Chief Development Officer for the College of Fine Arts

General Summary: Identifies and promotes relationships with major donors with an emphasis on major gifts from alumni of College of Fine Arts.

Major Duties

• Develops and promotes relationship strategies for major gift prospects in assigned portfolio.
• Identifies potential major gift prospects. Determines the interest and affiliation with the University.
• Establishes and builds relationships with donors and assists in coordinating strategies and personal visits for the involvement of institutional partners.
• Writes major gift proposals and agreements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field from an accredited institution.
• Five years' relevant experience.
• Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, sales, marketing, advertising, public relations, communications or related field.
• Willingness to travel on a frequent basis.
• Demonstrated professionalism.
• Capable of motivating volunteers and donors.
• Strong self-motivation.
• Ability to work as a team member in a complex organization.
• Ability to work irregular shifts and extended hours, including evenings and weekends.

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree in related field from an accredited institution.
• Experience in higher education fundraising.
• Proven success in building productive relationships with senior administrators, key business leaders, faculty, staff, institutional boards, volunteers or donors.

Special Instructions to Applicants

• Internal applicants should use the WMU - Internal Application.
• External applicants should use the WMU - Application.

Additional Position Information

• This is a two-year terminal position, with the potential to be renewed.
• Staff Compensation System pay grades and rates are available at: https://wmich.edu/hr/staffcompensation.
• Western Michigan University offers generous benefits to its employees including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement, and tuition discount for the employee and tuition remission for eligible dependents. To access information about the specific benefits available for this position, go to: https://www.wmich.edu/hr/enrollment-staff.

Physical requirements and working conditions

• Office or other indoor work with minimal physical demands such as occasionally lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds.
• Work is generally performed in a well-lit, temperature-controlled indoor environment with occasional exposure to the outdoors or any number of elements.