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
(Essential functions are the primary duties/major job responsibilities that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The essential functions are listed in order of importance.)
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.
Wayne State University is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit 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 preparing students for success in a diverse, global society.