Director, Economic Development Fundraising
We are searching for an experienced Director, Economic Development Fundraising at our Detroit campus location.
Wayne State University is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high quality education. Our deep rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities preparing students for success in a diverse, global society.
Essential Functions (Job Duties):
Provide leadership and direction for the fundraising efforts of Wayne State University's Office of Economic Development (OED) and TechTown Detroit (TT). Increase corporate and foundation philanthropic support, for all OED and TT initiatives and programs as well as for the university's community policing, entrepreneurship and urban development efforts. Develop and manage fundraising strategies and initiatives; manage staff; cultivate, solicit and steward foundation donors, grants and sponsorships to meet established fundraising goals within the allocated expense budget.
Collaborate with staff as well as corporate and foundation donors and prospects and fellow development professionals to identify fundraising needs and priorities that create opportunities and generate gifts/grants; develop fundraising action plans and strategies; establish realistic and achievable timelines; remain current with trends in the market and serve as a resource on successful development activities, techniques and methods.
Work closely with the AVP of Corporate and Foundation Relations and the AVP for Economic Development to set overall fundraising strategies. Collaborate with Director of Corporate Relations and Director of Foundation Relations to ensure that fundraising strategies are both collaborative and complimentary.
Coordinate and participate in the identification, cultivation and solicitation of donors and organizations interested in making gifts; conduct one-on-one solicitations and personal visits to strengthen relationships and increase revenues.
Achieve and exceed annual fundraising goals and assist in meeting unit goals; allocate and prioritize time and resources to achieve the greatest return on investment. Increase the number and quality of prospects through research, networking and cultivation.
Collaborate with development professionals and other OED and TT staff to identify gift, grant and sponsorship opportunities. Lead the development of concepts for proposals and assist other development professionals in cultivating and soliciting support to secure and increase revenues.
Perform personnel management functions; interview, develop and evaluate personnel; set clear direction, manage workflow of subordinate staff and determine appropriate staffing levels to meet priorities and established deadlines.
Manage an annual fundraising expenditure budget. Develop revenue and expense projections, approve expenditures at unit level and monitor transactions for compliance with university policies and procedures.
Lead event-based fundraising events including, but not limited to, TechTown's annual "Toast of the Town" fundraiser. Seek out and capitalize on new events-based fundraising opportunities for OED and TT.
Lead the development of a donor stewardship program for OED and TT, and mentor other staff in its development and execution.
Collaborate with divisional and university partners (e.g., school/college development teams, faculty, academic departments, Special Events and Services, Donor Relations and Prospect Research) as well as TT teams to ensure operational and communication efficiencies.
Enter donor contact reports into Banner Alumni and Development Management System.
Adhere to confidentiality and data usage policies.
This position requires a high level of commitment and enthusiasm. Due to travel requirements, evening meetings and special events, etc., must be willing to work extended hours as needed.
Perform related work as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education:Bachelor's degree
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in marketing, public relations or business administration or a related field.
Reasonable knowledge and understanding of university policies and procedures.
Experience:
7 years' experience working as a fundraising professional in direct major donor solicitations in excess of $500,000. Minimum of two years' experience managing personnel, developing and implementing policies and procedures.
Direct experience with creating development fundraising plans, preparing proposals and conducting major gift soliciation required.
Higher education development, nonprofit fundraising, events-based fundraising and prior volunteer management experience are preferred.
Relevant experience in entrepreneurship, urban development and/or fundraising for such efforts is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS: Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally both orally and in writing. Strong interpersonal skills are a must.
PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION: Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, prioritize and plan work activities while meeting respective deadlines. Strong organizational and time-management skills.
ANALYTICAL AND PRESENTATION SKILLS: Ability to evaluate, interpret, and present complex information effectively in professionally prepared documents or presentations. Must possess a demonstrated attention to detail in order to achieve a high degree of accuracy.
TECHNICAL SKILLS: Proficient in the use of complex administrative systems software, preferrably in the higher education environment. Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, especially Word and Excel.
LEARNING AGILITY: Independent and innovative self-starter who displays an ability to learn quickly and easily adapts to changing situations. Experience researching topics to gain knowledge and understanding when information gaps exist.
TEAMWORK: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues within the division and other units to gain full understanding of the project and desired outcome; ability to produce high quality and consistent results with assistance of team members; provide support to teammates when tackling complex projects.
School/College/Division:
H31 - President
Primary Department:
H3108 - TechTown
Job Type: Full Time
Job Category:
Executive
Funding/Salary Information:
Compensation Type:Annual Salary
Working Conditions:
Job Openings: 1
Reposted Position: No
Reposted Reason: None (New Requisition)
Background Check Requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the University will inform you if a background check is required.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. WSU encourages applications from women, people of color, and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.