Head of Planned Giving & Major Gifts Strategy

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement matching

Job summary

The University of Michigan is seeking a Director of Development, Gift Planning to lead and evolve Michigan Medicine Development's comprehensive gift planning program. The role partners with frontline fundraisers, university colleagues, donors, and advisors to identify, cultivate, solicit, structure, document, and steward gifts.

The director will manage a donor portfolio, guide strategy and training, ensure donor intent alignment with university policy, and drive successful outright and deferred

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent; advanced degree preferred.
• At least seven years of experience in gift planning or related field.
• Evenings 1–2 days per month and travel 1–2 days per month.
• Strong organizational skills, creativity, and initiative; ability to convey Michigan's mission to donors.
• Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate in a team and work independently when appropriate.
• Proven success in closing six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Proficiency with CRM, Microsoft 365, planned gift illustration software, and data-informed portfolio management.

Responsibilities

• Lead a robust gift planning program for Michigan Medicine Development.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive planned giving program to maximize philanthropic potential.
• Create and execute an annual work plan with measurable goals for gifts and stewardship.
• Advise on bequests, trusts, gift annuities, retirement assets, and other complex gifts.
• Provide planning consultation on financial, tax, and related topics to gift officers.
• Research and interpret complex gift planning questions and coordinate with colleagues and donors.
• Provide ongoing training for major gift officers to utilize planned giving opportunities.
• Identify prospects with $100,000+ capacity and assist in cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Develop and implement a marketing plan targeting Michigan Medicine constituencies.
• Promote estate planning among faculty and staff.
• Maintain donor relations through engagement and documentation.

Skills

Strategic fundraising

Leadership

Communication

Team collaboration

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred (JD, CPA, CFP, CAP, CSPG)

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft 365

Gift planning software

Job description

The University of Michigan is seeking a Director of Development, Gift Planning to lead and evolve Michigan Medicine Development's comprehensive gift planning program. The role partners with frontline fundraisers, university colleagues, donors, and advisors to identify, cultivate, solicit, structure, document, and steward gifts.

The director will manage a donor portfolio, guide strategy and training, ensure donor intent alignment with university policy, and drive successful outright and deferred