MAJOR GIFTS OFFICER/COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

at  Central Michigan University

The Major Gifts Officer represents Central Michigan University’s College of Medicine and CMU Medical Education Partners in supporting its mission to raise philanthropic funds from corporations, foundations, and individuals. The Major Gifts Officer will work with the leadership of the College of Medicine and CMU Medical Partners to identify, cultivate, and secure funds to support the organization strategy in expanding the College of Medicine vision. CMU has ambitious plans to consolidate the College of Medicine operations in one facility and support plans for economic development in Saginaw. This position reports directly to the Vice President for Health Affairs/Dean of the College of Medicine and coordinates efforts with the Vice President for Advancement and other key stakeholders at the University and its affiliate organization CMU Medical Education Partners. Responsibilities include but are not limited to identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospective and existing donors; oversight of gift planning marketing; and administration and stewardship of life income gifts, real estate gifts, and other complex assets. Maintains and stewards ongoing relationships with donors, while identifying new prospects from a national territory.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree.
Five years of experience working in a development, legal, or financial role, with experience related to charitable gifts planning, including tax and inheritance law.
Experience in development and implementation of a successful marketing plan.
Considerable knowledge of best practices in major gifts, including relevant rules, regulations, and policies which comply with various planned giving vehicles.
Considerable knowledge and a successful record of donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Extensive knowledge of and skill in using fundraising databases and planned giving software.
Positive attitude that enables the incumbent to be an effective communicator.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain relationships with a diverse constituent base.
Ability to work independently and as part of the team.
Willingness to work after hours and travel as needed.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s Degree.
Fundraising experience, closing major gifts of $1,000,000 and more.
Experience working at a large academic or healthcare institution.
Experience identifying opportunities, writing grants, and proposal submission.
Experience in leveraging the advantages of social media, virtual presentation methods, and website resources to make connections and build relationships.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team while inspiring trust and confidence with colleagues and constituents.
Ability to successfully handle competing priorities and manage projects.
Demonstrated ability to effectively create and maintain relationships with constituent base.
Proficient in proposal development and writing, fundraising and/or client development principles and techniques.
Knowledge of charitable giving regulations and various gift vehicles.
Proficient in the use of data to develop performance measurements, show portfolio growth and project gift yield.
Evidence of ability to plan and execute a fundraising project from conception to realization.

Works with University Advancement to develop, implement, and manage an ambitious marketing plan for a significant Capital Campaign and Planned Giving program for the College of Medicine.
Identifies, cultivates, and maintains strong relationships with a select portfolio of potential major gift donors, utilizing the agreed upon system and software to track and report contacts.
Supports other members of the development team in their efforts to raise funds for CMU and the College of Medicine.
Works directly with donors (and their financial advisors) to market, negotiate, and close a wide range of outright and planned giving arrangements including, but not limited to charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder and lead trusts, retained life estates, gifts of real estate, life insurance, and bequests.
Creates detailed reports on major gift program progress.
Organizes and attends fundraising events.
Acknowledges major donors through public and private recognition.
Conduct direct, in-person solicitations, ensuring achievement of face-to-face visit metrics established by the Dean.
Responsible for identifying grant opportunities and writing grant proposals for submission.
Performs all other duties as assigned.