Director, University-Wide Science Philanthropy

Wayne State University; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne State University seeks a Director, University-Wide Philanthropy - Sciences to lead private foundation fundraising for life and physical sciences on the Detroit campus. The role develops strategies, cultivates relationships, and manages a portfolio to meet fundraising goals.

Responsibilities include collaborating with academic leadership, supervising staff, and ensuring strong proposals are submitted to foundations. Hybrid work schedule in a premier urban research university environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, English, Arts or Public Administration or related field.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience working as a fundraising professional in direct solicitations in excess of $250,000.
• Minimum of three (3) years experience managing personnel, preferably in an advancement, higher education, or non-profit environment.
• Direct experience with creating development fundraising plans, preparing proposals and conducting high-level solicitations required.
• Positive and collaborative professional philosophy, recognizing that this position is integral to the achievement of the goals and objectives of Development and Alumni Affairs.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with academic leadership to identify fundraising needs and priorities; develop fundraising strategies; create opportunities; and establish timelines.
• Encourage, build and maintain relationships with foundation partners to enhance philanthropic support.
• Manage robust portfolio of foundation prospects and cultivate, steward, and submit funding proposals to foundations.
• Oversee staff performance, hire, train, coach and evaluate staff; communicate performance expectations.
• Improve CRM data quality in collaboration with Data Integrity team; codify internal policies for foundation grant funding.
• Assist in annual revenue and expense projections for the University-wide Philanthropy team; monitor expenditures.
• Network with outside professional groups and represent the Division at industry or community meetings.

Skills

Analytical and presentation skills

Collaboration

Communications skills

Leadership skills

Learning agility

Planning and organization

Teamwork

Technical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, English, Arts or Public Administration or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Wayne State University seeks a Director, University-Wide Philanthropy - Sciences to lead private foundation fundraising for life and physical sciences on the Detroit campus. The role develops strategies, cultivates relationships, and manages a portfolio to meet fundraising goals.

Responsibilities include collaborating with academic leadership, supervising staff, and ensuring strong proposals are submitted to foundations. Hybrid work schedule in a premier urban research university environment.