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 located within a commutable distance to key markets in Dallas or Houston, Texas, or within a commutable distance to the Ann Arbor campus.

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

Job Summary

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

Reports to: Senior Director of Major Gifts, Midwestern 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.
• Manage a portfolio of ~60-80 major gift prospects with emphasis to 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 with our Senior Director of Major Gifts, Midwestern States to plan and lead a regional fundraising strategy that supports prospect/donor identification, engagement, solicitation, and stewardship.
• 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 a lead for our Dallas and Houston Campaign Councils 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 like marketing, banking, or sales experience.
• 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 .

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.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

281741

Working Title

Director of Major Gifts, South Central & Plains States

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

8/24/2026 - 9/07/2026

Salary

$100,000.00 - $105,000.00

Career Interest

Development/Institutional Advancement