University-Wide Philanthropy Officer - Liberal Arts

Wayne State University; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne State University in Detroit invites applications for a University-Wide Philanthropy Officer – Liberal Arts. The role focuses on external fundraising for arts, humanities and social sciences, cultivating and soliciting donors to meet goals.

You will work with the Director to develop strategies and maintain strong funder relationships. The position requires collaboration across campus, travel for events and visits, and a track record in foundation philanthropy.

Qualifications

• Analytical and presentation skills to interpret and present complex information.
• Collaboration with university units to reach shared goals with integrity.
• Clear, concise written and oral communication across stakeholders.
• Independent, proactive learner capable of adapting quickly.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Team-oriented approach to high-quality results.
• Proficiency with administrative systems and Office tools.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with director, faculty, staff and fellow professionals to identify fundraising needs and priorities; develop action plans and strategies.
• Achieve annual fundraising goals; allocate time/resources to maximize ROI; track metrics.
• Develop and submit foundation proposals; build and maintain funder relations.
• Manage a portfolio of foundation prospects; conduct visits and solicit support.
• Maintain knowledge of trends in foundation giving and philanthropy.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical & presentation skills

Collaboration

Communications skills

Learning agility

Planning & organization

Teamwork

Technical skills

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Word

Excel

Teams

Job description

University-Wide Philanthropy Officer - Liberal Arts

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced University-Wide Philanthropy Officer – Liberal Arts at its Detroit campus location. Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Job Purpose

Responsible for implementing external fundraising strategies and initiatives that encourage philanthropic support to promote the mission, priorities and values of Wayne State University with a specific focus on arts, humanities and social sciences. Cultivate, solicit and steward donors to strengthen relationships, increase philanthropy and meet established fundraising goals. This position reports to the Director, University-Wide Philanthropy – Arts.

Essential Functions

Collaborate with director, faculty, staff and fellow development professionals to identify fundraising needs and priorities; assist in the development of fundraising action plans and strategies; create opportunities that will generate foundation grants; establish and meet realistic and achievable timelines. Provide expertise to advance interests by researching and identifying sources of support, seeking opportunities to generate new proposals based on funder guidelines and interests, and maintaining strong communication ties with potential funders.

Responsible for achieving annual fundraising goal and assisting in meeting unit and division goals: allocating and prioritizing time and resources to achieve the greatest return on investment. Performance and productivity will be measured on the following metrics as determined annually:

• Dollars raised toward unit fundraising goal
• Number of proposals submitted
• Number of proposals secured
• Number of visits with external funders

Collaborate with director and development professionals to strategically identify foundation funding opportunities. Develop and submit related proposals and assist in cultivating and soliciting support to secure and increase foundation philanthropy. Increase the number and quality of funder prospects in collaboration with Prospect Development team.

Manage a portfolio of foundation prospects; schedule and host program officer visits on and off campus. Conduct one‑on‑one solicitations; secure personal visits to build and enhance funder relationships. Maintain knowledge of trends in foundation giving and philanthropy in general.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Analytical and Presentation Skills: Ability to evaluate, interpret, and present complex information effectively in professionally prepared documents or presentations. Demonstrated attention to detail and the ability to propose and evaluate alternative solutions to achieve organizational goals.
• Collaboration: Willingness to partner with units across the university with integrity and high character to reach unified goals. Ability to navigate difficult situations with grace.
• Communications Skills: Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally both orally and in writing. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to deliver persuasive oral and written communications.
• Learning Agility: Independent and innovative self‑starter capable of learning quickly and adapting to changing situations, researching topics as needed.
• Planning and Organization: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize and plan work activities while meeting deadlines.
• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues to produce high quality results and support teammates on complex projects.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with complex administrative systems software, preferably in higher education. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, and Teams.

Preferred Qualifications

School/College/Division: H86 – Development & Alumni Affairs
Primary Department: H86 – Development

Employment Type

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/Salary Information

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Hourly rate: –
• Salary minimum: $60,000
• Salary hire maximum: $70,000

Working Conditions

Normal office environment. Hybrid schedule. Adhere to confidentiality and data usage policy for the division. This position requires a high level of commitment and enthusiasm. Due to travel requirements, evening meetings and special events, candidate must be willing to work extended hours as needed.

Job Openings

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No
• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
• Prior posting/requisition number: –

Background Check Requirements

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

The university welcomes applications from persons with disabilities and veterans. Wayne State is an equal opportunity employer.