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Director of Major Gifts, Bay Area

Ann Arbor, MI
Full-Time

Job Description

How to Apply

We require a cover letter for consideration. Please attach it as the first page of your resume (due to system limitations).

To be considered you must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring university sponsorship for continued employment.

All candidates must be within commutable distance of the Bay Area or Ann Arbor campus. Candidates located within commutable distance of the Bay Area preferred.

If located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the salary is: $100,000-$105,000

If located in the Bay Area, California, the salary is: $123,800-128,800

The Office of University Development maximizes private support for the University of Michigan.

Job Summary

You will direct the major gift program and represent the breadth of the University of Michigan in that region. You will develop and execute short- and long-term strategies to secure major and planned gifts ($100,000 or more) in collaboration with our senior academic leaders and development colleagues within a decentralized development environment. Your primary responsibilities will be carried out through regular visits to U-M constituents throughout the assigned region. You will focus on "fieldwork" with established donors and on discovering new prospective donors. This role requires regular travel within the region and participation in evening and weekend activities.

Reports to: Senior Director of Major Gifts, Western States

Supervise: Functional Supervision of Shared Project and Administrative Coordinator

Responsibilities*

Direct Fundraising (70%)

  • Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and planned gift prospects through thoughtful, deliberate strategies, producing a stream of donors who can make gifts of $100,000 or more throughout the region.
  • Develop and manage a portfolio of ~60-80 major gift prospects with emphasis on those prospects who require a university-wide lens (multiple degrees, demonstrated interest in multiple schools or programs).
  • Provide leadership for the region's major and planned gift activities by focusing on prospects under personal management and supporting solicitations directed by other staff. Ensure that major gift prospects are cultivated and solicited appropriately and deliberately.
  • Keep a pace of discovery work throughout the region.
  • Maintain a pace of 120+ visits, 15+ asks, and 10+ closed gifts per year.

Strategic Leadership and SCCU Collaboration (20%)

  • Work with our Senior Director of Major Gifts, Western States. Together, plan and lead a regional fundraising strategy. This strategy should support four main areas: prospect/donor identification, engagement, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Plan and execute events that directly support regional goals.
  • Develop collaborative, productive relationships with SCCU colleagues.
  • Advise our senior campus leadership (deans, directors, executive officers, etc.) on donor strategy and trip planning.
  • Attend quarterly retreats with the National Major Gifts Team and retreats with the Major Gifts Programs in the Office of University Development.

Volunteer Management (10%)

  • Recruit and sustain a strong volunteer network and committee structure in the region to multiply efforts in prospect identification, cultivation, and solicitation.
  • Provide expanded opportunities for key prospects to engage with Michigan's academic leaders and one another.
  • Be a co-lead for the Bay Area Campaign Council during campaign periods.

**For the full job description with a detailed list of responsibilities and requirements, please click here.

Required Qualifications*

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and experience.
  • 5+ years of development experience in major gifts or other related fields (marketing, banking, or sales).
  • Sound knowledge of laws, practices, and philosophy of charitable giving.
  • Experience with financial development and/or sales productivity
  • Experience working with and/or managing volunteers in some (preferably professional) capacity.

Why Work at Michigan?

Benefits at the University of Michigan

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 insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

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.

Additional Information

Exciting News: We Moved!
Join our team at our brand-new location, Michigan House! You'll find us at 2301 Commonwealth Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.

For additional information about this position and to review other current openings in Development, please visit our website at: https://giving.umich.edu/um/careers

Application Deadline

Although the Posting End Date may indicate otherwise, this job may be filled and closed any time after a posting duration of seven calendar days.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

PDN-a197fc12-2815-412e-bca4-f39f847de68d

How to Apply

We require a cover letter for consideration. Please attach it as the first page of your resume (due to system limitations).

To be considered you must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring university sponsorship for continued employment.

All candidates must be within commutable distance of the Bay Area or Ann Arbor campus. Candidates located within commutable distance of the Bay Area preferred.

If located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the salary is: $100,000-$105,000

If located in the Bay Area, California, the salary is: $123,800-128,800

The Office of University Development maximizes private support for the University of Michigan.

Job Summary

You will direct the major gift program and represent the breadth of the University of Michigan in that region. You will develop and execute short- and long-term strategies to secure major and planned gifts ($100,000 or more) in collaboration with our senior academic leaders and development colleagues within a decentralized development environment. Your primary responsibilities will be carried out through regular visits to U-M constituents throughout the assigned region. You will focus on "fieldwork" with established donors and on discovering new prospective donors. This role requires regular travel within the region and participation in evening and weekend activities.

Reports to: Senior Director of Major Gifts, Western States

Supervise: Functional Supervision of Shared Project and Administrative Coordinator

Responsibilities*

Direct Fundraising (70%)

  • Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and planned gift prospects through thoughtful, deliberate strategies, producing a stream of donors who can make gifts of $100,000 or more throughout the region.
  • Develop and manage a portfolio of ~60-80 major gift prospects with emphasis on those prospects who require a university-wide lens (multiple degrees, demonstrated interest in multiple schools or programs).
  • Provide leadership for the region's major and planned gift activities by focusing on prospects under personal management and supporting solicitations directed by other staff. Ensure that major gift prospects are cultivated and solicited appropriately and deliberately.
  • Keep a pace of discovery work throughout the region.
  • Maintain a pace of 120+ visits, 15+ asks, and 10+ closed gifts per year.

Strategic Leadership and SCCU Collaboration (20%)

  • Work with our Senior Director of Major Gifts, Western States. Together, plan and lead a regional fundraising strategy. This strategy should support four main areas: prospect/donor identification, engagement, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Plan and execute events that directly support regional goals.
  • Develop collaborative, productive relationships with SCCU colleagues.
  • Advise our senior campus leadership (deans, directors, executive officers, etc.) on donor strategy and trip planning.
  • Attend quarterly retreats with the National Major Gifts Team and retreats with the Major Gifts Programs in the Office of University Development.

Volunteer Management (10%)

  • Recruit and sustain a strong volunteer network and committee structure in the region to multiply efforts in prospect identification, cultivation, and solicitation.
  • Provide expanded opportunities for key prospects to engage with Michigan's academic leaders and one another.
  • Be a co-lead for the Bay Area Campaign Council during campaign periods.

**For the full job description with a detailed list of responsibilities and requirements, please click here.

Required Qualifications*

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and experience.
  • 5+ years of development experience in major gifts or other related fields (marketing, banking, or sales).
  • Sound knowledge of laws, practices, and philosophy of charitable giving.
  • Experience with financial development and/or sales productivity
  • Experience working with and/or managing volunteers in some (preferably professional) capacity.

Why Work at Michigan?

Benefits at the University of Michigan

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 insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

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.

Additional Information

Exciting News: We Moved!
Join our team at our brand-new location, Michigan House! You'll find us at 2301 Commonwealth Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.

For additional information about this position and to review other current openings in Development, please visit our website at: https://giving.umich.edu/um/careers

Application Deadline

Although the Posting End Date may indicate otherwise, this job may be filled and closed any time after a posting duration of seven calendar days.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

PDN-a197fc12-2815-412e-bca4-f39f847de68d

About University of Michigan

Why Work at Michigan?

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care — that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

 

Workplace Culture

The University of Michigan is committed to establishing, supporting and maintaining a culture where all members of the U-M community feel safe and supported.


Our Values

  • Values guide our choices and actions. From how we hire and promote, make decisions, educate, conduct research, provide care, and treat one another. We strive to ensure the following values reflect who we are and what we stand for.
  • Integrity - We act with honesty and take responsibility for our actions.
  • Respect - We act in a way that acknowledges the humanity and contributions of each individual.
  • Inclusion- We create an environment where all can participate, are invited to contribute, and have a sense of belonging.
  • Equity - We create conditions that provide everyone an opportunity to thrive.
  • Diversity - We welcome, acknowledge and appreciate our similarities and differences.
  • Innovation - We promote creativity and curiosity to tackle challenges and inspire new ideas.

 

More about Working at U-M

  • Our commitment to campus culture
  • Our commitment to faculty and staff well-being
  • Our commitment to employee engagement

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University of Michigan
Director of Major Gifts, Bay Area
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
Apr 21, 2026
Full-time
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