The Director of Regional Development is responsible for developing, implementing, and administering advancement efforts within assigned regional areas of the US and Michigan to support the university’s annual and major gift fundraising operations across all colleges and units. Reporting to the Executive Director of Principle/Planned Gifts and Regional Development, this position will also be expected to work collaboratively and effectively with Advancement leadership and colleagues, along with other university partners to develop and sustain relationships that will advance CMU. Responsibilities include developing strategies to accomplish assigned fundraising goals and building awareness and philanthropic interest in the university’s comprehensive campaign. This position will frequently travel (upwards of 50% of schedule) to meet with current and prospective donors and is tasked with raising upward of $2,500,000 annually.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree.
Six years of professional experience in sales, marketing, fundraising or a related field.
Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid driver’s license.
Demonstrated successful and progressively responsible relationship development experience in fundraising, sales, customer service and/or alumni/donor relations.
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 successfully handle competing priorities and manage projects.
Exceptional interpersonal and persuasive verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to project a positive and professional attitude.
Proven track record working both independently and as part of a team while inspiring trust and confidence with colleagues and constituents.
Proficiency with Microsoft e-mail, excel, word, and online applications.
Ability to meet travel requirements, including air and vehicle travel and frequently travel to visit with current and prospective donors as scheduled.
Must be able to lift and carry files and promotional materials.
Must be willing to work evening and/or weekend hours as necessary.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Preferred Qualifications
Seven years of professional experience in sales, marketing, fundraising or a related field.
Higher education experience.
Experience in leveraging the advantages of social media, virtual presentation methods, and website resources to make connections and build relationships.
Experience in proposal development and/or grant writing.
Experience with prospect relationship development/management and/or other similar client development principles and techniques.
Fundraising experience closing major gifts of $100,000 and more.
Experience working with academic and administrative leadership.
Ability to plan and execute a fundraising project from conception to realization.
Demonstrated ability to effectively create and maintain relationships with a constituent base.
Knowledge of charitable giving regulations and various gift vehicles.
Proficiency in the use of data to develop performance measurements, show portfolio growth and project gift yield.
Duties & Responsibilities
Manages a portfolio of upwards of 200 donors and prospects utilizing the university’s Advancement CRM.
Actively engages and builds relationships with a portfolio of current and prospective donors with leadership major gift potential within assigned regional areas of the US and Michigan.
Proactively identifies and launches initiatives that drive donations toward strategic priorities.
Leverages social media and virtual communication tools to build relationships with constituents.
Develops qualification and cultivation strategies and solicitation plans for assigned donors and prospects.
Consistently meets deadlines and follows standard operating administrative protocols.
Remains current with research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship best practices.
Remains knowledgeable of current events throughout the university and communities we serve.
Leverages alumni engagement and volunteers within assigned regional areas of the US to assist with fundraising activities.
Develops, implements, and administers specific development efforts to support the priorities of the university and its comprehensive campaign while coordinating with the larger development team.
Tracks and reports progress using specific metrics and business plans.
Annually meets or exceeds goals set forth by the Vice President of Advancement, including:
- Executing upwards of 20 outbound touchpoints weekly including virtual meetings and facilitated contacts.
- Building an active portfolio of upwards of 200 donors capable of making a major gift within a three-year time frame within assigned regional areas of the US and Michigan.
- Raising upwards of $2,500,000 annually from portfolio.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervision Exercised
None.
Message to Applicants
Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering a broadly diverse and inclusive campus that respects all social identities, experiences, and perspectives. In an effort to further this initiative, we are especially interested in candidates who will advance and promote an inclusive and supportive environment for every member of our university community.
You must submit an on-line application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position.
Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.
2 positions available in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
Employee Group
Professional & Administrative -Salary
Staff Pay Level
Pay Range
$95,000 - $110,000 per year
Division
University Advancement
Department
Development
Position Status
Provisional
Position End Date
06/30/2034
Employment Status
Full-Time
FTE
1.00
Position Type
12 month
Weekly Work Schedule
Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. / weekends and evenings as needed
Location
Mount Pleasant, MI
About the Department
About CMU
Central Michigan University has a more than 125-year legacy of preparing students to become leaders and changemakers in their communities and in their personal and professional lives.
We serve nearly 15,500 students on our Mount Pleasant campus, in satellite locations around the state and throughout the country, and through flexible online programs. Many of our approximately 300 undergraduate, master’s, specialist and doctoral programs in the arts, media, business, education, human services, health professions, liberal arts, social sciences, medicine, science and engineering are nationally ranked for excellence.
CMU leads the nation in leadership development programming through our Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute, and we are proud to be among only 5% of U.S. universities in the top two Carnegie research classifications. Our faculty work with graduate and undergraduate students in areas such as Great Lakes research, medical innovation, engineering technology and more.
Central is home to 17 men’s and women’s Division 1 sports including football, basketball, gymnastics, baseball, wrestling and more. Our student-athletes achieve great success in competition and in the classroom, capturing Mid-American Conference championships and maintaining an average cumulative GPA of 3.17.
CMU is located in Mount Pleasant, a community that blends the best of small-town living with big-city amenities. It’s part of the culturally varied and vibrant Great Lakes Bay Region that also includes Saginaw, Bay City, Midland and the state’s largest Native American community, centered on the Saginaw Chippewa Isabella Reservation in Mount Pleasant.
Area residents enjoy the mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, shopping and dining options, and family attractions. Other major Michigan destinations and attractions — Lansing, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Traverse City, wineries, beaches, golf and ski resorts, and many more — are within easy reach of the city’s central location in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
CMU employees enjoy access to a nationally recognized wellness program along with health care and benefits that exceed regional, state and national norms.
CMU Leadership Standards
Central Michigan University is a place where we value students and work for their success, where we act as family, and where employees are engaged, appreciated and have extraordinary opportunities to make a difference.
We intentionally maintain and strengthen the hallmark CMU culture that sets us apart from our peers by expecting CMU leaders and employees to model the following Leadership Standards and develop them within their teams.
Please review the Leadership Standards before applying for this position.