How to Apply

A cover letter is required 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 of California or the Ann Arbor campus.

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

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

Open to relocation? Relocation assistance may be available for candidates living outside commutable distance to Bay Area, or the Ann Arbor campus.

Job Summary

Position Summary: As the Director of Major Gifts, Bay Area, 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. You will carry out your primary responsibilities through regular visits with U-M constituents throughout your assigned region. You will focus on 'fieldwork' with established donors and on discovering new prospective donors. Regular travel within the region and participation in evening and weekend activities are required.

Reports to: Senior Director of Major Gifts, Western States

*Supervises: 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 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 closely with our Senior Director of Major Gifts, Western States, to plan and lead a regional fundraising strategy, in partnership with fellow Director of Major Gifts, Bay Area that supports prospect/donor identification, engagement, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Additional partnership opportunities with Director of Major Gifts, Bay Area will include:
  • Plan and execute events that directly support regional goals.
  • Develop collaborative, productive relationships with our SCCU colleagues.
  • Advise our senior campus leadership (deans, directors, executive officers) on donor strategy and trip planning.
• Attend quarterly retreats with our National Major Gifts Team and retreats with the Major Gifts Programs in the Office of University Development.

Volunteer Management (10%)

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

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and experience.
• Five or more 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.

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

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 paid time off for vacations, holidays, sick time, season days, and paid parental leave
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Dental and vision 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 .

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.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

282872

Working Title

Director of Major Gifts, Bay Area

Job Title

Major Gifts Officer Senior

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid
Mobile/Remote

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Vp For Development

Department

National Major Gifts

Posting Begin/End Date

9/24/2026 - 10/13/2026

Salary

$100,000.00 - $128,800.00

Career Interest

Development/Institutional Advancement