Essential Functions: JOB PURPOSEProvides expertise and experience while participating in fundraising efforts, strategies and initiatives for WDET. Manage a prospect portfolio to achieve aggressive annual fundraising and contact goals annually. Cultivates, solicits and stewards major gift donors to meet established fundraising goals within the allocated expense budget. Reports to Associate Director.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSServes in the role of seasoned Major Gifts professional by providing expertise and guidance in identifying fundraising needs and priorities. Collaborates with General Manager, Program Director, News Director, Associate Director ? Revenue and Associate Director ? Philanthropy. Develops major gift fundraising plans, budgets and strategies. Develops capital campaign budgets and strategies. Establishes realistic and achievable timelines. Remains current with fundraising trends. Manages prospect portfolio to achieve aggressive annual fundraising and contact goals. Establishes and implements prospect qualification, cultivation, and solicitation strategies witha particular focus on securing commitments of $25,000+. Engages university leadership and school/college/unit-based colleagues as appropriate to support prospect strategies.Responsible for achieving annual fundraising goals and assisting in meeting unit and division goals and/or capital campaign goals; allocating and prioritizing time and resources to achieve the greatest return on investment. Performance and productivity will be measured on the following core metrics as determined annually:Dollars raised for campaign gift commitments Number of major gift solicitations of $25,000+Number of major gift closures at $25,000+Number of face-to-face prospect and donor meetings (in-person and virtual visits)Number of meaningful, significant contacts each month Serves as seasoned resource with WDET units (e.g., Underwriting, Membership, Programming) as well as other university units, partners and collaborators to ensure operational efficiencies within the unit.Draft and negotiate gift and pledge documentation ranging from moderate to high complexity. Ensure timely routing of donor contributions for processing.Perform other related duties as assigned.WORK CONTEXTJob Reports to: Associate DirectorLeadership Accountability: Develops strategic plans and interprets policyFinancial Accountability: Monitors expendituresCustomer Accountability: Interfaces with customers outside the S/C/DFreedom to Act:Operates with significant autonomy

Qualifications: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducation:Bachelor's degreeRequires a Bachelor's degree in marketing, public relations, business administration or related field from an accredited college or university. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Experience:Specialist (minimum 5 years of job-related experience)Five or more years of experience working as a fundraising professional in direct major donor solicitations in excess of $25,000.Direct experience preparing proposals and conducting major gift solicitations required.Higher education development and prior volunteer management experience preferred.Professional understanding of, and interest in, WDET best practices and general operations. Understanding of trends and best practices related to major gift solicitation. Positive and collaborative professional philosophy, recognizing that this position is integral to the achievement of the goals and objectives of WDET.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesAbility to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally both orally and in writing. Strong interpersonal skills are a must. Ability to work successfully with persons from diverse backgrounds.Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, prioritize and plan work activities while meeting respective deadlines. Strong organizational and time-management skills required. Demonstrated ability to manage and execute multiple creative projects in various media, often at the same time. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a deadline-oriented environment.Ability to evaluate, interpret, and present complex information effectively in professionally prepared documents or presentations. Must possess demonstrated attention to detail in order to achieve a high degree of accuracy.Proficient in the use of complex administrative systems software, preferably in the higher education environment. Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel and Teams. Independent and innovative self-starter who displays an ability to learn quickly and easily adapts to changing situations. Experience researching topics to gain knowledge and understanding when information gaps exist.Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues within the division and other units to gain full understanding of the project and desired outcome; ability to produce high quality and consistent results with assistance of team members; provide support to teammates when tackling complex projects.Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors and proactively managing implicit bias.