How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position. 

Job Summary

The Office of Advancement is seeking to hire a Department Major Gift Associate. The Department Major Gift Associate is responsible for facilitating department focused pipeline giving development for the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the College of Engineering as a part of the Office of Advancement. The Department Major Gift Associate will work closely with the Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and department leadership to meet defined goals. 

Who We Are

What do you get when you give some of the brightest and most motivated student minds access to world-class faculty and facilities and present them with extremely difficult problems to solve? Mechanical engineers who have a positive impact on the world around them.  One of the world's top mechanical engineering programs, with a rich history and a strong, clear vision for the future, the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan has been recognized for its world-class leadership for over one hundred and fifty years.  Building on our strong historical base, we continue to shape the field by generating new paradigms in mechanical engineering, creating new knowledge, and pushing frontiers. Collectively we help Make the World Work Better.

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.
Our vision, mission and values are supported by a people-first engineering framework that guides our work. As Michigan Engineers, we strive to apply excellent engineering fundamentals, integrated expertise and equity-centered values to reimagine what engineering can be, close critical gaps, and elevate all people. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/

The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Michigan Engineering models that commitment in our research, culture and collaborations. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of that commitment. Learn more about DEI at Michigan Engineering: https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/

Why Work at 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
• Maternity and Parental Leave

Responsibilities*

Work with the Department Chair and department leadership, as a part of the College of Engineering Office of Advancement, to develop and track progress towards Department strategic fundraising goals; Assist with and enable all Department fundraising efforts, working in close coordination with Major Gift Officers and Annual Giving, to support prospect qualification and development and advance individual relationships that result in philanthropic contributions: 

• Lead and refine Department Annual Giving efforts, including year end appeals, Giving BlueDay presence, and fundraising activities and bespoke appeals, with a focus on donor acquisition and retention
• Develop, in collaboration with the College Annual Giving Team, a lead annual giving program for the Department 
• Lead, as a part of the Office of Advancement, Department gift stewardship 
• Collaborate with major gift colleagues to maximize pipeline and major gifts from ME donors and prospects
• Conduct 100+ strategic moves/visits with prospects and donors per year, and participate in 12+ solicitations per year 
• Have a comprehensive understanding of the priorities of ME, and the College of Engineering, and make persuasive verbal and written cases for supporting key programs and projects, effectively matching the interests of prospects to specific Department/College priorities
• Collaborate with Department to build an understanding of the educational and research  offerings in the Department sufficient for engaging interests of alums
• Meet regularly with colleagues and partners within the Department(s), College, and across campus to  coordinate, develop and execute strategies for fundraising
• Gather data, assess prospects, and develop strategies for individual prospects 
• Ensure consistent and appropriate contact, facilitate and/or make solicitations, and ensure effective stewardship 
• Develop materials for lead annual giving donor/prospect meetings/visits with the Department Chair 
• Work with the ME Advisory Board to maximize the impact of their efforts in the annual and lead annual giving space including Giving BlueDay and other bespoke department appeals
• Travel, as appropriate with the department 
• Perform other duties as required or assigned 

  Required Qualifications*

  • A baccalaureate degree is required or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
  • Excellent communications skills coupled with strong writing and presentation skills. 
  • 3-5 years of fundraising or alumni relations experience and/or relevant experience in other related fields dealing with a sophisticated audience, handling sensitive information, and executing plans to accomplish a pre-defined goal. 
  • Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a team environment. 
  • Self-motivated. 
  • Innovative problem-solver. 
  • Strong organization skills with ability to prioritize work appropriately. 
  • Ability to exercise discretion and to interact with alumni, donors, and corporate leaders, maintaining a high level of confidentiality. 
  • Comfort with personal computers and software programs for retrieving, organizing, and researching appropriate donor/prospect information, as well as data gathering and manipulation. An ability and willingness to quickly learn the Department's, College's, and University's history, mission, demographics, faculty, current programs, etc., as well as the culture to be able to persuasively articulate how Michigan distinguishes itself from peer institutions. 
  • Strong interpersonal skills, both written and oral, as well as a high level of sophistication and maturity in social and professional settings. 

  Desired Qualifications*

  • Advanced degree is desirable 
  • Close familiarity with and commitment to higher education 

  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.

  Background Screening

  The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

  Application Deadline

  Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended. 

  U-M EEO/AA Statement

  The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

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