Engagement & Donor Strategist

Position Title ENGAGEMENT & DONOR STRATEGIST Position Summary The Engagement & Donor Strategist develops strong relationships with individual donors and prospective donors of the university for the purpose of securing gifts primarily in the $50,000 to $500,000 range. The Engagement & Donor Strategist maintains a portfolio of 150 to 200 active prospects with a monetary value of $100,000 and greater for the purpose of identifying, cultivating, soliciting, negotiating and stewarding major gift commitments for a variety of university and college/unit funding priorities. Reporting to the executive director for development, the Engagement & Donor Strategist collaborates with the provost, deans, and selected faculty to manage fundraising efforts and works in tandem with alumni relations and development colleagues to ensure that university leaders are informed and integral to donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies, and well prepared for donor meetings. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree. Four years of professional experience in sales, marketing, fundraising or a related field. Progressively responsible relationship development in fundraising, sales, customer service and /or alumni/donor relations with demonstrated successful outcomes. Excellent interpersonal and persuasive verbal and written communication skills including projecting a positive and professional attitude. Proficiency with Microsoft e-mail, excel, word, and online applications. Must have, or able to obtain, a valid driver's license. Ability to meet travel requirements, including air and vehicle travel. Must be able to lift and carry files and promotional materials. Must be willing to work evening and/or weekend hours as necessary. Must be able to make compelling direct, face-to-face solicitations as well as in written proposals, and assist other staff with their solicitation plans (e.g. provide portfolio development support, strategic counsel, and help with donor communications). Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Preferred Qualifications Fundraising experience closing major gifts of $50,000 and more. 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. Familiarity with leveraging the advantages of social media, virtual presentation methods, and website resources. Demonstrated ability in creating and maintaining relationships with constituent base. Demonstrated success in proposal/grant writing. Familiarity with charitable giving regulations and various gift vehicles. Proficient in the use of data to develop performance measurements, show portfolio growth and project gift yield. Experience working with academic and administration leadership. Pay Range: $75,000 - $90,000 *Weekly Work Schedule: * Mon - Fri, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. / Evenings and weekends as necessary Location: Mount Pleasant, MI Employee Group: Professional & Administrative -Salary Division: University Advancement Department: Advancement - Vice President Position Status: Regular Employment Status: Full-Time Position Type: 12 month Please review the Leader