Sr. Director of Philanthropy, SECS

Oakland University; Rochester (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Dental & vision at no cost

Paid time off

Tuition assistance for employees and/​

Retirement plan contribution

Campus recreation access

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

Oakland University seeks an experienced development professional to lead major gift fundraising for the School of Engineering and Computer Science. You will manage prospects, develop strategies, and secure six- and seven-figure gifts through donor relations and planned giving.

Reporting to the Associate VP for Philanthropy, you will supervise staff, collaborate with the Dean and Corporate Relations, and drive a portfolio focused on growth and donor engagement in higher education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in development and fundraising, preferably in a college or university.
• Demonstrated success in obtaining gifts of $25,000 and above, with six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Thorough knowledge of major gifts fundraising and planned giving.
• Knowledge of databases and their application to fundraising activities.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and conduct major gift fundraising for the School of Engineering and Computer Science.
• Serve as a major/planned giving officer reporting to the Associate VP for Philanthropy.
• Work closely with the Dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science and the Director of Corporate Relations.
• Manage and direct fundraising support staff.
• Manage the fundraising process for an assigned portfolio of prospects and donors leading to gifts of $25,000 and above.

Skills

Fundraising

Major gifts

Donor relations

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Donor database systems

Job description

Benefits of Working at Oakland University

Oakland University offers competitive salaries and an excellent benefit program including a comprehensive medical plan with low contribution amounts for our employees, dental and vision plans at no cost for our employees, generous paid time off plans, a generous University contribution to our 403(b) retirement plan, tuition assistance for our employees and dependents, free access to our Campus Recreation Center and workout facilities, and flexible work schedules and wellness programs. These are current benefit levels subject to future changes.

Employee Group/Grade

Employee Group/Grade AP Band U

Job Category

Work Schedule

Work Schedule FT/Reg (40 hours)

Shift/Days

This is a full-time position.
First consideration will be given to those who apply by September 30, 2026.

Pay Schedule

Pay Schedule Month

Number of Hrs./Wk.

Number of Hrs./Wk. 40

Position Information

Position Information

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.


• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in development and fundraising, preferably in a college or university.


• Demonstrated success in obtaining gifts of $25,000 and above with a focus on six and seven figure gifts.


• Thorough knowledge of the major gifts fundraising process and an understanding of planned giving.


• Knowledge of the computer and databases and their application to development and fundraising activities.


• Experience working with volunteers.


• Excellent written and oral communication skills.


• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.


• Ability to communicate effectively with others.

Desired Qualifications

• Masters’ degree, Certified Fund Raising Executive, and campaign experience preferred.


• Experience in fundraising in southeastern Michigan and major or principal gift fundraising for higher education is helpful.

All Qualifications

Unless otherwise required by an applicable collective bargaining agreement, all minimum, additional and desired qualifications are preferred, but qualifications, degrees, and/or experience deemed comparable and/or equivalent by Oakland University in its sole and exclusive discretion may be considered.

Position Purpose

Oversee and conduct major gift fundraising for the School of Engineering and Computer Science. Serve as a major/planned giving officer reporting to the Associate VP for Philanthropy and works closely with the Dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science, and the Director of Corporate Relations. Manage and direct fundraising support staff. Manages the fundraising process for an assigned portfolio of prospects and donors and conducts activities leading to gifts of $25,000 and above.

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 09/17/2026

Job Close Date

Position Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you currently a member of the Oakland University Administrative-Professional Group?
  
  
  
  • Yes
  
  
  • No
  
  
  • No Response
  
  
  
  

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter


• Resume

Optional Documents

371 Wilson Boulevard, Rochester, MI 48309
248-370-2100