher education, or a related field
• Knowledge of fundraising processes, strategy, and relationship management tactics and the role that strategic engagement opportunities play in advancing donor relationships. .
• Ability to establish, maintain and strengthen relationships with significant donors.
• Must be an outstanding project manager, and able to balance complex projects with competing priorities across multiple stakeholders and ability to work collegially and interact effectively with a diverse constituency.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including proposal writing, executive correspondence, donor communications, and presentation development
• Demonstrated experience supporting senior executives, boards, trustees, or volunteer leaders.
• Experience coordinating high-profile meetings, events, visits, and relationship-building activities involving senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• This position requires a high level of phone communication, very limited travel and the ability to work events in the evenings and weekends.

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to translate academic, research, healthcare, and institutional priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities.
• Ability to establish priorities and ensure accountability across teams.

All Qualifications

Unless otherwise required by an applicable collective bargaining agreement, all minimum, additional and desired qualifications are preferred, but qualifications, degrees, and/or experience deemed comparable and/or equivalent by Oakland University in its sole and exclusive discretion may be considered.

Position Purpose

The Program Director for Principal Gifts reports to the Assistant Vice President of Strategic Philanthropy in University Advancement and works directly with the Office of the President for Oakland University. This position plays a key role in managing the daily and strategic operational functions for the Principal Gifts team through high level strategy and execution of complex donor engagement mapping, managing timelines, and managing considerations associated with high-level donor engagement activities that deepen affinity to the University.

This position ensures that briefings, agendas, and all preparation materials are available and communicated in an effective manner. This position will also support strategic, customized prospect communication including writing proposals, executive summaries, white papers and other correspondence. This position will work collaboratively with all levels of the organization, especially Prospect Management and Research, to maintain the organization and…