Regional Director of Major & Principal Gifts

Regional Director of Major & Principal Gifts

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Who We Are

The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is a globally recognized leader in business education, committed to building a better world through business. Through powerful ideas, purpose-driven leaders, and meaningful impact, Ross empowers individuals and organizations to make a positive difference. Our community is guided by core values that emphasize innovation, continuous learning, and excellence. Together, we strive to develop leaders who drive change and create lasting impact across industries and communities. Learn more about Ross here.

Job Summary

The Office of Advancement drives the fundraising and alumni relations activities of the Stephen M. Ross School of Business. The Regional Director of Major & Principal Gifts, Midwest leads the major gifts efforts for the Midwest Region. In addition to your primary portfolio, you will also oversee two major gift officers. You will develop and execute long and short-term strategies to secure major and planned gifts ($100,000 or more) and principal gifts ($5,000,000 or more) in concert with senior academic leaders. Travel throughout the region will be an essential part of the position as will participation in evening and weekend activities.

This hybrid position is based in Ann Arbor, MI, with an expectation of three days per week on-site. The role may require occasional domestic travel, on-call responsibilities, and work outside standard business hours, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain that authorization throughout employment.

For additional details about the position, please review the full job description.

Responsibilities

• Direct Fundraising (65%)

• Identify and formally qualify new major and planned gift prospects. This is done by developing and executing long-range and short-range strategies and plans to identify, cultivate, and solicit prospects, producing a continuous stream of donors capable of making gifts of $100,000 or more in the region.

• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects.

• Lead the major and planned gift solicitation process in the region by focusing on prospects under personal management (with particular emphasis on prospects in the $500,000 to $2.5M range) and by supporting and facilitating solicitations directed by other staff. Ensure that prospects capable of major gifts are cultivated and solicited in an appropriate and deliberate manner.

• Maintain a pace of 15-20 visits per month and 20+ asks per year.

• Development of U-M Strategy and Prospects in Region (15%)

• In close partnership with the Senior Director of Advancement and regional gift officers ensure that the best prospects in the region are being engaged.

• Maintain oversight of the quality and quantity of major gift activity.

• Maintain relationships with academic and unit development colleagues.

• Develop market awareness of the Ross School throughout the region.

• Coordinate and facilitate strategic activity and events in the region that will directly result in prospect identification, engagement and successful solicitations.

• Management and Supervision (15%)

• Manage development staff working in the Midwest regions.

• Ensure direct reports are leading regional strategy in their primary metros, including progress against individual metrics, leading Ross strategic engagement, and partnering with other development colleagues.

• Support the professional growth of team members.

• Volunteer Management (5%)

• Recruit and sustain a strong volunteer network in the region to multiply efforts in prospect identification, cultivation, and solicitation. Provide expanded opportunities for key prospects to engage with U-M's academic leaders and one another.

• Partner with direct reports to support strategic growth of volunteers throughout the Midwest.

• Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and seven or more years experience as a fundraiser, with at least five years working on gifts of $100,000 and above ideally in higher education.

• Sound knowledge of laws, practices and philosophy of charitable giving.

• Discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Commitment to the mission of public higher education.

• 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 paid time off (Vacation, Holidays, Season Days, Maternity and Parental Leave)

• 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

• Flexible work arrangements

• Access to the onsite Fitness Center at Ross

• 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

Salary Information:

• The salary offer range for this position is $96,400 - $130,100. Salary offers are determined based on several factors, including a candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications, along with internal equity considerations. It is not common for new hires to be offered the top of the range.

• Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

• U-M EEO Statement

• The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

• Job Detail

• Job Opening ID

• 285052

• Working Title

• Regional Director of Major & Principal Gifts

• Job Title

• Major Gifts Officer Lead

• Work Location

• Ann Arbor Campus

• Ann Arbor, MI

• Modes of Work

• Hybrid

• Full/Part Time

• Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary

• Regular

• FLSA Status

• Exempt

• Organizational Group

• School Bus Admin

• Department

• ROSS SCH Office of Advancement

• Posting Begin/End Date

• 10/29/2026 - 11/12/2026

Salary

$96,400.00 - $130,100.00

Career Interest

Development/Institutional Advancement